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Easy does it!
I recently showed up on site to do maintenance work, mainly check to make sure the site was clean for the holidays. Then I noticed a fallen spruce tree which was reaching into a high-traffic pedestrian walkway. Now what? Obviously the tree is a huge priority so people can pass by with their walkers and baby carriages.
So, as I walked to my truck to get a chainsaw and my safety helmet, I thought about how important it is for landscape professionals to be ISA certified arborists. No, we don’t have fancy bucket trucks and shiny hand saws but we can do easy tree work. It would be awful if I had to call somebody to do an easy take down like this. Why lose revenue?
Disclaimer
Now, most arboriculture can be done with a hand saw and I always encourage landscapers and homeowners to do some of their easy tree pruning. But I also insert this disclaimer about large trees and tree climbing. Personally, I never climb big trees, and I suggest you call tree professionals to do it for you. YouTube is full of tree pruning accidents and they’re not funny. Arborists die on the job every year so stick to small trees.
Piece of cake!
Everything came together nicely on this job. My chainsaw was sharp, my protection was in good shape and the tree was still attached to the root ball. This meant that the main trunk was slightly off the ground, like having a long log on your “horse” ready for cutting.
Step one involves removing the tip of the tree that interferes with the walkway. We need to give passersby easy access quickly.
Step two involves taking off the branches. Take your time when you do this. Don’t rush. If you make more than three to four steps with your chainsaw, lock the chain.
Step three is the most satisfying. If you have limited chainsaw experience then this step is your chance to practice. Keep taking slices off the main trunk for practice. Normally, you would cut it into fewer larger chunks as if you were cutting firewood. But the object here is to practice. I had tons of fun doing this; the boss doesn’t have to know. Plus, winter is ideal for training.
In step four I removed the debris and hauled it off to the truck. Clean up blow is mandatory. It should look like there wasn’t any tree work done on site.
Arborist certification
I recommend ISA arborist certification to all landscapers. Your landscape field experience counts so just pay the fee and study your certification guide. ISA certification can lead to pay raises, promotions, job offers and it definitely improves your job security. It gives you extra options.
If you work privately or as a side-gigger, remember that many homeowners won’t let you touch their trees unless you’re certified. Plus is gives you confidence and forces you to get better: to recertify, you must collect thirty education credits every three years.
Finally, think of your revenue. Why lose money on easy tree work?
Happy holidays from West Coast Landscape Pro!!
