KarlP
ArboristSite Operative
Background -
I'm not a professional arborist. I have no interest in certifications. I am looking for any HELPFUL advice. (No need for "sell all your saws and hire a professional" type advice. I already know that would be safer and cheaper in the short term. This is a hobby.)
I would label myself a recreational tree remover. I help family and close friends remove limbs broken in storms and remove damaged or poorly placed trees. I don't do pruning beyond removing stubs and hanging limbs. I don't touch things hanging over power lines or houses. I've been doing the stuff your normal homeowner isn't capable of but an insured professional with climbing experience, bucket, crane, etc isn't needed. Over the last 12 years I've taken down 75+ trees, told family I wouldn't dare touch three, and hired professionals to prune/remove eight of my own. I can fell a tree from 3" to 43" DBH within +-15 degrees of where I want it to go every time.
I'm looking to learn how to climb -
There are four spruce, a pine, and a larch I don't want in my front yard anymore. They are positioned so I cannot drop them whole without risking the house, powerlines, fence, or the trees I want to keep. I would like to learn how to safely climb with spurs and drop them 50 lbs at a time. No rigging is required. Its my own front yard, so no hurry to get the job done quickly. There is a good chance I will need to call a pro for the pine even after practicing on the others. But removing the others first will entertain me and give the pros a lot more room to work.
I also want to learn recreational DRT tree climbing.
I've bought the tree climbers companion. I'm wondering if there is something a little more hands on out there. I don't need a multi-week ISA training course. I don't need to deal with OSHA. BUT I'd love a two day course on practical tips and safety so I don't get stuck up there or end up in a wheelchair. Anyone know of such a thing in New England? Are DVDs my best bet? If so, which ones have the most practical knowledge?
What saddles would you suggest I look at for spike takedowns and recreational DRT? Would something like the NT ProGear II do both fairly well?
Any other HELPFUL advice you could provide to a hobbiest?
I'm not a professional arborist. I have no interest in certifications. I am looking for any HELPFUL advice. (No need for "sell all your saws and hire a professional" type advice. I already know that would be safer and cheaper in the short term. This is a hobby.)
I would label myself a recreational tree remover. I help family and close friends remove limbs broken in storms and remove damaged or poorly placed trees. I don't do pruning beyond removing stubs and hanging limbs. I don't touch things hanging over power lines or houses. I've been doing the stuff your normal homeowner isn't capable of but an insured professional with climbing experience, bucket, crane, etc isn't needed. Over the last 12 years I've taken down 75+ trees, told family I wouldn't dare touch three, and hired professionals to prune/remove eight of my own. I can fell a tree from 3" to 43" DBH within +-15 degrees of where I want it to go every time.
I'm looking to learn how to climb -
There are four spruce, a pine, and a larch I don't want in my front yard anymore. They are positioned so I cannot drop them whole without risking the house, powerlines, fence, or the trees I want to keep. I would like to learn how to safely climb with spurs and drop them 50 lbs at a time. No rigging is required. Its my own front yard, so no hurry to get the job done quickly. There is a good chance I will need to call a pro for the pine even after practicing on the others. But removing the others first will entertain me and give the pros a lot more room to work.
I also want to learn recreational DRT tree climbing.
I've bought the tree climbers companion. I'm wondering if there is something a little more hands on out there. I don't need a multi-week ISA training course. I don't need to deal with OSHA. BUT I'd love a two day course on practical tips and safety so I don't get stuck up there or end up in a wheelchair. Anyone know of such a thing in New England? Are DVDs my best bet? If so, which ones have the most practical knowledge?
What saddles would you suggest I look at for spike takedowns and recreational DRT? Would something like the NT ProGear II do both fairly well?
Any other HELPFUL advice you could provide to a hobbiest?
