imagineero
Addicted to ArboristSite
I'm in aus, so the advice doesn't directly apply but some of it may.
Over here, anyone developing needs an arborist report, and most councils specify a minimum of a dimploma in arboriculture to be qualified to write it. The going rate for a standard residential block is between $800~$1200 for the report. The report is about 25 pages of standard pro-forma, references, method statements, standard practices for protection of trees etc, and maybe 1 page of information specific to the site. You can crank them out in a couple hours i you are used to it and your knowledge of species is good. Most of it is pretty standard stuff - hessian and wood barriers for trunks during construction, mulching and watering if the drip zone etc. You can fluff out a lot of pages with standard diagrams and descriptions of that sort of thing.
+100 on the advice given about liabilty. Here in aus we aren't yet as sue happy as you guys in the states, but we're catching up. The standard 2 types of insurance that most tree companies carry here (public liability and workers comp) don't cover you for this sort of work. You need professional indemnity insurance in aus, and a well written contract to keep you out of trouble. Check up in your local and get it right the first time.
A lot of councils here also specify that the consultant can not be employed by or in any way be connected to the company doing the tree work. As such, getting into this sort of work doesn't really help you build up your business if you're a tree guy. If you're getting into your twilight years it can be a good little money spinner though, and keeps you off the tools.
Shaun
Over here, anyone developing needs an arborist report, and most councils specify a minimum of a dimploma in arboriculture to be qualified to write it. The going rate for a standard residential block is between $800~$1200 for the report. The report is about 25 pages of standard pro-forma, references, method statements, standard practices for protection of trees etc, and maybe 1 page of information specific to the site. You can crank them out in a couple hours i you are used to it and your knowledge of species is good. Most of it is pretty standard stuff - hessian and wood barriers for trunks during construction, mulching and watering if the drip zone etc. You can fluff out a lot of pages with standard diagrams and descriptions of that sort of thing.
+100 on the advice given about liabilty. Here in aus we aren't yet as sue happy as you guys in the states, but we're catching up. The standard 2 types of insurance that most tree companies carry here (public liability and workers comp) don't cover you for this sort of work. You need professional indemnity insurance in aus, and a well written contract to keep you out of trouble. Check up in your local and get it right the first time.
A lot of councils here also specify that the consultant can not be employed by or in any way be connected to the company doing the tree work. As such, getting into this sort of work doesn't really help you build up your business if you're a tree guy. If you're getting into your twilight years it can be a good little money spinner though, and keeps you off the tools.
Shaun
