Bermie...God bless all the female climbers that have entered into the field in recent years/decades. I've watched some of the women climbers in the work climb competitions...some of them are far better strategically, and mechanically than I will ever be, or ever was. All I meant to say was when I was starting out, the saws were heavier, the gear was all leather, (and much heavier), and the job was not gender appropriate for women. As a father of four daughters, I would be very proud if any of them pursued this profession.
On the second note...when you talk of climbing for ..or subcontracting to.. landscapers...you are hitting the point of what I was trying to say...we are being worked into a subdivision of a larger professional group. Instead of treecare professionals being in our own market we are competing with landscapers, lawn mowers, and gardeners. We are a dying and depreciating breed that has become a sub to a larger group. The easy jobs, and small trims are now easily performed by lawncare crews...and since I don't know bluegrass from crabgrass...well the future doesn't look like it gets any easier.
The points made about equipment, information, and certification availability hit home when there is no work, and the mortgage is due, and young trimmers who have never climbed a tree ... have work...and their families are fed and healthy.