??Cutting Wood??

[md_tree_dood]

I enjoy this site because I learn alot and get to pass on my knowledge to others. However, its really annoying to continue to read posts from people who say "I've been cutting wood for x years" What exactly does that mean? You know how to start and run a chainsaw and therefor you think the next logical step is to become an "arborist?"

Learning how to run a chainsaw is about the easiest thing you'll ever do in this industry. Climbing (well), young tree pruning, rigging, IPM are all the really difficult aspects of the industry, and merely being able to buck a log without dulling your saw in the dirt or cutting your leg off aren't really preparation for this industry.

In order for arboriculture to get the respect it needs or rather deserves, its important that those who represent it are constantly engaged in learning the trade and offering their customers the best possible service. This service should include tree care where you follow the ANSI Z133 safety standard and the A300 pruning standard because the standard is designed to not only keep you safe but also to make sure what you're doing is good for the trees which you are caring for. Go to trade shows, attend lectures, read tech reports, and really make an effort to gain knowledge about what you are doing.

This rant isn't going to change everyone's actions or disregard for the trade which I'm proud that I'm involved, but maybe, just maybe someone else will read this and strive to do better or continue to follow the standards and really offer tree care instead of topping everything they see and spiking anything they come across.

 

[Dave's TLC]

very good "rant" . I just logged onto this site for the first time today. and I am not that an experienced arborist! I used to trim for a privately owned one man business who had 20 years experience at "tree care" not just cutting topping and hacking away like you do for the power companies. anyway i was a tree butcher, cause he had a contract for the power company. but he also maintained trees too, and took me on the private work also. It was his talk about getting into the courses you mentioned that inspired me to start my own business. I love the outdoors and I'd like to help keep it green. what are these courses and seminars and how does one go about finding stuff in there area? I just took a tree down in my yard and planted two to replace them. but theres alot more to it than that. and Im intested in finding out! although it is a blast to be in a hundred foot dead pine and top it.

 

[ozzy42]

Hey Dave , welcome to AS I have some kinfolk up the road just a bit from you in rogersville.

 

[tomtrees58]

:monkey:well i cut wood a lot of wood i am and arborist 34 years in the saddle 4 years in school for it the guys here just like to have fun tom trees

 

[Rftreeman]

I used to love it when I was interviewing possible employees and ask if they have experience in the tree industry and they would reply with the been cutting fire wood forever, most of the time they didn't get a second interview.

 

[Tree Pig]

Just to be the devils advocate here but how many of you started with just knowing how to spend meaningful time with a chainsaw and decided you like doing this stuff and figured it would be a good way to make a living.

Im sure there are a few here that it was the family business or whatever but I am willing to bet a gallon of used bar oil that the majority either started dragging brush or walked in some guys office and said them famous words "Ive been cutting wood forever" Im guilty of that by the way...

I agree 110% with you tree dood if your going to really get the business keep yourself educated for the good of your customers and your business.

My only point in this is that next guy that walks in your office wearing a read checkered flannel shirt and carrying a poulan Wild Thing may not be much now but he may that lump of clay that can be molded in to a beautiful piece of pottery.

Then again he may just be a lump of clay.

Im not saying anyone should feel compelled to hire this guy. But maybe spend 5 minutes and give the lump some advise (other then directions out your door).


This guy was a great arborist but he was also a great teacher.

Do you have what it take to be someones Mr. Miyagi?

 

[Rftreeman]

Just to be the devils advocate here but how many of you started with just knowing how to spend meaningful time with a chainsaw and decided you like doing this stuff and figured it would be a good way to make a living.

That's not the point, most of the time if they think cutting firewood for life means they have tree business experience then they think they know what they're doing and can't be taught, been there done that too many times, they are hard headed.........

and I started with a bush axe even though I knew how to run a saw.

 

[Tree Pig]

I follow you now. If they are a know it all then they are just gonna hurt them selves or someone else.

I was looking at it more as the guy eager and willing to learn who realizes he long way to go.

I do have to admit I got a little chuckle out of writing that response though. I was hoping you would see it for its comedic brilliance.

 

[Rftreeman]

.

I was looking at it more as the guy eager and willing to learn who realizes he long way to go.

These guys are the one who state that they know how to run a saw but that's about it.......in other words they are being truthful.

 

[valekbrothers]

Thanks for all the good advice. Especially stihl-o-matic,,,, I just filled out an ap for a local tree service. I, like everyone else, have many years of cutting firewood. I have some logging experience, along with sawmill experience.

When it comes to pruning and caring for the trees, I have zip....... BUT I am hoping there is someone on the crew that will have the patience to teach me........
As far as climbing, at the age of 40, I don't think I am going to start something like that. But then again?

Anyway like I said, Thanks for all the good comments.......

 

[Tree Pig]

These guys are the one who state that they know how to run a saw but that's about it.......in other words they are being truthful.

Roger got ya there

but didn't you find the Mr. Miyagi part at least a little funny?

I don't know much about being a stand up comic but I have been telling jokes for years.

 

[Tree Pig]

Thanks for all the good advice. Especially stihl-o-matic,,,, I just filled out an ap for a local tree service. I, like everyone else, have many years of cutting firewood. I have some logging experience, along with sawmill experience.

When it comes to pruning and caring for the trees, I have zip....... BUT I am hoping there is someone on the crew that will have the patience to teach me........
As far as climbing, at the age of 40, I don't think I am going to start something like that. But then again?

Anyway like I said, Thanks for all the good comments.......

Good luck man.

I am a firm believer in the If you want it bad enough you can do it.

 

[mowoodchopper]

Well I cut a heck of alot of wood. I mean since I was 12 -14 yrs old and Im 36 now. And I would have to disagree about running a chainsaw being easy, ya its easy to start one up and not know exactly what your doing, but to know how to run a saw safe and productively is another story. Now even though I have cut alot of wood and drop alot of big trees I do not claim to be a arborist or tree removal pro because Im not thats why I usually look at the chainsaw forum or firewood. But if any of you arborist needed a hand and you could show me what to do or getem on the ground I would be a pretty good hand I bet you. Just another side of the story!

 

[Dave's TLC]

Just to be the devils advocate here but how many of you started with just knowing how to spend meaningful time with a chainsaw and decided you like doing this stuff and figured it would be a good way to make a living.

Im sure there are a few here that it was the family business or whatever but I am willing to bet a gallon of used bar oil that the majority either started dragging brush or walked in some guys office and said them famous words "Ive been cutting wood forever" Im guilty of that by the way...

I agree 110% with you tree dood if your going to really get the business keep yourself educated for the good of your customers and your business.

My only point in this is that next guy that walks in your office wearing a read checkered flannel shirt and carrying a poulan Wild Thing may not be much now but he may that lump of clay that can be molded in to a beautiful piece of pottery.

Then again he may just be a lump of clay.

Im not saying anyone should feel compelled to hire this guy. But maybe spend 5 minutes and give the lump some advise (other then directions out your door).


This guy was a great arborist but he was also a great teacher.

Do you have what it take to be someones Mr. Miyagi?

hey is that saw for sale? that with my new rope oughta get my business started:greenchainsaw: ya Mr. Miyagi was funny but if i was you id stick to trees!

 

[Tree Pig]

Well I cut a heck of alot of wood. I mean since I was 12 -14 yrs old and Im 36 now. And I would have to disagree about running a chainsaw being easy, ya its easy to start one up and not know exactly what your doing, but to know how to run a saw safe and productively is another story. Now even though I have cut alot of wood and drop alot of big trees I do not claim to be a arborist or tree removal pro because Im not thats why I usually look at the chainsaw forum or firewood. But if any of you arborist needed a hand and you could show me what to do or getem on the ground I would be a pretty good hand I bet you. Just another side of the story!

I think his point wasnt that running a saw correctly doesnt take some skill rather that running a saw is the easiest part to master for a true arborist.

But I agree that the saw skill is key for a ground guy, along with being able to pay attention to whats going on and follow direction, unless you plan on doing all the clean up after you get out of the tree.

Just my humble opinion

 

[Tree Pig]

hey is that saw for sale? that with my new rope oughta get my business started:greenchainsaw: ya Mr. Miyagi was funny but if i was you id stick to trees!

maybe Ill just take up Karate.

 

[mowoodchopper]

I think his point wasnt that running a saw correctly doesnt take some skill rather that running a saw is the easiest part to master for a true arborist.

But I agree that the saw skill is key for a ground guy, along with being able to pay attention to whats going on and follow direction, unless you plan on doing all the clean up after you get out of the tree.

Just my humble opinion

I get his point! My point is not everyone who cuts alot of wood claims to be a arborist Pro!! I do and I dont so I am giving the ones who are pros their due!

 

[valekbrothers]

Stihl-O-Matic

I just noticed that you joined March 2009.....................

Welcome to AS

From the posts that I have read of yours so far, it looks like you should fit in great around here.

 

[familytreeman]

dem der wood cuttin yes sir

Working with a chain saw is a major part of this industry, so experience in this area is a must.

Its not something to compare your experience level alone, nor a reason to start a tree service.