Hacks in utility arboriculture?

[Curtis James]

Yes, it is an entirely separate entity But I feel the same standard practices should be kept up. Over the past few years standards have definetally changed. We have specifications to follow put out by the power company that hires us. Their "checkers" come out and walk the lines ensuring our care is proper.
Of course not all the employees are like me , but the good does out way the hacks or I would quit. The line clearance is the main objective yet we do care for the trees. Strippers ,stubs, topping, that is all frowned upon. If we do Top it is to some type of lateral always shooting for the thirds rule. We do tail gates and train for improvement. I have heard of guys having to go back up and remove branches that they left ugly flush cuts on, which is also a no,no! We do a good job. I have climbed some trees that were once hacked on by the last climer that was doing my job. It is getting better.

 

[NeTree]

Whatever you do, if you take a big branch, don't carve a smiley-face into the end. It's frowned upon, too... TRUST ME.

 

[Dobber]

Originally posted by netree
Whatever you do, if you take a big branch, don't carve a smiley-face into the end. It's frowned upon, too... TRUST ME.

Yep, I got $hit for a few DOB carvings, usualy on stumps though.

 

[NeTree]

It was a "trademark" of mine.

Took a 12 leader off an oak. Figured what the heck, right?

Turned out to be a MA Supreme Court Justice's residence... and HE didn't have the same "sense of humor" most people do.

Had to go back, fill it in with wood putty and paint it brown to match the bark to get out of THAT little adventure!