Not too much longer in the private sector, for me.

[mckeetree]

I'm with you. I'm not going to argue the point with them but I don't agree with the ideas being expressed.

The tree industry is fine the way it is and expensive enough for the client. Most of the reason trees don't get as much care as they could is because of high cost. Their ideas would likely drive the cost to the consumer so high no tree care would be performed at all. And as for layer of layer of regulation for tree removals..........forget it!

No, our ideas are not meant to drive prices up just to keep them where they were and to create a more level playing field with a more professional atmosphere.

 

[Ekka]

 

[BC WetCoast]

Times are evolving to more regulation. In some munis we operate in, a resident requires a permit to remove any tree greater than 8" dbh. Others require an Cert Arb report before a removal permit is issued.

Most munis around here require arborist reports for any tree removal done prior to redevelopments.

There are discussions about residential tree work becoming a ticketed trade requiring apprenticeship, like the line clearance arborists, electricians, plumbers etc.

What it requires is professional arborist community in each jurisdiction to band together and lobby the state/provincial governments to set trade standards.

To the people who don't want government involvement, then I guess its ok to have any Tom #### or Pablo design and engineer a major bridge or highrise.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I've started calling local large companies to see if they can use an experienced part timer. My contract work is just barely paying the bills these days, and I cannot close my own work for all the hacks underbidding. Sometimes I think I am giving the work away with the huge removals, and I'm still undercut.

 

[Ekka]

Are all your hacks Mexican's?

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Not here, most are whitebread. You have to go way south to get hispanic ownership, though I have heard of some of it in Chicagoland. They are the mainstays of the landscape industry though.

 

[mckeetree]

Not here, most are whitebread. You have to go way south to get hispanic ownership, though I have heard of some of it in Chicagoland. They are the mainstays of the landscape industry though.

I am down here way south and they are terrible down here.