Some old dogs want to learn new tricks

[oldugly]

OK. I have been reading some of the posts here for a couple of weeks before I decided to register with this site, and post something myself. I learned to climb back in the 70's from an old climber whose methods were probably out dated then. So my methods are kind of old fashioned. I avoid spikes on trims, and will do everything I can to talk a client out of topping trees, (including refusing the jobs if the client will not be swayed), but many of the advancements in climbing, the gear you mention, and the methods of pruning are like a foreign language to me.
I've visited the ISA web site and found the information on certification and training to be vague and confusing, but I am very interested in developing my methods to progress with the knowledge that is available, pursuing this certification,and more importantly doing things RIGHT.
My overhead is important, and my time is limited for this so I'm looking for the condensed version..and the cheap one.
Any suggestions?

 

[Stumper]

Welcome! It sounds like you are on the right track. Have you done any searches on this site? That may not be a condensed version but it is one of the most accessable sources of information.

 

[jimmyq]

I would say some of the best starting places for some current theories are:
ISA certification study guide
Shigo - books
Harris, Matheny - books
This website is good for discussion and opinions.

 

[rborist1]

:Eye:

 

[jimmyq]

just bought that one yesterday, havent done much more than a curssory flip through it yet though...

 

[oldugly]

Thanks for the welcome guys, and so quickly. I haven't done alot of searches on this site, mostly I am intrigued by these forums so much I must confess I am probably wasting valuable time which I should use studying, to read what other people have to say.

There sure seem to be some very knowledgable people here, and I am looking forward to more communication.

Where can I find these books you mentioned?

 

[oldugly]

Guess I should read all the replys before I reply myself. Sounds like a great start, and thank you. I will go to Sherrill and see what I can do. sounds like just what I'm looking for.

 

[rborist1]

:Eye:

 

[jblimbwalker]

Welcome Oldugly. Yeah, between the Tree Climber's Companion and this site you will have a wealth of info. at your fingertips. I agree, learning these new techniques and becoming familier with all the new gear can seem overwhelming at first. Before I came here I had heard tale of those spikeless tree guys and had no idea how they did it....must take those guys all day to work a tree. If a particular technique, or tool, has piqued your interest do a keyword search here and you will find more than enough info. on the topic.

 

[d kraus]

Hello oldugly!
I’ve found that getting good at setting a line using the throwline, and footlocking up go hand in hand and lead to spikeless prunes that come in on time.
Having your throwline in something that releases it well and is fast and easy to reload is a big time saver. I like a nice folding tarp or the folding cube is really nice.
The footlock can be made easier by using some king of handled ascenders on a strap that is less than a full arms length away. With the double line ascenders, when you'r next to the trunk and or going through branches, you can just pull on one line and body thrust up without having to tend a knot.
Just a couple of things that help this old dog.

 

[pea]

oldugly,
I agree with you. This is a great site. I come in here almost every day. There is always something to learn. The people here are great to help with answers.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Instead f learning to footlock at this late date, spend the extra money on a MarBar system. It looks pricey, but is well worth it on the wear and tear one can get on the body. I'm going trough PT right now and htey tell me my shoulders may be wearing out

Another thing that you can do is hire someone who climbs in the new fashion to work with you for a few days.

I subcontract to people all over, my fees are negotiable as to how much you want to cover expence wise and what we are doing. I have most of my own gear, except for big saws and polesaw.

I work out of Milwaukee, so I'm just across the lake.

 

[jwiener]

oldugly,
I can show you the Mar Bars that jps is talking about some time along with all the other stuff that I have.
Stop in and say hey.

 

[oldugly]

jwiener,
I definitely will. I have talked with my son, who only lives a few miles from you, and I are planning a trip up to your shop soon. I just need to find a way to put 25 hours into a 24 hour day. You are definitely high on my list of to do's. I am looking forward to talking to you very soon.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

jweiener,

Write to me off the forum, I'd like to connect with you sometime.

Tom, in Robbinsdale

 

[jwiener]

Been waiting for someone to come up with a watch with more numbers on it or find someone to make them ALL slow down a little myself.

 

[WillClimb]

OldUgly,
Go to the Sherrill website and just request a free Sherrill catalogue. You can learn so much from just their catalogue that I consider the little bit extra I pay for their merchandise a donation.

And if you can't find what you need from the catalogue itself, then order one of their many fine books.

Oh yeah, this site ain't bad for learnin' stuff either. I've learned nearly all I know (which I know ain't much, fellas...) from Tree Climber's Companion, Sherrill Catalogues, and Arboristsite.com...oh yeah, and from JPS!

 

[oldugly]

women climbers

Some things really have changed,
When I first started there were no women climbers, however there was alot of talk about how to interest women in the business. . I tried to teach my girlfriend back in the 70's, and I think she would have made a great climber, given some of the newer methods, but she decided to pursue other interests, including other boyfriends, so ended that training session.
Mrs. Oldugly has never had the slightest interest in learning to climb, and actually will not even come out to a job to watch me in action...(she says it makes her nervous) LOL
I am really happy that there are more women interested in this business. And I am really impressed by your motivations in pursuing this instead of more sexually stereotypical carreers. I have four daughters, one in the air force, one in nursing, and two younger ones still at home. I would be proud of them no matter what - but if they pursued this business they would have my complete support. Personally, given that most women have a much more acute sensitivity to space, shape, and artistic value I could easily see women climbers as becoming as common place as women in any other business.
To quote my second youngest when she saw your post---"You go, girl" I think that's an affirmation, but I must confess I don't speak "teen" very well.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Also a womans better sence of ballance along with lighter weight, lends to better abilites in top climbing.

Look at these kids in gymnastics no one can tell me that women lack the strenght to do general tree work.

 

[Burnham]

Some of the best I have teamed with or trained have been women...in my field, where work in the small wood is common, and running a saw or setting heavy rigging is not, smaller stature can be a real advantage...and I agree with JPS, plenty of women have the strength for the whole enchilada, too. Makes for a more fun work day, lots better jokes!!