Some tips from the experts?

[jh504]

Hello, I'm located in NC and I am interested in tree care. I am currently a full-time paramedic with a 24-72 shift schedule. Before I get flamed for being the off-duty guy cutting into business let me say that I want to do things right from the very beginning. I would like to start out working with a respected tree service to learn as much as possible. I have a close friend who is a forester and I plan on picking his brain. Also, I am looking into arboriculture courses that would be friendly to my current schedule. I would like to eventually be able to offer professional tree services at normal market rates. The last thing I want to do is provide sub-par work at cheap costs and drive the market down.
Any advice from the experienced folks here would be greatly appreciated. Everyone has to start somewhere and I am trying to start out right.

 

[RacerX]

For the record I'm no expert but I've been doing part-time tree work for many years. To me it sounds like your intentions are good. So what do you know about tree work?

Are you familiar with rigging or climbing? Even if your sole purpose was to do removals you would still need to be proficient at climbing and rigging. Want to get into proper pruning, identifying tree diseases, etc. then you'll need to be knowledgeable in arboriculture. Then when you're all done you'll need to add knowledge and proficiency in running a business. Not trying to discourage you just giving you some background as to what goes on out there.

 

[sgreanbeans]

The Arbor world could always use some peeps with pro medical training! Just go find your self an old pro Arborist and agree to give him your soul and all your sweat, in return for some edumacation!

 

[jh504]

Thanks for the tips folks. My experience with tree work is entirely based around disaster relief. I have quite a few hours operating a saw but most of that has been already downed trees and removing them from structures.
I don't have any professional experience with climbing and rigging. That is what I need to learn the most.

Before I was a paramedic I was a self-employed wood worker. I still have my shop but I don't do it for profit anymore. I'm also planning on investing in a portable mill at some point. Just trying to get the finances in order.

EDIT: Also, I just realized, maybe this should be in Arborist101.

 

[Appalachian]

Well it seems we are on opposite career trajectories.

I've been in tree work for quite some time and have climbed on and off for the last 6 years. I also have operated a portable mill. But now I am about to embark on 3 years of schooling to become a cert. EMT.

After a while tree work will wear your body out. Sometimes it's hard to close my hands at night and my hips, shoulders, elbows and back are wearing out so I figured I needed some edumacation to be able to do something less fatiguing one day and even if I don't do EMT work the education is invaluable for treework due to the inherent dangers.

Plus I want to be able to go into disaster zones after tornadoes and hurricanes and such and be able to not only help clear debris but help those who may be wounded.

 

[jh504]

Well it seems we are on opposite career trajectories.

I've been in tree work for quite some time and have climbed on and off for the last 6 years. I also have operated a portable mill. But now I am about to embark on 3 years of schooling to become a cert. EMT.

After a while tree work will wear your body out. Sometimes it's hard to close my hands at night and my hips, shoulders, elbows and back are wearing out so I figured I needed some edumacation to be able to do something less fatiguing one day and even if I don't do EMT work the education is invaluable for treework due to the inherent dangers.

Plus I want to be able to go into disaster zones after tornadoes and hurricanes and such and be able to not only help clear debris but help those who may be wounded.

You can never put a price on medical knowledge. I never intended to be a paramedic, I got EMT-Basic for my fire department. I loved it, so I went all the way with the education.
I'm just curious, why does the course you're taking last 3 years? Is it a BS or AAS degree in EMS? I was able to go from nothing to ALS paramedic in 1-1/2 years straight of school. I skipped EMT-Intermediate which I would suggest to anyone who is serious about going all the way to paramedic.
Disaster relief is some of the most rewarding work you could ever do.

I am looking into tree work because I just love being in the woods and working in that environment. I need to supplement my income for my growing family.

 

[Appalachian]

Well our local community college is only one of four accredited in the state and upon talking with the head of the program he said I need to take some basic classes first so there's at least one semester this fall and the program only takes new students in the fall and it's a 4 semester associate degree program. So the way I figure it I got at least 5 semesters and possibly 6 if I go in the spring for more basic classes.

Maybe he was just trying to scare me off? I don't want to derail your thread so maybe you could PM me some suggestions on how to expedite my training.

Thanks!

 

[lxt]

I am looking into tree work because I just love being in the woods and working in that environment. I need to supplement my income for my growing family.

if you need supplemental income??? go back to school & become a nurse or PA...........! you have a foot in the fastest growing field & one that is recession proof!! tree work is going backwards & its a matter of time before it becomes a field of minimum wage!!


LXT.................

 

[jh504]

if you need supplemental income??? go back to school & become a nurse or PA...........! you have a foot in the fastest growing field & one that is recession proof!! tree work is going backwards & its a matter of time before it becomes a field of minimum wage!!


LXT.................

Yeah I totally understand what you're saying. I HATE working in the hospital though, I just cant bring myself to do it. I have gone over and over in my head about bridging over to RN or RT. I just cant do it, the thing that keeps me going in EMS is being on a traumatic wreck scene or helping perform a rescue. I will never leave EMS, but 911 is the only kind of medical work I am interested in.
I also have to have an outlet that is totally different than the medical field. It's very easy to burn out but with something totally different to focus on it will be better. I'm not trying to get rich, just make some extra money doing something I would enjoy.

 

[Appalachian]

hmm for some reason my last post didn't show up.

oh well

I find pruning the most beneficial for relaxation zen type tree work.

Takedowns are allways more stressful for me. Especially when lives and property are at risk.

 

[TreeAce]

I worked a summer with a dude who was working part time from his firemans job. He is an emt/paramedic. He was/is a pretty good climber to. We made some jokes about his EMT skills but when push come to shove...I liked knowing there was a dude there who had skills in saving lives..on the spot stuff. AND he can climb?? Its one thing to carry a cpr/first aid card, which i do, and completely different to have his trianing...well..obv. but I just liked knowing that REALLY has given CPR to more than one person. Someone with your skills would likely be a welcome asset to many companies. I think its cool that you want to somthing you think u would like doing rather than just going for the most money. I doubt this is very helpful..maybe encouraging...good luck.

 

[jh504]

It's all helpful and encouraging, thanks very much everyone. I will probably be posting questions from time to time.

Appalachian, tried to send you a PM, let me know if it went through.