Tree surgeons experiences

[Zara Powell]

Hi,

I work at an independent television company called Ricochet, based in Brighton. We make factual programmes for all the main broadcasters, with recent series including Food Unwrapped, Born To Be Different and Mr Drews School for Boys for Channel 4, Andrew Marrs Megacities for BBC1, and Cowboy Builders for Channel 5.

My job is to develop new programme ideas and we're currently working on the seedling of an idea for a documentary which would involve following the work of tree surgeons. It's based on the idea that people have a close connection to trees and would like to know more about the jobs that surround them.

I'd like to find out what your most exciting jobs have been, what you enjoy most about your work, and generally, what the daily routine for a tree surgeon is like. Why did you decide to go into this profession? Does the tree climbing ever scare you? What are the biggest challenges you face? If anyone is willing to have a really informal chat about all of this (we're still in initial research stages) it would be great to hear from you - either on this forum, or you can contact me on [email protected] or 01273 224800 if that's easier.

Thanks so much for any help you can offer!

Kind regards,

Zara

 

[Zale]

We prefer the term "Arborist". Tree Surgeon is so 1930's.

 

[juttree]

Urban forester makes me feel manly, lol.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Jeff

 

[Zara Powell]

So sorry- arborists!

Is there any way I could speak to you more about your experiences on the job, Jeff?

 

[derwoodii]

have you seen this? kinda wraps up my days.






30+ year cutting and caring for trees I am yet to have any tree phone write fax or email me with any problem ever. While i'm well versed in understanding trees, I still struggle understanding my clients expectations of living with them.

 

[derwoodii]

you could follow the 2015 ISA international tree climbing competition http://www.itcc-isa.com/events/calendar/calendar.aspx?ID=2011 and take closer look at the competitors discover their back story and daily work tasks

 

[Zara Powell]

Amazing! - yes, I'm hoping to track down the British competitors. Could I possibly give you a ring to chat about your work derwoodii?

 

[BuckmasterStumpGrinding]

Tree work is like any other work. There are large companies that are very concerned with having quality trained happy employees. There are large companies with bureaucracies that are trying to squeeze every dime of profit they can out of their employees and hire minimum wage employees that just want to collect a check. There are owner operators that have dedicated their entire lives and educations to the study of trees. There are drug addicts that helped cut down their cousin's tree and think they are professionals. There are logging companies, right of way clearance companies, and residential tree care companies. Someone that learns from a hack (James the narcoleptic tree cutter) has a completely different experience than someone that learns from an artist. (August Hunicke, Reg Coates).

 

[BuckmasterStumpGrinding]

Try getting in touch with climbingarborist.com. They are based out of the UK and would surely be willing to help you out.

 

[derwoodii]

Amazing! - yes, I'm hoping to track down the British competitors. Could I possibly give you a ring to chat about your work derwoodii?

My work, yes i suppose so thou i'm thinking there be far more interesting tree chaps on your side of the planet. perhaps let a few more post here before we move on this as I got no cool scars, not busted anything or goofed up big time so sadly kinda dull

I see your post on Arbtalk UK is getting good feed back this should find UK leads for you. A interesting bloke to chat with in another tree direction could be Jeremy barrel http://www.barrelltreecare.co.uk/people/jeremy-barrell.php a tree legal eagle he has great story's to tell on tree law which may make great program copy as trees vs neighbors rates well..

 

[BC WetCoast]

Try getting in touch with climbingarborist.com. They are based out of the UK and would surely be willing to help you out.

He now works for Bartlett in Vancouver.

 

[Zara Powell]

Thanks for all the links guys

 

[treeseer]

"Tree surgeon" also can describe a different but also dramatic profession. Surgery to diagnose and treat diseases, install support and lightning systems, from CSI to Inspector Gadget. Climbing is fun and athletic and all, but it's all on the outside of the tree. Surgeons and their work have a more inside, intimate connection to trees, the chemistry and biology within, and the ecology that surrounds them, and us.

The first of 30 episodes in the life of a tree surgeon: https://www.asca-consultants.org/membersSection/archive/consultants/pdfV35phEM3ZA.pdf