Where to start?

[Springy]

Ok fellas. I've got some questions..
I'm interested in getting into the tree business part time as I have a good full time job. Problem is I've been turned down by all the companies Ive applied for due to not being able to commit to full time and not having 3 years of experience climbing or as a groundsman.
So I'm asking where to start? I've done about 8 to 10 Removals. I'm good at ropes knots and rigging and have been running chainsaws for about 7 years. I've thought about going into business for myself(small scale). All the training I have has been through books ( tree climbers companion and The tree climbers guide 3rd edition), videos, and trial and error in my back yard. I really enjoy the work its very rewarding. Thoughts??

Thanks Springy
I also have experience in rope rescue & rock climbing. I know its different but it has given me the most on rope time.

 

[woodchuck357]

Your best bet would be to hook up with an old fart that still wants to keep his hand in and is semiretired but has customers that keep calling to get him to do work for them. Be prepared to do everything his way, at least at first. The only way to learn some stuff is by doing. Best with skilled supervision.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Ok fellas. I've got some questions..
I'm interested in getting into the tree business part time as I have a good full time job. Problem is I've been turned down by all the companies Ive applied for due to not being able to commit to full time and not having 3 years of experience climbing or as a groundsman.
So I'm asking where to start? I've done about 8 to 10 Removals. I'm good at ropes knots and rigging and have been running chainsaws for about 7 years. I've thought about going into business for myself(small scale). All the training I have has been through books ( tree climbers companion and The tree climbers guide 3rd edition), videos, and trial and error in my back yard. I really enjoy the work its very rewarding. Thoughts??

Thanks Springy
I also have experience in rope rescue & rock climbing. I know its different but it has given me the most on rope time.

Do you want nice or honest?

 

[Springy]

you can be honest.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

It's the things you don't know that will get you hurt in this business. 8-10 removals is a bad place to be. You'rea that "100 hr mark." Most airplane crashes occur with pilots who have right about 100 hrs. They start thinking they have it figured out. As far as 7 years of chainsaw experience, I know guys with twenty yrs that still can't run one worth a damn. Spend an hour cutting with a pro and you'll learn more than you did in the last 7 yrs.
If you are serious about becoming a tree professional You have to work under someone for a while, and start at the beginning. Dragging brush and working the ropes on the ground are waxon/wax off training for a climber. The fact that you have a good fulltime job and still want to do this scares me a little too. Jeff

 

[Springy]

I understand i have much to learn. And with any profession if you stop learning you need to hang it up. I am willing to start at the bottom to learn. Ill find a way to start. I enjoy the work. Im not sure what is scary about having a full time job and wanting to learn another? I do appriciate your honesty.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Hangg out with us and we'll help you all we can. Good luck!

 

[joezilla11]

There's nothing wrong with having a second job especially being self employed. If you're willing to put in the hours then good for you. It's hard enough for some people to have one job let alone two. Just be safe and smart about it

 

[StrataTree]

If your other job is lucrative, buy an established tree service company. Sounds funny but I've heard of it done that way. Be humble and eager and the employees and owner will show you the ropes... But then I guess there is only so many hours in a day, the guy I'm thinking of retired from his other job in his early thirties and made the transition work cause he was highly motivated. Used to travel a lot and now gets to stay close to his family. He's not climbing everyday though so if that's what you love get some training from somewhere, and start doin side jobs, find a partner, you will need a groundie. Get insured, licensed, and all that crap too! No shortcuts in this biz. Patience and experience will get ya where ya want to be. Cheers. It's fun hard work! If your a little nuts like most of us, you'll fit right in! We must o' been squirrels in another life...

 

[newsawtooth]

I understand i have much to learn. And with any profession if you stop learning you need to hang it up. I am willing to start at the bottom to learn. Ill find a way to start. I enjoy the work. Im not sure what is scary about having a full time job and wanting to learn another? I do appriciate your honesty.

Picking it up part time is a pretty good way to start really. You can be really picky about the jobs you take and don't have to take outrageous risks just to pay the bills. There are quite a few guys here who do it part time and have decent full time jobs, seems like every other poster is #######ed fireman. A good place to start, though the organization can be much maligned on here, is to study and take the Certified Arborist exam. It is not very difficult and provides you with a minimum level of academic competency. I think the title is a bit of misnomer and is more like basic Arboriculture 101. The physical aspect of tree work you'll have to learn somewhere else and the business side you will learn very slowly and painfully. Best of luck.

 

[Springy]

thanks for the info fellas. i have talked to my local chapter of the ISA, im scheduled for a weekend field day as they call it. supposed to go over basic climbing and prunning i believe. and in the fall im supposed to take the certified arborist course. i understand this is just the tip of the iceberg. but Im looking forward to it all.
sorry us fireman tend to have a decent amount of free time. thanks again.

 

[newsawtooth]

thanks for the info fellas. i have talked to my local chapter of the ISA, im scheduled for a weekend field day as they call it. supposed to go over basic climbing and prunning i believe. and in the fall im supposed to take the certified arborist course. i understand this is just the tip of the iceberg. but Im looking forward to it all.
sorry us fireman tend to have a decent amount of free time. thanks again.

Damn it, I knew it, firemen. Good luck, Springy.

 

[treeguy347]

you can be honest.

Since you want honest, I hope I don't come off as jaded, but this is the truth. Our industry is overrun with "part-timers" due to the lack of barriers to entry. Anyone with a pulse can get a chainsaw and call himself a "tree guy." The problem is, many of them have a full time job that pays health insurance, a good wage, etc. They come into our field and have absolutely no clue the overhead in the business and undercut fair market value so they can have a little beer money. I despise the part timers, but have deep respect for anyone that decides to make arboriculture their professional CAREER. If you want to be part time, go away, leave us alone and enjoy your "real job". If you love tree work and want to learn this profession, welcome, here's my advice:

The best thing you can do is find someone experienced and apprentice under them. The saying goes "There are old climbers and bold climbers, but there are no old and bold climbers." It's true. Learn safety inside and out and never compromise it, there are many ways to kill yourself rather unpleasantly doing this work. While you begin your journey, READ, READ, READ. There's a ton of good information out there. I suggest starting with The Tree Climber's Companion. Learn proper pruning, there's a ton of good information on this forum and from the ISA. Develop early on a high standard of ethics and never compromise them. While you are learning, start saving money for startup capital, research and shop insurance, lawyers and accountants. You'll need all four.

When you are ready, quit your job. Take that money you have saved up and start your company. Get a good insurance policy. When you're ready to take the plunge, buy at the least a decent chipper and chip truck. Hauling brush is inefficient. Don't skimp on ropes, hardware, saddles or anything your life or you rig from. Don't be bashful about replacing them when worn. Get ISA certified. Many guys advise against it, but think about every other skilled trade. They all have licensing or certification. Without some type of unified credentialing, how can we elevate arboriculture to a career, not a job? Besides, when you get out on your own, you want things to differentiate yourself and compete on rather than just price. Get a good website, that's where a lot of new business comes from. Go all-in and take the risk. If you need your full-time job as a safety net, this is not for you. When you start your business, here's some tips that will probably sound like common sense, but many neglect:

• Return calls promptly and don't overcommit.
• When you can't meet a commitment or get to a job on time, communicate with your customers.
• Your reputation is priceless and what you make it. When broken, it is also the most difficult thing to repair.
• Speaking of reputation, referrals are the best new customers
• Never aim to be the lowest price, do a top quality job for a fair sum.

Never stop learning
HAVE FUN :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[treeguy347]

Rock/rope climbing is how I got my start too :msp_smile:

 

[mic687]

I dispise jaded posters:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[mic687]

I am a low life part timer who has been under cut buy larger established companies. I have observed some of the local companys and I can say without a doubt I am a better climber than anyone they have and I am by a long strech much safer than any I have seen around here. I have spent much time crafting my climbing and rigging skills and have read many articles and spent countless hours watching videos and practice climbing to better serve my customers. I have never advertised and receive all my business by word of mouth I am busy every year and have alot of repete customers. I do not ask what others have bid to gain any advantage, I just keep overhead low and pass on the savings (I am often not low bidder). I am fully insured and am very proud of the work I do and I am amazed how much work a good two man crew can do. Now that being said, I do have a problem with uninsured hacks, with no job other that part time tree work, that door knock, present false insurance, finish half the job, get payment, with a promise to return with a trailer, go get drunk or high, and never return. I do believe there should be some kind of regulation and I would be happy to comply but until there is I will just have to live with 125.00 a tree door knockers. Brother you will find someone to give you a shot just keep trying because part timers need part timers. In the mean time watch as many videos as you can you tube or actual training videos there are many avalible read everything you can and remember nothing replaces experience and keep learning as you can never know enough. Mickey of MC Tree

 

[climb4fun]

groundies quit on a regular basis. build a good resume, include pictures, make a point to state that you know youve gotta put your time in on the ground and that your only saying that you have climbed so as to communicate that you know what the climber needs out of you and send those resumes to every tree service in the area whether they are hiring or not. resend them every two weeks. promise you'll have a job in two months or less. thats what ive done and ive got 5 interviews lined up. oh and turn off your cell phone during the interview and while at work lol.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Oh god, another fireman.

I have successfully put out 2 ditch fires, 3 grass fires, and countless burn piles. I have a ladder and a hose, and am thinking of moving into part time structure firefighting. Any advice? After all, how hard can it be? You see the fire, you put it out, right?

 

[Springy]

yep that is all there is to firefighting......... no classes no tests no books you just jump right in!
In all seriousness Im not here to be a hack im not here to underbid bigger companys Im not here for beer money. im here to learn, im here because i love working outside because i want be. i understand this is not to be taken lighly.....as my profession is not to be taken lightly. Thats why i own the books i do thats why i ask for your advice. Thanks for everyones advice so far.

 

[mic687]

yep that is all there is to firefighting......... no classes no tests no books you just jump right in!
In all seriousness Im not here to be a hack im not here to underbid bigger companys Im not here for beer money. im here to learn, im here because i love working outside because i want be. i understand this is not to be taken lighly.....as my profession is not to be taken lightly. Thats why i own the books i do thats why i ask for your advice. Thanks for everyones advice so far.

Just keep doin what got you this far and you'll be fine. Check out reg coates channel on youtube alot of good info there.