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Re: Lazy Arborists

Clearcut Tree Service ("clearcut@ptialaska.net")
Sat, 1 Nov 1997 00:53:42 -0600

IMHO, it comes down to "is the tree safe to climb?" Basically, the customer seems to have some idea of what they want. They are uncomfortable with a tree growth situation that may invoke an impending sense of doom because the tree(s) have grown to a height that could crush a home or loved one if it were to come down that way.

The customer is looking to us to provide a safe environment. So where do you draw the line? Can any of us really say we REALLY know a tree higher than a house under it, will not come crashing down in some meterological event (high winds)? Add into that the comparison of other local trees of similar age/height that have had their top blown out.

We are in essence, hazard removers. We can minimize the visual effect of what we are doing to some extent with judicious pruning... but what of the hazard? These people are looking for safety. Speaking for myself, that is what I intend to provide.

Once the customer has decided to trust me to provide a safe situation, my philosophy is to use whatever means is available to me to provide it. Cost is a factor. My spurs are less expensive than a $6,000.oo/hour Sikorski Sky Crane, so that is what I will use. If the tree is not safe to climb in a direct assault, then by gravey(!), bring in the buckets, the cranes; bring in the explosives experts if that is what it takes. We are presented with unique problems to solve in the tree business, and there are no written in stone ansers for every situation. To have the customer thank you as they are handing you a check is the ultimate compliment of a service well provided.

IMHO, any man who wants to use a bucket to get the job done, use spurs, use what ever he NEEDS to use to get the job done safe; this man is right on.

Tree work is hard work any way you look at it. It is not, in reality, a forum for vogue fashion philosophies which limit the effectiveness of getting the job done.

-Hambone