| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
Yesterday we performed two large Monterey pine removals (3- 4+ ft. diameter x 110-130 ft.) in a very tight location, with a 70 ton hydraulic crane. The trees were not a problem, but the location was... surrounding utility lines on a small street left very little working space... but fortunately all went well! (OK... one slightly irrate neighbor, didn't like the disturbance!)
We were a little concerned as it was the first time we had worked with a recently hired crane operator... but he made a comment that impressed me... he said, "I have worked with a lot of tree companies, but your crew really understands!". A nice compliment that made me proud, but it also made me think...
You can train and direct and retrain and guide and supervise... but until they UNDERSTAND... they really haven't learned! A heavy removal crew has to UNDERSTAND the tremendous potential for catastrophe... they must UNDERSTAND how large pieces move... how their stress changes when limbs are cut, how a log can swing when loaded... what the climber needs from the ground crew... when to stay out of the crane operator's way when to assist!
I don't think you can teach anyone to UNDERSTAND... you can only provide the information and see what they do with it!
Probably applicable to all facets of tree care... you can teach how to prune properly, how to make a target pruning cut... but until the climber UNDERSTANDS the impacts of what he does... UNDERSTANDS how trees function... he's really only working an assembly line! Once he UNDERSTANDS... he becomes a true artist... a true journeyman... a true arborist!
Just some thoughts.....
TY