Pro Arb Summer 2019 by Eljays44

PROARB AR H 5T YEER S A R Y A N N IIVS S U E

summer 2019 PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE FOR T REE SURGEONS

E L E VAT I O N T H R O U G H E D U C AT I O N A R B C O U R S E S T H AT ARE TOP OF THE CLASS

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER WOO D CH IPPERS W I T H E X T R A OO M PH

BENEFITS IN CARBON GOLD’S BIOCHAR FEEDING SOIL AND FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE D R D U N C A N S L AT E R ’ S C A S E B O O K

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SCAFELL LITE The Arbortec Scafell Lites are one of the most popular work boots on the market. As chainsaw boots these are the perfect all round option for landscapers, gardeners and arborists looking for a tough, durable and waterproof boot. Be sure to keep up to date with the latest from Arbortec on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. WWW.ARBORTEC.COM Advert template.indd 1

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WELCOME

PROARB

PRO ARB 5 T H YE AR RY AN NIV ERUESA ISS

sum mer 201 9 P R O F ES S I O N A L TREE FOR T REE SUR C A R E GEO NS

E L E VA T I O N T HROUGH E D U C AT I O N ARB C A R E T O P OOFUTR S E S T H AT HE CLASS

summer 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 03

YOU’VE G T H E P O W EORT WOO D CHIPP WI T H EX T RA ERS OOM PH

BEN EFI TS IN CAR BON GOL D’S BIO CHA R

FEE DING SOIL AND FIGH TING CLIM ATE CHA NGE DR DUNCAN S L AT E R ’ S C A S EBOOK POO Cover.indd

R PRU NING – IT’S AGA INST TRE ESA CRIM E

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his is Pro Arb’s ﬁfth anniversary issue and if you’ve been with us on the ride so far, it’s been great to have you as a reader. If you’re new, then welcome – we’ve plenty to inform and inspire you in this issue. Nature, climbing, being outdoors – what do you love most about your work? You certainly won’t need reminding that working as an arborist is one of the most dangerous jobs around, which is why quality learning at the outset and ongoing refresher courses can make such a diﬀerence. The UK has some outstanding training available. While school leavers would typically

ALL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 777 570 Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA EDITORIAL Features Editor – Rachel Gordon proarbeditor@eljays44.com Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Head of Sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com

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opt for a full-time course, increasingly, there are part-time options suiting those wanting to study flexibly. Recent years have also seen the rise of apprenticeships offered through colleges. With this in mind, we take a look at the range on offer (page 33) and profile Kingswood Training (page 12), a well-known name in the sector that specialises in intensive courses, which can be ideal for those wanting a career change. On page 10, we provide guidance on working near powerlines, one of the riskiest types of work going. Pro Arb’s kit pages are packed with new products and ideas. If you provide planting services, then check out biochar from Carbon

Horticulture Careers – Liam Colclough liam.colclough@eljays44.com PRODUCTION Design – Kirsty Turek Printed by Pensord Press Ltd Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd CIRCULATION Subscription enquiries: beth.doran@eljays44.com Pro Arb is published 4 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2019 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained

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Gold (page 49), which offers a diverse range of benefits. There‘s a cracking range of chippers to peruse (page 54) and why not treat yourself with some new chainsaw trousers (page 59)? Let us know your thoughts on this issue and what you’d like to read about in the future – we’re looking ahead to the next five years!

in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts. MANAGEMENT Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson Editorial Director – Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson FOLLOW US ONLINE www.proarbmagazine.com Follow us on Twitter @ProArbmagazine Like us on Facebook Proarbmagazine Connect to our LinkedIn group Pro Arb UK

For careers in arboriculture and horticulture go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk Every week we send out ‘Pro Arb: The Tuesday Recap’, in which we highlight the most popular news stories from the last week. If you aren’t subscribed to The Tuesday Recap but would like to be, please email Amber Bernabe at amber.bernabe@eljays44.com If you would like to send us press releases to post online and potentially feature in The Tuesday Recap, please email Amy Fitz-Hugh at amy.ﬁtz-hugh@eljays44.com

Pro Arb | Summer 2019

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ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE Enter your business into the

Pro Landscaper business awards

SAVE THE DATE:

Friday 7th February 2020, East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London

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15/08/2019 31/07/2019 09:19 11:21

CONTENTS

s t n e t con 19 0 2 r e m sum

52 65

news & views 6 > News

Updates from around the arb world

10 > News extra

Working around powerlines is extremely hazardous – the HSE oﬀer guidance on staying safe

12 > interview

Meet Kingswood Training – the specialists in intensive training

17 > arboriculture Association amenity conference 2019 Head to Exeter for Crown and Canopy Management

24 > pest and disease watch

r Glynn Percival advises on recognition, prevention and treatment of silver leaf fungal disease

27 > jonathan hazell

iscussion on the growth and importance of green infrastructure

30 > focus on rope

Marlow Ropes’ Paul Dyer details the essential considerations and decisions that make for well-designed rope

33 > spotlight on college courses

hen it comes to studying arb, there is no ‘one si e ﬁts all’ approach, so check out some of the variety on oﬀer

37 > five years and counting Pro Arb has reached its ﬁfth birthday! heck out the key developments and our favourite highlights from past issues

42 > business zone – the good work plan

features 21 > dr duncan slater’s casebook

hy poor pruning can be a crime against trees – but recovery is often a possibility

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Exploring the new law that looks to provide fairer conditions and bolster employees’ rights

44 > business zone – risk management

Practical advice on reducing ha ards and ﬁnding the right insurance from Stephen Lewis

kit 49 > meet the supplier

arbon Gold’s organic biochar product oﬀers an environmentally sound solution for tree planting and sustained health

52 > battery powered

There is growing demand from professionals to use batteries over fuel, explains tihl’s Paul icks

54 > wood chippers

Turn up the power with these robust models suited to bigger jobs

56 > tree survey equipment igh-tech gear for professional investigation available from Tree iagnostics

59 > chainsaw trousers

Seeking strength within a lightweight and comfortable pair? ook no further

62 > petzl

The specialist manufacturer for climbers has a varied range of new launches

65 > commercial vehicles

A Hampshire arborist explains why he’s loyal to the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter

67 > ancient tree forum

London’s Kensington Gardens feature some particularly historic specimens

Pro Arb | Summer 2019

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NEWS & VIEWS

A ROUNDUP OF ALL THE LATEST ARBORICULTURE NEWS FROM AROUND THE UK. FOR MORE STORIES VISIT WWW.PROARBMAGAZINE.COM

ROUNDUP

SHEFFIELD COUNCIL RAPPED OVER CALLOUS TREE FELLING he eld ity ouncil fell far short of good practice” according to the orestry ommission, which has released its report into the city’s Streets Ahead programme that resulted in almost 5,500 trees in the city being felled. However, in the report, the regulator of the Forestry ommission said there was insu cient evidence to say if the council had acted illegally by failing to obtain a licence for the felling. The council had claimed that all the felling under Streets Ahead was in response to its statutory

©Jason Batterham/Shutterstock.com

news duty under the Highways Act and was conducted to maintain roads and make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. The orestry ommission had accepted this until the terms of the contract between the council and infrastructure support service provider, Amey, was made public in 2018. This is when it was questioned whether the felling was lawful without a felling licence. Even though there will be no prosecution, the council was criticised for poor record keeping, engagement and consultation,

tree management techniques and contract management. The report stated he eld ity ouncil and other local authorities must take note for future operations.” Former environment secretary, Michael Gove, has described the council’s actions as “a schedule of careless felling characterised by a lack of community consultation and a casual disregard for the urban environment.” He also stated: “The campaign of felling seemed beyond logic, and the council’s ustiﬁcation was as ﬂimsy as an autumn leaf.

What happened? In July 2012, the council entered into a 25-year PFI contract with Amey to deliver Streets Ahead, containing a commitment to fell 200 trees per annum. 5,474 trees were felled by 2018. The orestry ommission received allegations from local activists that Streets Ahead may constitute illegal felling back in 2016, but did not act because the contract details were unavailable. www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/forestrycommission

HUSQVARNA TO RELEASE ALBUM OF CHAINSAW SOUNDS Husqvarna is set to release ‘1959-2019 Anniversary’, an album of sounds from 12 of its chainsaws, from the 1959 MS90

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to the 2019 550 XP Mark II. It will be available on vinyl, with 60 LPs being produced, as well as on streaming services. The launch is to celebrate 60 years of the company manufacturing chainsaws and it was recorded in the forest in Aneby, near the town of

Huskvarna, where Husqvarna is headquartered. Ken Brewster, UK sales and marketing director says: “With this record we celebrate our 60-year jubilee of making chainsaws, and our customers that have been using our chainsaws since the Fifties. With chainsaws as our

instruments, we have created a time machine that lets the listener travel from 1959 to 2019.” During the recording, chainsaws are used to fell, limb and crosscut. To listen, visit: www.soundcloud.com/user18412900/sets/husqvarna-60years-of-chainsaws

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NEWS & VIEWS

TIMBERWOLF ‘INSPIRES’ IN LSE REPORT Wood chipper manufacturer Timberwolf has been included within the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ survey, as part of the London Stock Exchange Group’s 2019 report. The listing focuses on the UK’s fastest growing and most dynamic SMEs over the last three years, with companies representing over 40 sectors and spanning all parts of the country. Stowmarket-based Timberwolf was selected among a group of ﬁve businesses nationwide to represent the engineering and manufacturing sector. It was highlighted as a leader within the manufacturing sector.

Timberwolf produces its 750kg wood chipper series – the TW 23 PA and T 23 – from its manufacturing facility in uﬀolk. These two machines have contributed signiﬁcantly to Timberwolf’s growth in the UK and Europe, with sales increasing by 256% since 2013. Chris Perry, managing director at Timberwolf, says: “Everyone works incredibly hard to deliver unbeatable power and performance from every machine, so it is a real boost for the whole team. We have grown considerably over the past few years, so are very proud with recognition on the national stage.” www.timberwolf-uk.com

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CORNWALL COUNCIL ISSUES WARNING OVER BOGUS TREE SURGEONS A tree o cer from ornwall Council is urging residents to be on their guard against imposters claiming to be tree surgeons. Alan Rowe, of the Arboricultural Association, said uninsured and un ualiﬁed arborists can cause in ury and damage . e added residents should be prepared to check paperwork to ensure the tree surgeon is insured, holds the required professional certiﬁcates and works to the correct standards. e added arborists should always provide a written quotation and possibly a contact

for a referee, as well as proof they are a member of a professional organisation. Any trader who solicits work door-to-door or who does not provide a permanent address should be avoided. Rowe continued that an oﬀer of a topping service in which the whole tops of trees or large branches or trunks are removed, should be avoided as the technique is harmful to trees. During any work, the arborist should be seen to be using safety equipment at all times. e said e see some shocking work carried out by

traders who do not understand what is best for the trees and are conning the public into believing they are professionals. Tree work operations or arboriculture require a high degree of technical competence, supported by training and experience. “For these reasons, tree work should only be undertaken by well-trained, competent arborists who hold adequate insurance. Picking the wrong arborist could lead to damage to people, property or trees that have taken years to grow.” www.trees.org.uk

‘TREE CHAMPION’ WILLIAM WORSLEY TO ADDRESS AA AUDIENCE The Arboricultural Association has released information on the speakers for its 53rd Amenity Conference. The event, Crown and Canopy Management – Working with Nature, will be held from 8 to 11 September at the University of Exeter. ir illiam orsley, the ﬁrst ‘tree champion’ appointed by Defra in June 2018, will provide the keynote speech to open the ﬁnal day of the conference. e will speak on his evolving role, and how arboricultural professionals

are crucial to the success of the government’s tree health strategy. Worsley is a forester, farmer, businessman and a former president of the Country Land and Business Association. In 2016, he was appointed chair of the National Forest Company, which oversees the National Forest – the largest environmentally-led regeneration project in England, covering 200m2 of the Midlands. Other speakers include climber on artill, who will seek to challenge perceptions

of the impacts of crown reduction. Consultant Paul Muir will also speak on crown reductions, and has undertaken static load tests to assess the structural condition of over 200 trees throughout the UK and Europe. Details can be found at www.trees.org.uk/amenityconference and there is also a report on page 17.

JO BEAU M500’S ON TOUR Global Recycling Solutions will be taking its compact M500 wood chipper to the forthcoming Confor Woodland Show and SALTEX. Marketing manager, Louise Bradshaw-Black, commented: “The M500 wood chipper is the

showpiece of the Jo Beau range, proving popular with an array of customers throughout Europe. “It’s easy to move around and transport – the unique design reduces the set-up and manoeuvring time required by

other market models. Going through standard gateways at 28.5” wide, the M500 is appropriate for arborists and garden services alike. Please come and visit us at one of these upcoming shows.”

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NEWS & VIEWS

READING READIES FOR TREE OFFICERS’ CONFERENCE

SCOTLAND SURPASSES ITS TREE PLANTING TARGETS

The UK’s only major annual conference for tree o cers will take place at Reading Town Hall on 6 November. The event is organised by the ondon Tree cers’ Association, the unicipal Tree cers’ Association and facilitated by the nstitute of hartered oresters. The organisers say the themes are particularly timely, given trees in towns and cities are increasingly recognised as having a crucial role to play in meeting the K climate change target of net ero emissions by 2 5 . Keynote international speaker Gian ichele irulli, urban tree manager with the Green Public ervice of Turin ity ouncil, taly, will outline the role of trees in climate change, giving insight into current and future practices. e will discuss management of existing urban trees with political, environmental and public expectations. elegates will also gain insight into the process of assessing current canopy cover and integrating planting proposals into

cotland has exceeded its national tree planting targets according to o cial figures. t was found that some 11,2 ha of new planting was undertaken in cotland last year, beating the current 1 , ha annual target. ast year, 4 of all new planting in the K took place in cotland. The figures also confirm that the cottish Government’s iodiversity Route ap commitments for new native woodland creation are being met, with the establishment of 3,9 ha of new broadleaves. Rural economy secretary ergus wing said This is fantastic news. t is testament to the cottish Government making forestry a priority, and investing

new developments in the future as part of a council’s local plan. Phillip andley, a G specialist with orest Research, will explain how a lack of data, or data of dubious uality, is preventing a knowledge-based approach to optimising beneﬁts from trees in urban areas. e is working on developing a new data standard with the aim of creating a worldleading dataset that allows better use of emerging technologies. The conference sessions cover planning, management, legislation, diversity, standards, pests and diseases. ndividual talks include the regulatory role of a tree o cer, best practice for planning issues, tree legislation in cotland and the reporting of invasive pests and diseases. or further information visit www.charteredforesters. org/event/national-treeo ce s-co e e ce-

and helping to grow the industry. The whole tree planting eﬀort has truly been a national endeavour with all forestry interests, both large and small, pulling together. A new approach to woodland creation proposals was introduced last year. This has helped us deliver the target and ensures that communities and interest groups are consulted. e are now facing a global environment emergency. n cotland, around 9.5 million tonnes of each year are 2

removed by our forests.” The cottish Government has contributed towards the planting targets with 1, ha being planted by its agency orestry and and cotland in 2 1 19. The remaining 1 ,2 ha were planted by a range of private interests. A mix of easier application processes, promotion of planting and better grants have led to higher ﬁgures. www.forestryandland. gov.scot

BOOK NOW: CONFOR WOODLAND SHOW

The 2 19 onfor oodland how will be taking place at the ongleat estate in iltshire on 5 and 6 September. The two-day event includes an exhibition, events, talks and seminars with an overall theme

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Pro Arb | Summer 2019

and focus on forests, woods and climate change. Alternating with onfor’s AP exhibition, the onfor oodland how is aimed at the forestry sector, but there is plenty to interest arborists too. There will be practical demonstrations, including horse logging, chainsaw carving from some of the best carvers in the K, archery and the K ogger’s team selection for the orld ogging hampionships.

xhibitors include • Manufacturers and distributors of forestry machinery and e uipment orest advisory and management services urseries ildlife and conservation bodies uppliers of wood heating systems oodland craft workers onfor will also hold two breakfast seminars – one on the

Thursday morning to discuss mitigation and how it will meet woodland creation targets, and another on riday covering the topic of adaptation and how to manage woodlands for a changing climate. The opening hours for both days are 9am to 4pm. ntrance is free for onfor members. or tickets and programme, please visit www.conforwood landshow.org.uk, or ﬁnd onfor on acebook for updates.

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15/08/2019 09:20

NEWS & VIEWS

Stay alert to power line dangers news

ARBORISTS CAN BE PARTICULARLY AT RISK OF ELECTROCUTION WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE AT HEIGHT – AWARENESS OF HOW TO MANAGE THEIR SURROUNDINGS COULD PROVE LIFE SAVING

extra

A recent inquest has delivered a verdict of accidental death when investigating the case of 27-yearold Marcus Pepper. He had been trimming tall hedges from a MEWP at the Hall Grove Industrial Estate in Bagshot during poor weather conditions when he came in too close to overhead 11,000volt powerlines and suﬀered a fatal electric shock. It remains unclear whether he was aware of the dangers – the owner of the property, Brian Wooldridge, said he had told Mr Pepper to steer clear of the powerlines. Mr Pepper had agreed to cut the hedges in return for being allowed to store some of his kit on the property. However, this was disputed by assistant tree surgeon Luke Nabil, who was working with Mr Pepper, as he said they were unaware

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of this instruction. Mr Nabil also received injuries when he tried to assist Mr Pepper, but recovered after hospital treatment. Whatever happened, it does seem that Mr Pepper, who had studied at college and was experienced in tree surgery work, was keen to do a thorough job. His father described him as someone that “wanted to please”. The inquest heard from Amanda uﬀ, an inspector, who visited the site and carried out an investigation. he explained that as Mr Pepper was self-employed, he would have

been responsible for his own and Mr Nabil’s safety and that the MEWP had in fact been positioned too close to the power lines. Furthermore, there should have been an exclusion zone. When arboricultural works are proposed within 10m of overhead power lines, the emphasises that a risk based approach needs to be adopted. Before undertaking any work that falls in range of this distance, you should seek specialist advice and guidance from the owner of the power line (network operator). From here, they should assist in establishing a

safe system of work. This could include arranging for the electricity to be switched off or refining safety distances. t could also include arranging for specialised utility arboricultural contractor to carry out works. ltimately, the says the first choice when managing risks should be to undertake the works dead. tuart Parry, from ’s Forestry and Arboriculture Team, comments: “There are unfortunately still too many safety-related incidents within the industry – power lines are

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NEWS & VIEWS

a signiﬁcant ha ard within tree work. e also adds that arborists should also be aware that underground power lines can be dangerous too, and there could be a risk of contact when stump grinding, for example. or those

Cutting off power when work is in progress tuart adds that it is also vital to be aware that it is possible to have power turned oﬀ before arborists start work in ha ardous areas. uch work would typically be commissioned when trees are

arborists should also be aware that underground power lines can be dangerous too, and there could be a risk of contact when stump grinding in need of detailed information on safety distances regarding felling work, he says referring to A 4 is the way to go. e also explains that guidance on how to manage power line risks would be aimed at two distinct audiences. irstly, those who are general arborists, working for residential or business clients. econdly, those who have specialist experience working for the utility and a liated sector, which could include generation, transmission, distribution, waterways and rail infrastructure. ore detailed training should be made available and would cover underground services as well as overhead power lines. As a broad overview, he recommends a number of guides which can be downloaded free of charge. These are lectricity at work orestry (code A 4) Avoiding danger from overhead power lines (code G ) Avoiding danger from underground services (code G4 ) afety Advice for Tree ork ear verhead Power ines (available via the A).

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growing too close to powerlines and need to be cut back. or example, such a re uest could be made because of the impact of many trees for rail infrastructure purposes, but a homeowner could also have a single tree in their garden that needs cutting. A site visit will be conducted to ensure cutting oﬀ the power is the

correct course of action – both the property owner and the arborist needs to be well informed about the process and plan the work carefully around when the shut down will occur. Typically, the maximum length of time power will be switched oﬀ for is eight hours. or more information and to make an appointment with the relevant network provider, you can refer to the A’s electricity distribution map www. energynetworks.org/info/faqs/ electricity-distribution-map Choosing to specialise? ecause of the nature of the work, utility arboriculture can oﬀer a range of specialist careers. ome arborists may choose this route if they have gained more general experience elsewhere. efore entering this sector, training must be taken, and this can range from basic to advanced and should cover the e uipment

needed since this can be bespoke. There are a range of training providers but be sure to check that it is an approved course offering a ity Guilds and ased ervices (formerly the PT ) recognised ualification. hether there is only ever going to be occasional proximity to power lines, or it is a regular occurrence, there must be the highest regard for safety and understanding of what procedures to follow. There are already too many accidents happening in this risky sector, but when electricity is also involved, any error or reckless act can be perilous in the extreme. ore information can also be found via the Arboricultural Association, which runs a tility Arboriculture Group. t produces statistics on accidents and provides an extensive safety bulletin archive – find out more at www.trees.org.uk/UtilityArboriculture-Group

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NEWS & VIEWS

Academy for

arborists

THOSE AT ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE GAIN FROM QUALITY TRAINING. THE TEAM AT KINGSWOOD EXPLAIN HOW THEY CAN FAST-TRACK THEIR STUDENTS INTO THE WORLD OF WORK – PRACTISING SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY

Meet the team: Jim, Michele and Tony

et in the idyllic Kent countryside, with a beamed barn as the combined classroom and workshop, the setting of Kingswood Training is the place to come for some supreme learning in a picturesque setting. Kingswood aims to help its students become highly competent in a relatively short period of time, and this is why its combination arborist training course is so popular. Many who want to become arborists do not have the time or

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finances to cover the two years of education, typically required for full-time college courses. Instead, they want to take a short, intensive courses that provide the knowledge and skills necessary to work soon after finishing as an arborist. With Kingswood, this could happen in around six weeks or less – which makes it an attractive and a particularly practical option. Kingswood is often first port of call for those who are seeking a career change. The business is known as a centre of excellence – it offers top-quality training, whilst being a more affordable route into the sector with its highly intensive courses. Kingswood’s reputation is such that students come from all around the UK, and the world, like Australia, the US, Canada and Europe. The business was founded in June 1987 by arborist Richard Olley, just a few months before

the notorious hurricane, the Great Storm, resulted in 15 million trees being uprooted. The value of arborists was on show that summer, as they were called on to help clear up the devastation, but as the years progressed, the business grew in reputation for the expertise it imparted. From here, it began attracting students with varying needs, ranging from complete beginners to experienced practitioners needing a refresher course. Kingswood Training is now run by three directors – Michele Holmes, Tony Lucas and Jim Chatton – who work as a co-operative. They had all previously worked for Richard and took over the business when he retired last year. Running the show is something all three are ﬁnding hugely rewarding and they are already growing the business. They were involved in developing the new classroom and securing additional woodland for outdoor training, enhancing the website and attracting more students. anaging courses, the ﬂow of students, marketing and the website is Michele’s domain, along with arranging accommodation for those who need it. She has a strong love for the arb sector, stemming from experiences with her father who ran a sawmill in her native New Zealand. “We provide quick access into work as an arborist, but with training which is of the highest standard and accredited by awards

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NEWS & VIEWS

body Lantra,” says Michele. “Our instructors have years of experience and there are also independent assessments by independent NPTC (City & Guilds) to give assurance the required standard has been reached.” Once the course has ended, the NPTC assessment is booked. Candidates need to show they are fully prepared and competent. They need proficiency in nglish, and they will take the assessment on a familiar site where the course took place and using equipment they have been trained on. Kingswood does not influence the assessment, which despite being rigorous, achieves extremely high success rates, even if some – typically less than 5% – do not make the grade. “It’s obviously a shame if someone does not pass, but we won’t send anyone out to work in such a potentially dangerous sector if we are not 1 confident they can work safely. This is why an independent assessment is so important,” explains Michele. Previously, Kingswood was known for their work with a number of ex-army students. However, while these still exist, the numbers have reduced in recent years. “They no longer receive government funding, and if they need support to pay fees, this tends to come from charities such as the Royal British Legion. But, we really enjoy teaching former soldiers as they tend to have a great attitude and are very quick to learn.” Michele adds there is now a more diverse group of students and they are often people who want a career change. “The vast majority of those who come to Kingswood are very serious about wanting to become arborists

Training at Kingswood – Popular Courses Combination arborist training – four weeks This is the tried and tested course for those wanting to start a career as an arborist. It covers all the basics: chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting, felling trees, tree climbing and aerial rescue, using a chainsaw from a rope and harness, using a woodchipper, tree inspection and emergency ﬁrst aid at work. t also includes the NPTC assessments. At the end of the course (subject to the attendee passing) they will receive the necessary tickets to work as a newly ualiﬁed arborist.

erial cutting o trees with a chainsaw using ree all techni ues three a s For those who need education on removal of single limbs of tree canopy to complete removal of trees (without the use of rigging equipment), and removal of tree sections from the crown (using free-fall or hand thrown techniques). Tree hazard evaluation is taught, along with how to perform a ‘working at height’ assessment and cutting operation training using access techniques from rope and harness.

Co ine e a chainsaw aintenance felling small trees This course’s ﬁrst day is workshop based, with the remaining four days in woods, felling trees. The course covers stripping down, servicing and reassembling a chainsaw, chain sharpening, using the saw to crosscut timber, takedown of hung-up trees and learning the two specialist cuts which allow the tree to lean forwards or backwards.

is antling an rigging three a s This advanced course covers the use of specialist equipment in the tree to lower branches instead of dropping them. Dismantling involves theory, including working out the weight of timber sections, the safe conﬁgurations of e uipment, choice of craning and anchor points, as well as learning and understanding safe working loads.

erial rescue operations an tree cli ing e a s This ﬁve-day course covers the correct way to climb a tree, manoeuvre safely, and how to carry out an aerial rescue operation for an injured climber while maintaining high standards of health and safety.

se o woo chipper one a Provides attendees with guidance, training and assessment on safe use of woodchippers – with antra certiﬁcate of competence, recognised by . overs inspection and maintenance of chippers, preparation and operation.

chainsaw maintenance. “I have noticed, even with those coming for a refresher course, it’s common to have picked up bad habits, or not know how to maintain equipment properly –

if you’ve been well trained, you will have the conﬁdence to manage these and get out of them safely. Felling trees can also be extremely hazardous, which is why you see so many

there is now a more diverse group of students and they are often people who want a career change. “The vast majority of those who come to Kingswood are very serious about wanting to become arborists” and are often funding themselves – these two facts help enormously with motivation as our courses are hard work.” Instructor, Tony Lucas, explains that training takes place in a number of outdoor woods and the classroom for theory and topics such as

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Interview KR.indd 13

this adds to the risks in what is one of the most dangerous jobs going. So, we spend time putting these right and ensure that there’s an in-depth understanding of how to work in the correct manner. “It can be quite easy when you are up a tree to get into a tricky situation, but

Ready to welcome delegates: Tony and dog Bill

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NEWS & VIEWS

accidents. We train people to be well prepared and understand what could go wrong, as well as the importance of working as a team,” he says, adding that the typical ratio of instructors and student is 1:4. “We make sure there is a lot of individual attention. Students can practise something as many times as they need.” It is recommended that refresher training should be taken every few years. This is to ensure that users have the right technique and are aware of any new industry developments. or chainsaw users, Kingswood offers the +F version, named after FISA, the Forestry Industry Safety Accord, which is suited equally to arborists and forestry workers. This offers a modular approach, meaning that users only need to cover the particular areas where they need to improve or gain more knowledge. Tony and Jim lead the majority of the arborist training, although other vetted professionals are brought in when necessary, such as for first aid. im explains that first aid is viewed as essential and can literally mean saving a life. “You can be working in some remote area and be involved in a chainsaw accident, or even fall, then treatment must be given promptly – first aid knowledge is crucial for all arborists and uick action can make a huge difference. He adds: “We want our students to be professional when they start work. That means

The students in action on the course getting the basics right, such as wearing full PP and always thinking about exactly what they are doing and where. Often, a problem like kickback when using a chainsaw can occur because the user is not fully aware of how to avoid it. They could also be failing to carry out proper maintenance which can increase risk.”

the necessary standards, there’s plenty of opportunity, whether ﬁnding work for a reputable ﬁrm, setting up as an independent or working for a local authority. There’s growing awareness of the importance of trees and maintenance. t’s a complete misconception to see arborists wanting to simply fell trees – this

first aid is viewed as essential and can literally mean saving a life. “You can be working in some remote areas or in the event of a chainsaw accident or fall, then treatment must be given promptly”

Professional, friendly approach from Jim and Tony

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Interview KR.indd 14

He adds that one of the most rewarding parts of the work is seeing students develop. “It is so satisfying when attending an event like the Arb how, for example, to have people ’ve trained come up to me. Many will have been complete beginners, but they have gained their suite of tickets with us, and let me know how they’re doing. t’s fantastic to see so many thriving and working as professional arborists.” Both Tony and Jim agree that professionalism is increasingly important, along with the idea that, for those who can achieve

is often only a case when it’s a ha ard and there’s no alternative. The examples of positive feedback from former students is a testament to Kingswood’s success. Praise has been given for friendly and patient tuition that’s highly professional, and references to the life changing experience of ﬁnding a new career started as a result of passing a course. Can you change your life after four weeks? or those wanting to be ualiﬁed to work with trees, Kingswood looks like the way to do it.

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12/08/2019 09:17

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NEWS & VIEWS

at the heart of

arboriculture

LEARNING AND NETWORKING ARE SET TO BE IN ABUNDANCE AT THIS YEAR’S NATIONAL AMENITY CONFERENCE

he Arboricultural Association (AA) 2019 conference is ‘Crown and Canopy Management – Working with Nature’ and will be held at the University of Exeter on 8-11 September. The event is the UK’s biggest arboriculture conference, and includes 13 international speakers, who alongside UK based experts, will focus on the science of crown management. It will cover managing trees and tree populations, from the macro to the micro, through to canopy and crown. According to the AA, this is a topic that has an impact on all professionals involved in the tree care industry – from those dealing with policy at local, regional, national and global levels, to those who are working on individual trees, like climbing arborists, consultants, speciﬁers and practitioners. The four broad topics are as follows: • Natural function • Governance, guidance and application • Pruning methodologies • Challenging current practice.

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Arb Association KR.indd 17

The association has gathered a range of experts to present the latest research innovations and practices – challenging the ways we manage the tree crown and canopy. One highlight will be the Sunday conference, beginning with a visit to Dartington Hall Estate, Totnes (home to tree collections and innovative projects). Another, will be Dr Cecil Konijnendijk, project leader of the UFORIA (Urban Forestry Research in Action) lab at The University of British Columbia. Cecil will present a critical look at the use of canopy cover targets by governments. He said, “Canopy targets are clear and measurable, and often popular with politicians. However, on the negative side, urban forest canopy information is less useful for some urban forest beneﬁts – it can lead to over-focusing on aspects of quantity, where the functionality and resilience quality of the urban forest is just as important.” Ancient and veteran trees specialist, Vikki Bengtsson from Sweden, will challenge current practices of ‘veteranisation’ (creation of dead wood habitat on trees). Vikki explains: “Most inspiration for the techniques has come from observing natural processes.” Her presentation will include: why veteranisation is worth considering, experiences from the last 20 years, diﬀerent techni ues, and challenges. Some results from an international trial (Sweden, Norway and England) will also be presented, which was set up in 2012 – with 20 sites and 980 oak trees.”

An enlightened approach “The aim is to explore the latest understanding, theories and technologies, while looking at past and present practices, to help drive the industry towards a more enlightened approach to the urban forest,” says AA. The event, cosponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts, will provide four practical workshops on the ﬁnal day. 2018 saw a record of 426 attendees. This year is the 53rd AA conference – the ﬁrst having been held at Merrist Wood College in 1967. For more information, visit: www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 17

12/08/2019 08:39

ENTER YOURSELF OR A COLLEAGUE Who?

The rules are simple, you can nominate yourself or a colleague as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2019 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sector. Entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year.

Why?

120 winners so far

93 male 27 female 37 landscapers 27 grounds maintenance contractors 24 garden designers 16 suppliers 9 landscape architects 4 arborists 1 interior landscaper 1 head gardener 1 soil scientist

Entering 30 Under 30: The Next Generation is a great way to gain recognition for your own work or the work of someone you know. Previous winners have expressed that winning the awards is a wonderful way to enhance their careers.

How? Simply email 30u30@eljays44. com to request an entry form. Fill out the form to the best of your ability, picking out key moments from your career and showcasing some of your best work. Email the form back to 30u30@eljays44.com along with a high-resolution head shot by 30 August 2019. Proudly supported by

CONTACT DETAILS

For more information on how to enter, contact Amber Bernabe on 01903 777570 or email 30u30@eljays44.com

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15/08/2019 05/06/2019 09:23 16:39

S E R U T FEA 19 0 2 r e summ

21 > dr duncan slater’s casebook How poor pruning can seriously damage tree health – but isn’t always the end

24 > pest and disease watch

Silver leaf disease can wreak havoc – Bartlett’s Dr Glynn Percival advises how to keep it at bay

27 > opinion

Jonathan Hazell explains that environmental pressures are transforming urban planning – and there is a key role for arborists within green infrastructure

30 > Learning the ropes

Discover the right way to select the most suitable static rope – guidance from Marlow’s Paul Dyer

33 > Gaining an education

ith plenty of choice on oﬀer, how should you select the right college course?

37 > Pro arb’s 5 th year anniversary

Check out the news and views from the past ﬁve years as we celebrate our birthday

42 > business zone – the good work plan

Government changes to employment law are approaching and will impact both employers and employees

44 > business zone – risk management explained

Practical advice on reducing hazards and ﬁnding the right insurance from tephen ewis

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15/08/2019 10:49

The Arboricultural Association’s

53rd National Amenity Conference

n a g e m e nt

working with nature

8–11 September 2019

Focusing on the heart of arboriculture

Co-sponsor of The Amenity Conference 2019

University of Exeter

This year’s themes Natural function Governance, Guidance and Application Pruning Methodologies Challenging Current Practice

An exploration of the science of crown management Relevant to every level of professional arboriculture Top-rated national and international speakers

State-of-the-art Conference facilities and top trade exhibitors

Pioneering new perspectives

Great discounts available for students

The latest research and innovation

Practical workshops and demonstrations

To keep up-to-date and register for updates visit:

www.trees.org.uk/Amenity-Conference Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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15/08/2019 09:22

FEATURES

How tolerant are trees

to poor pruning? IN THE LATEST CHAPTER OF HIS CASEBOOK, DR DUNCAN SLATER ARGUES AGAINST POOR TECHNIQUE BUT SAYS TREES WHICH HAVE BEEN DAMAGED MAY BE CAPABLE OF RECOVERY If you’re a well-trained arborist, then not only should you know how to prune a tree correctly in theory, but you can also do it in practice, again and again, with few (if any) errors. But, let me tell you – if this is the case, then you’re quite the rarity. I hold a large collection of tree-related images and plenty of photos of pruning cuts and pruned trees. Sadly, the majority are of poorly enacted pruning, revealing stub cuts, flush cuts and horrendous internodal large diameter branch reductions to tree species that are not suited to such heavy reductions. Throughout this article are a few particularly ‘interesting’ tree pruning images that I hope are worth sharing. ca ore sacri ce The first set of images show a large limb removal on a mature sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), carried out ineptly. There was some breakage as the limb was cut off due to the uneven surface of the pruning wound. This is an extremely large wound on a mature tree; it was never going to close up in the 12 years since I last visited the tree. The tree is attempting closure – you can see some woundwood

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VIEWS DUNCAN SLATER

Large ‘amateur’ cut to sycamore forming slowly around the cut. The closure of pruning wounds is related to the growth rate of the tree that has been pruned. Wound closure is in fact not a wholly separate process from the growing of new layers of wood over the whole structure of the tree – it is highly-related to the rate of secondary thickening that the tree is currently achieving. Prune with poetry There’s a rhyme I’ve been working on to guide students (with a few caveats) on pruning young and mature trees: “Small cuts to a young tree will close pretty quick, Large cuts to a young tree might just make it sick,

Twelve years later Small cuts to an old tree will close in the years to come, Large cuts to an old tree – what the heck have you just done?” Topping vs. pollarding Several books and articles try to define the difference between ‘topping’ a tree and ‘pollarding’ a tree, but there can be no strong separation. Both involve removing the majority of the crown of a tree to leave a basic branch framework on the remaining tree trunk. The clearest difference between the two is that topping is arguably enacted late in the tree’s development and is a one-off action, whereas good pollarding is carried out early in the tree’s development and repeatedly.

If you’re pollarding a tree, how often should it be done? Modern Arboriculture by Alex Shigo includes the statement: “Once the framework is established [on a pollarded tree], all sprouts are cut back to the framework every year.” However, that is highly unrealistic – most cannot cope with having all their sprouts removed every year. Traditionally in the UK, ash pollards were run on a seven to 15-year cycle, based on the dimensions of the branches that the landowner wanted to obtain through the pollarding process. Hornbeam pollards (common in woodlands around London and managed for ﬁrewood production) were typically cut every 11 to 15 years. Most large-grown trees would die if you cut oﬀ all their sprouts every year. There needs to be time for the ‘re-growths’ to supply a su cient amount of carbohydrates to the tree for it to be sustained. Resilient limes Of species that can take severe pruning and repetitive short-cycle

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FEATURES

“Pollarded” lime tree pollarding, one must admire the tenacity of limes (Tilia spp.). The second image set shows a maturing small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) that was initially ‘topped’. There were some large diameter cuts to start with, recut the following year and then allowed to regrow a full crown – as can be seen 12 years later. This is certainly not professional tree work, but it does show the great tenacity of this species and how it will attempt to regrow its crown despite severe reduction. It’s important to see ‘topping’ and ‘pollarding’ as a continuum rather than setting a closed deﬁnition that separates them entirely. Poor pollarding to a tree unsuited to that treatment can be as bad, if not worse, than topping a young tree. The lime will come back from such ruthless butchery repeatedly, and for most trees, do not follow the guidance in ‘Modern Arboriculture’ concerning annual re-cutting. There needs to be su cient regrowth. he conse uences o ushing The third set of images show a four-year time-lapse of a ﬂush cut to a young oak tree (Quercus robur L.) in a churchyard near to me by an amateur. If you look at the shape of the re-growth, you can see that the top and bottom

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Twelve years later... of the wound are slower to close than the sides, because the tree’s trunk tissues have been damaged by this overly-close ﬂush cut. Even if you do a good cut based upon natural target pruning (NTP), you mustn’t expect to see a doughnut-ring of callous around every cut you’ve made the next year. A saw cut breaks the ‘sealed unit’ of a tree, lets in air and microbes to the inner back – causing that to partially die back and dry out because of the cut. It is like the cambium takes a step back before it can come forward again to occlude the wound. What would have happened if a cut based on NTP had been carried out to this tree? Firstly, the trunk would not have been

damaged directly – so that’s surely a good thing. Why damage the trunk when removing a branch? Additionally, the wound would have been smaller in diameter and would have closed quicker. t looks to me that this flush cut is going to take six to seven years to close: a correct NTP cut would have closed in three to four years. For this particular cut, where the branch was only about 750mm (3 inches) in diameter, this flush cut is not going to have big consequences for this young oak. Scale that up to a larger cut on a tree that is growing more slowly, and that difference in closure rate becomes much more important. The scientific research that backs up NTP principles is robust. If your intention is to minimise pruning wound size and the risk of infection or decay, nothing yet beats the NTP recommendations, which our current British Standard for tree pruning (BS 3998:2010) is currently based upon. hink o the conse uences When a tree is topped or heavily crown-reduced, this has lifechanging consequences for the tree. It will never return to a fully natural shape – cuts may

induce early-onset decay in the tree and, at times, re-growths may not be well-attached and can fail in strong wind. However, recovery is possible, particularly if the tree was relatively young when severe cutting was done and the re-growths managed to prevent natural bracing occurring, encouraging a suitable crown shape to develop. The species matters. Rapidly re-growing sprouts on a topped mature poplar tree will be liable to break off as decay sets in to the large diameter cuts. Slower growing shoots of a topped yew tree will cause little problem in nearly all scenarios. With urban tree populations under threat, find the willingness of some arborists to dismiss the potential value of a topped tree disturbing – many do recover to be trees of considerable aesthetic and ecological value. f an unlucky person sets off an IED, causing life-changing injuries, their life will never be the same again. However, their wounds heal and over time they make a meaningful amount of recovery. In that state, does the doctor then decide to condemn them as a ‘low-value’ person? Fortunately,

Flush cut to young oak tree

Two years later...

Four years later...

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FEATURES

August 2007 not. For trees that grow back well after such brutal pruning, I would treat them the same as that recovering human patient. Cherry on the mend Pictured above in the fourth image set is a wild cherry (Prunus avium L.), which was poorly pruned. Many with the ‘purist doctrine’ that topped trees are bad trees would have written it off. But look at its recovery 11 years later. Although its branch structure is irrevocably changed, it is a fit-for-purpose amenity tree. Some topped trees come to live a long time – including many veteran trees that are ‘ex-pollards’ or ‘ex-topped’. A good arborist should have the vision to see what a young damaged tree could turn into and not condemn every topped tree as a ‘write-off’. A good, young tree in a garden being topped is always a shame. Some can’t see the potential for such a tree to recover and be of use – that is also a shame. Both problems need addressing.

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DUNCAN SLATER.indd 23

April 2018 Learn the techniques I used to train mature students looking to obtain their Royal orestry ociety (R ) ertiﬁcate, including tree pruning techniques. I tended to concentrate on NTP techniques as the course expected students to be able to prune forestry trees. NTP is ideal for that, as it minimises damage to

the trees and helps generate knotfree timber as the trees grow. have used a apanese pullsaw for pruning minor branches since 1993. I knew it would be more eﬀective than other handsaws or bowsaws. They are sharp and good at achieving smooth, straight cuts, based on the principle of cutting the

branch when pulling – rather than cutting when pushing. The fifth and final image set highlights a wild cherry tree I pruned with my pull-saw as a demo for my RFS students, where cuts had occluded well. If you were to cut down this tree and split those old branch junctions open, you would only find some minor discoloration in the wood: no significant areas of decay no significant problems that would affect the tree in later life. The information about how to get it right is out there, supported by science as well as many well- ualified trainers. et poor tree pruning persists and is the ‘norm’ in many private gardens. Perhaps this is one reason that the arboriculture industry should be more regulated. Fixing boilers requires being on the Gas Safe Register, so perhaps arborists should have a tree pruning licence before they can start work? Duncan Slater is senior lecturer in arboriculture at Myerscough College

Pruning cuts to Prunus avium

Ten years later...

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 23

12/08/2019 08:58

FEATURES

PDEISSEATSE

w at c h

Taking the shine

off silver leaf THIS COMMONPLACE FUNGAL DISEASE CAN WREAK HAVOC WITH A RANGE OF POPULAR TREES AND SHRUBS. GLYNN PERCIVAL REPORTS ON IDENTIFICATION, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OPTIONS these damaged cells, giving a silvery effect to infected foliage. eanwhile, sucking insects such as mites and thrips can also cause a similar silvering effect. There can also be a suggestion of silver leaf if a tree is damaged through extreme cold or hot weather, drought or malnutrition. owever, these would not cause branch dieback or produce bracket fungi, and this is important to remember for identification purposes. ithin affected trees, leaves over the whole tree may be silvered if the fungus enters through a large wound, while entry through smaller wounds may produce symptoms on ust one branch. The extent of silvering depends on tree species, age, vigour and the degree of infection. ome species, such as apples, show some silvering symptoms and then recover, although others become progressively more silvered and die.

Silver leaf on plum

ue to the hot, dry summer last year and the wetter and milder weather so far in 2019, we are seeing huge outbreaks of silver leaf disease (Chondrostereum purpureum) on a wide variety of different trees. Silver leaf is a worldwide fungal disease found in temperate climates. ne species susceptible to silver leaf fungal attack is plum trees, such as the ictoria. ut it also affects many others, including apple, pear, cherry, poplar, willow, hawthorn, laburnum, eucalyptus, rhododendron, currants, gooseberries and rose species. In addition, the fungus can move between different host plants. or example, silver leaf on peach could also then cross-infect an apple. t seems that pear trees are less

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Glynn Percival.indd 24

susceptible, though. hile silver leaf can be extremely damaging, it is not a notifiable disease. What are the symptoms? The silver leaf fungus enters the tree through wounds caused by mechanical, animal or environmental damage. The initial stages of decay appear as a reddish-brown stain. As decay advances, though, the stain disappears, and the wood becomes bleached. n the final stages of decay, wood is dry, light in weight, and white-mottled to pale yellow in colour. The characteristic symptom of silver leaf is a silvery sheen on the foliage. ungal toxins and enzymes in the sap produced by the silver leaf fungus damage leaf cells. ight reflects through

What harm is caused? The consequences of silver leaf infection include: reduced leaf photosynthetic area; death of leaf cells leading to a loss of nutrient reserves and subsequent plant starvation and death; Reduced root growth, causing poor nutrition and increased susceptibility to Phytophthora root rot diseases and tree death. ruit is also aﬀected – they will be reduced in si e and colour, and storage ability is impacted. What is the silver leaf causal agent? racket-like leaf shaped fruiting bodies form on dead wood. The fruiting bodies produce spores which are carried by wind and enter wounds caused by pruning or mechanical and

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FEATURES

Advanced stages of Silver leaf infection include leaf browning and necrosis ©Patrick Neech sure to carry out pruning of susceptible plants during the growing season (spring and Symptoms of Silver leaf on plum ©Patrick Neech summer) when fewer spores animal damage. In some cases, the fungus will are present in the atmosphere and pruning continue to spread and eventually kill the host. wounds, the main point of entry for spores Rainy, foggy or humid days with no wind or sun heal quicker. are ideal for spore release and infection. here silver leaf develops, the aﬀected Spore discharge starts with the onset of branch should be removed as a priority. rain, peaks several hours later and continues Branches should be removed at a point 10 as long as relative humidity stays above 75% to 15cm beyond the area where the staining

Rainy, foggy or humid days with no wind or sun are ideal for spore release and infection and the fruiting bodies remain hydrated, meaning they are soft and ﬂexible to touch. Spore release, and hence the risk of infection, is highest at night. Advice on management Since the fungus produces most of its infectious spores in autumn and winter, be

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Glynn Percival.indd 25

in the internal tissues ceases and the cutting equipment should then be disinfected. Be sure to dispose of the pruned material immediately (such as through burning or chipping) as fruiting bodies will still form if left lying on the ground. Following removal, protecting pruning wounds using fungicide paints is recommended.

Because pruning can allow the fungus to enter a branch, try to prune between June and August. This is when fruit trees produce gum in their tissues, making them more resistant to the spread of silver leaf fungal threads. Caution should be exercised outside these months, particularly if other trees are showing evidence of silver leaf. Be aware as well that plant vigour is an important factor in increasing resistance to attack and/or reduce the severity of symptoms. Keeping vigour high can be achieved by fertilisation, watering and mulching, while phosphite sprays and/or soil drenches to stimulate tree vitality are also recommended. If the tree or shrub succumbs to the disease and dies, it is necessary to remove and burn it. When removing it, either remove the stump, or cover these with soil to smother the fruiting bodies and prevent further infection. Dr Glynn Percival is plant physiologist/technical support specialist at Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory www.bartletttree.co.uk

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 25

12/08/2019 09:01

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15/08/2019 31/07/2019 09:24 11:22

FEATURES

A guide to green infrastructure

WITH GROWING AWARENESS OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, THERE IS NOW A MORE ENLIGHTENED PLANNING RESPONSE – AND THE ARBORIST COMMUNIT Y ALSO HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY

t’s impossible to ignore the massive impact our species has had on the environment, from growing evidence of climate change because of the production of greenhouse gases, to the devasting eﬀect of vast amounts of plastic ‘bobbing around’ in the oceans. At last there is now action being taken as politicians start to listen, which can be seen in changes within the planning system. Proposed schemes must now ensure there is a cumulative gain of biodiversity, based on an interpretation of the best available advice, if approval is to be granted. One phrase which now pops up more frequently is

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Jonathan Hazell.indd 27

‘green infrastructure’. Green is used to refer to ecology and the environment, and includes wetlands, rivers and canals. You might also hear ‘blue infrastructure’ when solely referring to water. ‘Grey infrastructure’ tends to be an engineered solution for a single problem or function, encompassing buildings, roads, sewers, power, and so on. Natural England talks of green infrastructure as a “strategically planned and delivered network of high-quality green spaces and other environmental features designed and managed as a multifunctional resource.” In simpler language, green infrastructure refers to the parks,

playing ﬁelds, highway verges, private gardens, allotments and cemeteries that surround us. Many of these amenities were introduced by the Victorians for the public good – there was a growing awareness that if people could stay healthier, they could also be more productive at work. As our urban areas are becoming ever-more densely populated, those green spaces are becoming more valuable, and so government policy has shifted to help make towns and cities better places to live and work. So, how can green infrastructure be seen in the planning process? Planners will always seek ustiﬁcation. Take the retention of a single mature oak

VIEWS

JONATHAN HAZELL

tree in a new housing scheme – this could, for example, depend on it being physically linked to other areas of open space, or if it is used as navigation for bats. Roots in the past Green infrastructure may be higher proﬁle now, as are environmental concerns and the impact of climate change, but it is not a new strategy. In the Seventies, ideas were published for a ‘strategic approach’ to landscape planning that would deliver a range of beneﬁts. n the Nineties, the idea of an integrated

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FEATURES

approach to land conservation and land use planning began to emerge in the USA and the UK. In the early years of the 21st century, the UK government published a range of documents that spoke of the benefits of sustainable development and green infrastructure. In 2008, Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Spatial Planning was published, to be superseded in 2012 when the National Planning Policy Framework was first published as a response to the Sustainable Development trategy, setting out five principles of sustainable development. Design-led development We could see green infrastructure thinking in action, and back in the Eighties the design-led vision for development corporations, like Milton Keynes, spoke of strings (links) and beads (areas of special interest) as well as points of connection (links between the grey and the green). Since the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006,

Understanding planning and ecosystems In 2009, Natural England’s Green nfrastructure Guidance deﬁned ecosystem services as ‘the essential services and beneﬁts that are derived from a fully functioning natural environment, including the management of

stronger policies put the environment front and centre of planning each local authority had a suite of policies that, taken together, deal with sustainable development, underpinning the sustainability of a town or city, and include resilience to the eﬀects of climate change and conserving biodiversity. Stronger policies put the environment front and centre of planning, from policy to development control to enforcement. However, with austerity policies, the translation of the policy’s ambition into the built form is unpredictable.

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Jonathan Hazell.indd 28

basic resources such as water, and the sequestration of carbon.’ However, it is not easy to compare and contract the value of diﬀerent species and habitats when it comes to development. Think of the incredibly rare beetles in the oaks at Moccas Park in Herefordshire or the management of a landscape to care for wood white butterﬂies? Arborists will also be aware of this as they need to balance competing interests of trees with society. Does a retained single, mature, oak tree amongst

a development of detached villas provide green infrastructure, or is it simply a sop? ould a designed approach make a better contribution toward a resilient, future-proofed landscape? There can be many challenges, but some may imagine that simply having more trees is a good thing. Likewise, pruning should be about providing a positive benefit and not to be done so savagely that benefits of the tree were reduced. Certainly, many arborists would support more planting and better tree care, but they should be the right species in the right place, as well as being well managed to establish and thrive. Guidance exists on choices that will help to deliver a sustainable landscape. The Tree and Design Action Group (TDAG) has published Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure while archam offers pecies election, a guide to informed decisions. Another win would be to be supportive of the retention of older trees in the landscape. The

Ancient Tree Forum has published plenty of well-researched guidance to encourage retention where practicable. Our role can encompass green infrastructure as the advocates for the tree, promoting management as part of a multi-disciplinary approach, based on evidence and learning. So, when we consider green infrastructure it might not always be the obvious. Would the retention of woodland – neglected spaces in particular – provide as much green infrastructure as a well-treed urban street? An isolated oak may give fewer overall environmental beneﬁts than a newly implemented landscape, especially a well-designed one that provides a network of links, threading across a site and linking it to the wider open spaces beyond. Images ©Destination Milton Keynes Jonathan Hazell is an arboricultural consultant. jhazell.com

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WHAT CONSTITUTES GREAT PRODUCT DESIGN? PAUL DYER HAS THE ANSWERS, BUT AS HE ALSO EXPLAINS, SELECTING THE BEST IN STATIC ROPE CAN BE AN EXERCISE IN COMPROMISE

any of the requirements a rope must meet are achieved at the expense of another desirable property. So, for this reason, published performance figures do not tell the whole story. t is necessary to dig deeper into the actual design of the rope to really understand why certain compromises are necessary. Material Static ropes are normally made from polyamide (nylon) in order to maximise the energy absorbed in the event of a fall. t is possible to use polyester in some designs, but the dynamic performance is often very poor. Nylon has unparalleled ability to stretch and soak up a fall, but this comes at a price in regard to some of its other properties. ost noticeably, nylon is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) and is affected by water. This will cause the rope to shrink along its length and become stiffer after soaking – some users actually pre-shrink

Pro Arb | Summer 2019

Rope Climbing.indd 30

their ropes by soaking and drying before use. t is possible to combine materials such as polyester covers and nylon cores, but this must be done with caution. f the core shrinks and the cover does not, then sheath slip can become a problem. n addition, low melt point materials such as polypropylene are not allowed by 1 91, the arborist climbing line standard.

level of the core is another compromise highly twisted cores aid drop performance and oﬀer higher elongation, while lower twist is stronger and provides less elongation. A good rope will have an equal (or thereabouts) number of cores

Core tandards allow the designer considerable flexibility with respect to the cores and they can be any si e and construction. n most static rope designs, the cores are the primary load bearing part of the rope. arger cores are faster and therefore cheaper to produce, but they do not give the same fine control over the diameter as smaller cores. Smaller cores tend to produce rounder rope that is more supple and less prone to lumps when bending. Twisted cores are normally in the form of three strand sub-ropes. ike a rope, they should be balanced and should not have a tendency to twist or hockle. t is possible to make a static rope product with single twist cores, but this rope would likely lose performance over time – with the only obvious benefit to doing this being price. The twist

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Parameters tested for in BS EN 1891 Diameter Measured at a reference tension of 10kg, average of six measurements – must be between 8.5mm and 16mm diameter. Knotability nsuring the rope is flexible and can be knotted. The internal diameter of an overhand knot must not exceed the diameter of the rope multiplied by 1.2. Sheath slippage Measurement of relative movement between core and cover. This must be below 2% to ensure cover will not bunch up in use. Elongation Simulates the rope ascension load using weights of 50kg to 150kg. Elongation must not increase length by more than 5%. twisted in either direction, this ensures the rope has no tendency to twist over its lifetime. Cover For most designs, the purpose of the cover is to protect the core. There is a balance to be achieved between a thin cover that provides minimal protection, but allows for more load bearing core material, and a thick protective cover that leaves little space for the core. Most static rope designs opt for a 16-plait cover made on a 32 carrier braiding machine (sometimes erroneously referred to as 32-plait). The same machine can also make true 32-plait covers if the carriers are run in a different configuration. t is also possible to make a rope with a thicker cover and less carriers; Marlow’s Diablo is an example of a 24-plait rope made on 24 carrier machines, while 40 or 48 carrier machines can achieve thinner covers. To achieve optimal durability, the cover yarns should be twisted. This ensures that any filament breaks that occur from abrasion will form a protective ‘fuzz’ on the rope surface. Performance To pass BS EN 1891, the rope must meet nine tested parameters. These are often a compromise, as achieving success with one

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Rope Climbing.indd 31

parameter may result in poor performance on another. For example, the static elongation with loads from 50kg to 150kg must be less than 5% – a low elongation here results in a low stretch rope that is e cient to climb on. However, it may also result in a high impact force and poor dynamic performance. Rope designers may decide to optimise a rope’s design to excel in one or more of these properties to the detriment of others. Part of the skill is achieving the right balance. This includes the ‘feel’ of the rope, durability and compatibility – the published ﬁgures can only ever tell part of the story. Paul Dyer is technical manager for Marlow Ropes. www.marlowropes.co.uk

ABOUT Marlow Ropes is a world leading manufacturer of specialist synthetic fibre ropes and assemblies including static LSK rope. The range of CE & NFPA certified access and rescue ropes is intended for rope access professionals. As well as semi-static, dynamic and specialist ropes for abseiling, it manufactures and supplies fire and rescue lines that conform to British and European standards. Marlow’s range of rope access products excels in design, quality and performance.

Core/cover ratio This requirement is designed to ensure the rope has a load bearing core and that the cover is su ciently thick to provide protection. Impact force Peak load seen when 100kg (80kg for type B) is dropped through a fall factor of 0.3. Dynamic performance The rope must survive at least ﬁve fall factor single drops with 100kg drop mass (80kg for type B). Static strength without terminations The rope must have a strength exceeding 22kN. Static strength with terminations The rope must have a strength exceeding 15kN. n addition to these, the following parameters are also tested, but there is no requirement to pass. Shrinkage A percentage indication of how much a rope will shrink in service. Mass Rope mass is measured at reference tension, typically calculated and expressed per meter.

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 31

12/08/2019 09:30

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FEATURES

Open the door

to a world of learning FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES ACROSS THE UK OFFER AN EXCELLENT RANGE OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND, PROVIDING YOU CHOOSE CAREFULLY, THERE IS EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME TOP OF THE TREE

here are a number of routes to becoming an arborist, and some ama ing colleges in the K which offer courses covering all aspects – some lasting three years, others just a day. ecoming a student can involve financial sacrifice, and some may be desperate to put the classroom behind them if they didn’t en oy school. ut, because there are so many courses on offer, and with colleges providing a

bad or dangerous habits, and obtaining work because customers don’t think to ask if they are ualiﬁed (and who then fre uently are disappointed by the standard of work). Starting out The Arboricultural Association (AA) – at www.trees.org.uk – has a useful guide to ualiﬁcations on its website. t then makes sense to check out colleges to see what is on

there are so many courses on offer and colleges offer a vastly different learning environment to school vastly different learning environment to school, gaining an education in arboriculture is hugely enjoyable for many. For those who perhaps struggled with nglish and aths, some colleges offer additional help in these areas alongside the arb study – they provide plenty of support to develop knowledge and become proficient. Yet, despite this, there are plenty of individuals, often working as ‘tree surgeons’, who have never taken a course. nstead, they will have learned on the ob, often picking up

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Industry Courses KR.indd 33

oﬀer. roadly, tuition covers from evel 1 for complete beginners, to evel which is aimed at postgraduates. t could be that a local college oﬀers the ideal course, whereas in other cases, it may be necessary to move. A number of the larger courses have student accommodation and bursaries available to help with expenses. Applying early to secure both a place and accommodation is always a wise move, as places will be numbered. or example, Kingston Maurward College in Dorset has

A student scales upwards on his course at Kingston Maurward College around 50 rooms for students, Plumpton ollege in ast ussex can accommodate 203 students, Sparsholt College in Hampshire can house 400, while Reaseheath College in heshire can house 1, . What’s right for you? There is no one si e ﬁts all when it comes to arb courses, and there is no recommended study route. So, some may wonder whether it is worth taking a two-year course, when others

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 33

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FEATURES

this, there’s the option to take a Level 3 course: the Advanced Diploma, again, either part-time or full-time for a year.

Making the cut – students saw ahead at Capel Manor College (at a lower level) will only study for a year. It could be that work is readily found after a oneyear course, and following this, top-up training can be taken while working. thers may find that a two-year course offers far more scope to learn about the sector in depth. Meanwhile, some may opt to study for a year, then decide to study for a higher ualification at a later date. apel anor offers the same course either full-time or part-time. Its Level 1 course: Introduction to Tree Surgery Land-Based Diploma, provides training in the practical skills (such as basic tree climbing) and machinery. This is suited to those with no experience, and can be taken over a year, either full-time or one day a week. On successful completion of this, students can then take the Arboriculture and Forestry xtended ntermediate ertificate ( evel 2) to include more technical training, on either a part-time or full-time one-year basis. Following

Pro Arb | Summer 2019

Industry Courses KR.indd 34

pprenticeships on offer The AA’s website also outlines apprenticeship options that are available at a number of colleges which have arrangements to connect with local employers over the apprenticeship period. This would typically be for two years, with study at the college on set days. A new standard was launched in une 2 1 , to make the training better-suited to deliver the skills which employers require. There are advantages in taking an apprenticeship, from being able to earn whilst learning, to gaining work experience, but it can depend on what employers have available and whether the student is a good ﬁt.

its fast track option should make the student employable as an arborist after completion. Most of the training is based on passing the industry recognised PT ualifications, in areas such as using a chainsaw, felling trees, climbing, using a MEWP and wood chipper, among others. Students are required to have their own PPE, but climbing equipment, chainsaws and tools are provided. Great people, great training Before booking any course, there is no substitute for visiting the college in person and ideally speaking to tutors and other students. Enquiries should also be made into what happens when students have left – have they found it easy to find work? Some colleges have excellent connections with local employers and can advise on where suitable positions for college graduates and leavers are available. Laura Daykin, who works in marketing for Kingston Maurward College, says she was taught the basics in climbing by one of the tutors to help her find out more about arborist work. “Our instructors had me climbing a tree solo by the end of a three-hour session – they are awesome, and apart from the great teaching, they also work in the industry, as well as teaching, which really helps students.”

There are advantages in taking an apprenticeship from able to earn while you learn to gaining work experience, but it can depend on what employers have available and whether the student is a good fit for the business ome colleges offering apprenticeships, include: Askham Bryan College in York, Capel Manor College, and Cornwall College. Intensive options ome may find an apprenticeship restrictive, or perhaps they are older and want to complete training over a shorter period of time, which is why taking a short course may be the best route. Plumpton College is among those offering intensive courses, and

Kingston aurward offers an apprenticeship and full-time courses lasting either a year (Level 2) or two years ( evel 3). t also offers a number of short courses aimed at those already in work who need to boost their skills, such as chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting, stump grinding and aerial tree rigging. Out and about According to Liz Green of Reaseheath College, many students find work once they have

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FEATURES

completed their studies, while others choose to study arb, forestry or woodland ecology at a higher level. She adds that the variety of study is what appeals to many students, from the practical aspects of climbing, to learning about conservation and supporting the local community with real-life arb projects. There are also trips taken to estates throughout the country to look at tree management as well as going to related events. The most popular course offered at Reaseheath is the two-year Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, which features topics such as tree science and woodland management, in addition to all the other core skills required by an arborist. Former student Tom Bithell, who completed the course in 2018, found work as a trainee arborist with the taffordshire firm, Arb Tree

Care, and comments: “Being at college and gaining a greater understanding of the skills and safety around climbing has really helped build my conﬁdence. knew liked working with trees, but wanted to explore the arboriculture industry further. found really en oyed climbing, which was especially surprising as ’m actually scared of heights. t was through meeting people on my course that came across the opportunity to work for Arb Tree are. ’m excited to see where my career will take me next.”

the age of 40 or younger, because they no longer have the re uired fitness, or might have sustained an injury. adlow ollege in Kent offers a full-time, two-year evel 3 Technical ualification in Forestry & Arboriculture, which covers aspects such as tree felling and chainsaws, plant and soil science, as well as a skill set sought by employers. Leavers have taken arborist roles, but also work for the National Trust, wildlife conservation organisations, local authorities and landscaping firms.

Thinking ahead Gaining an education is an investment for the future. t is also worth thinking about courses that offer a breadth of training so that a working life can be both long and fulfilling. Those who climb and carry out the most arduous tasks will often find they need to stop, usually before

tu ing or long ter ene ts Deciding which college and course is suitable requires a great deal of study in itself, but certainly, many who chose to learn about working with trees seriously are most likely to reap the beneﬁts over a longer and more rewarding career.

Making the cut – students saw ahead at Capel Manor College

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Industry Courses KR.indd 35

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 35

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CELEBRATING

YEARS OF

Thank you to all of our readers! Pro Arb 5 years.indd 37

12/08/2019 09:23

EX CL US IV E

October 2014 Russell Horsey, former deputy director of the ICF, spoke exclusively to Pro Arb about the beneﬁts of the nstitute

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2015 | July

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July 2016 We spoke to Karen Martin as she stepped down from her position as CEO of the Arboriculture Association, interviewing new CEO Stewart Wardrop later in the year

| April 2016

d 14

Tree Charter.ind

April 2016 A National Tree Charter was proposed, so we explored the main aims and key principles

July 2015 Exclusive results from a survey about education and training were revealed

May 2016 Vice chair of the LTOA, John Parker, talked to us about training, the industry, and the EU referendum August 2015 30 Under 30: The Next Generation was launched to highlight those up-andcoming in the industry

September 2014 Pro Arb launched its ﬁrst issue.

Arb

plan, plan t, preserve

SEPTEMBER

LAUNCH ISS

UE WELCOME TO A BRAND NEW MAGAZIN E

February 2015 Arboriculture Association CEO Karen Martin shared how the AA is making a diﬀerence

The dawn of a

APF 2014

What you can expect from this year’s exhibition, including exhibitors, seminars, and competitions

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BUSINESS TIPS

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Pro Arb conducted market to determinea survey into the state of the whether 2015 a better year has been for the industry than at whether this trend will continue2014, and looks into 2016. Respondents included

PRO ARB SUR VEY 2015

Tree surgeons

TURNOVER

Is 2015’s turnover up on 2014?

CHAINSAWS

Tree surgeons • New teams set • New business up won

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| May

2016

11:46

January 2017 Pro Arb published an exclusive market report on what’s next for the arboriculture industry

Consultants

BUSINES

Have you bought

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ARB S NEXT FOT R TH INDUORICULTUE STRY RE ?

Arborists • Proactive in the marketplace • Continuing to win work Consultants • Taking on more • Revival of the projects building trade • Expansion of commercial client portfolio

Consultants

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Pro Arb

Why?

• Greater number of projects • Proactive marketing • Knock-on eff ect of increase in building

15:49

Arborists

Tree surgeons • Increased market • Rise in number share of contracts available

Arborists • Good reputation • Customer retention

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PREVEN TO PRE TING NEW VENT PES LOSING TS AND A LOT DISEASES. OF KEY SPE SPECIE CIES SUC S IN THE H AS ASH COUNTR Y

12/08/2019 09:26

PRO ARB

MAY 2018 P R O F ES S I O NAL TR FOR T REE E E C A R E SURGE ONS

TH E 20 18

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May 2018 Pro Arb underwent its biggest redesign to date, with a new look as well as a new logo

October 2017 Glendale told us why it has invested so much into its apprenticeship scheme

2017

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March 2017 The design of Pro Arb is tweaked – featuring new typefaces – and is split into three sections: news, features and kit

April 2017 We looked at the tree planting plans for the HS2 train line route, speaking with rural landscape manager Steve Fancourt

January/February 2018 Stefano Boeri spoke to us about Milan’s Bosco Verticale, a building covered which hosts 900 trees, and we delved into the gender gap with our feature on Women in Arb

February 2019 The winners of the two new arboriculture categories were announced at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards – Tim Moya Associates and Gristwood & Toms

February 2018 Gristwood & Toms, in partnership with Bristol City Council, won the Industry Partnership category at the inaugural Pro Landscaper Business Awards, as well as the Supreme Award

November 2017 Pro Arb spoke to Tree Aid for the organisation’s 30th anniversary

May 2019 We covered late payments, unpaid leave, and apprenticeships, as well as the newly launched Tcert ualiﬁcation

PRO ARB

November/December 2018 Capel Manor College talks about providing opportunities for the next generation of arborists

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12/08/2019 09:28

CELEBRATING 112,529 visitors to the Pro Arb website since the ﬁrst issue was printed 129,298 page views on the Pro Arb website since the ﬁrst issue was printed

YEARS OF

21% of our online audience is aged between 25 and 34

52 issues of Pro Arb produced since September 2014 (inc. ummer 2 19) 85 nstagram posts from Pro Arb

67.4% of website visitors are male

2,383 pages in total

4,174 tweets sent by Pro Arb

3 appearances at the APF for Pro Arb

68 pages the biggest issue we’ve produced

2 Arb Association CEOs have been in the seat since our ﬁrst issue 6 appearances at the Arb Show

465 people following Pro Arb on Facebook

3,577 views on the Pro Arb’s website most-read story

All statistics correct at time of print

Pro Arb stats.indd 40

14/08/2019 10:51

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BUSINESS ZONE | FEATURES

Get to grips with the Good Work Plan IF YOU EMPLOY STAFF THEN KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH THE LAW IS IMPORTANT – ALAN PRICE HAS GUIDANCE ON SOME APPROACHING CHANGES

ave you heard of the government’s Good Work Plan? This focuses on the UK labour market’s future and brings changes to employment law. Some of these are to be enforced from 2020, with others already in force. So, if you employ people, then being informed on this matters. The Good Work Plan is the government’s response to the Taylor Review, a project which took place in 2017, that looked at the country’s employment practices to see if change was required. Many of its proposals are now set to be implemented. The aim is to provide workers with fairer conditions and better communication between management and staﬀ. There is also emphasis on more vulnerable workers, such as those on zero hours contracts and those who have less employment protection.

are casual, with a payslip and for those who are part-time, it should show the number of hours they are being paid for.

There is also emphasis on more vulnerable workers such as those on zero hours contracts and those who have less employment protection Some of these proposals may appear less relevant for the arb sector. For example, it will now be required for tips to be passed on directly to the individual – so this could be waiting staﬀ and hairdressers – rather than taken by the employer. However, were you also aware that from April, employers were subject to new payslip regulations? This means that you must already be providing all workers, including those who

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Other aspects of the plan include: Statement of main terms From 6 April 2020, employees will have a day-one right to be provided with a document that outlines their main terms of employment. This should be detailed to show information such as, training entitlements, maternity and paternity leave and probationary periods. If you have a standard terms of employment template that is provided to staﬀ, then now is the

time to make sure it is updated if necessary, and this change could well mean a higher administrative burden. Holiday pay The mandatory reference period for calculating holiday pay will also increase under the plan. From 6 April 2020, employers will have to use a reference period of 52 weeks, as opposed to 12, when calculating holiday pay for staﬀ who work irregular hours, or whose pay may vary due to overtime. Ahead of this, employers will need to ensure the correct mechanisms are in place to accurately record all working time, while also reconsidering how regularly overtime is oﬀered in the intervening months, as this may lead to increased holiday pay in the future. The government is also expected to announce a holiday pay awareness campaign.

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12/08/2019 08:43

FEATURES | BUSINESS ZONE

Agency workers f you use staff from agencies, then they will have the right to receive a key information document, that includes clear details of the nature of the work they are accepting, while the use of the so-called ‘ wedish erogation odel’ contracts will also be banned. This referred to the fact that previously, those who had a permanent contract with an agency, were entitled to full employment rights but not pay, and this meant they could potentially be worse off than those working directly for a business. owever, from 3 April, agencies will now need to provide such workers with a written statement, explaining that they are now entitled to the same basic pay as a direct recruit after 12 weeks on assignment. More contract stability Another future change will be the right for all workers to re uest a more stable contract after 2 weeks’ service, however, an implementation date for this has yet to be announced. The idea behind this is to allow those in insecure employment – such as those on ero hours contracts - to re uest a more fixed-working pattern, such as agreeing on a minimum

number of hours each week or set working days. t makes sense for employers to consider how they could do this and be ready to hear and decide re uests. t is likely the process will work similarly to the right to re uest ﬂexible

The aim is to stop employers being able to rely on a one-week gap – some ﬁrms would abuse the system by dismissing employees and then re-engage, but at the same time reducing their employment rights. hile

The aim is to stop employers being able to rely on a one-week gap – some firms would abuse the system by dismissing employees and then re-engage, but at the same time reducing their employment rights working – unless there is a strong reason for preventing a worker from doing this, then employers should seek to accommodate such re uests. Continuity of service This will allow workers to establish continuity of service more easily. The ualifying ‘break in service’ is currently one week but will be extended to four weeks from April 2 2 – this means an employee will generally have continuity of service, even if they have gaps in work (of up to this amount).

there are larger arborist companies, many businesses within the sector do not have R professionals working for them, and their processes may be lax – combined with a lack of knowledge. ut, making errors in this area can result in some serious conse uences, and with introduction of more stringent legislation, the government is turning the spotlight on employment practices. This will include stronger enforcement of tribunal awards and increasing tribunal ﬁnes for employers. There is also the intention to ‘name and shame’ employers who fail to employ awards and to make it easier for successful claimants to enforce payment. There will be sanctions levied onto employers who lose a second tribunal, if it’s decided that it’s on similar grounds to a previous claim – even though this may not always be straightforward to prove. The maximum penalty for aggravated breaches of employment rights has also risen from 5, to 2 , . Taking advice could well be worthwhile, and you can ﬁnd out more at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ good-work-plan/good-work-plan

Alan Price is Peninsula’s employment law director. Launched in 1983, the company oﬀers R, employment law, tax and payroll advice, employee assistance programmes, and health and safety support and training. www.peninsulagrouplimited.com info@peninsula-uk.com

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12/08/2019 08:44

BUSINESS ZONE | FEATURES

A policy

fit for purpose THOSE WORKING WITHIN THE INSURANCE SECTOR ARE WELL PLACED TO WITNESS THAT ARBORICULTURE IS A RISKY BUSINESS. SO, HAVING THE RIGHT COVER MATTERS, AND IF A CLAIM NEEDS TO BE MADE IT IS VITAL TO HAVE STAYED WITHIN THE POLICY’S LIMITS TO ENSURE IT WILL BE PAID. STEPHEN LEWIS OFFERS SOME EXPERT ADVICE

ven when the risks are considered in isolation, the stakes within arboriculture are high. Falls from heights and working with dangerous equipment, to falling debris, exposure to power lines and musculoskeletal strain are amongst the occupational hazards. This is why risk management and obtaining the right level of cover is of paramount importance for workers

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in this sector. In the event of an insurance claim, businesses are expected to demonstrate that they took all the necessary precautions to limit risk and adhered to absolutely all health and safety regulations. erial work ake sure the polic ts The hazardous nature of tree surgery means that workers, particularly those who climb on

a regular basis, are particularly vulnerable to enduring life-altering or fatal injuries. The cost of personal injury claims continues to rise, and past claims following a fall from a tree have been settled in excess of £9m. So, it is imperative that the right level of cover is obtained. Speak to your insurance broker or provider to check if there are any policy exclusions or restrictions, such as height limits on the policy, whether it excludes damage or injury within a particular distance from the tree, or if it stipulates that work should be undertaken in a specific way. Making a claim is often done during stressful circumstances – this will only be compounded if an insurer withdraws cover because the policy had restrictions or exclusions that were not known to the policyholder. For example, this could happen if a landscaper’s policy specifically excluded aerial tree work. If an accident involving a fall was to occur, the employer could be left to deal with the claim themselves, putting their business and personal property at risk and at a serious financial disadvantage. Therefore, checking the specifics – and level – of cover should be a key priority. For employers t is also important to check the differences between types of insurance policies and take advice on what is necessary. For example, there is often a misunderstanding in the industry around the need for employers’

WWW.PROARBMAGAZINE.COM

12/08/2019 08:40

FEATURES | BUSINESS ZONE

liability insurance. There is an assumption that businesses which engage the use of labouronly sub-contractors – which is commonly the case in arboriculture and forestry industries – are not subject to being liable, with many instead opting out of buying such cover. However, this is not the case, as anyone who works under the control of the business, supervision or direction – or anyone using their equipment – would be deemed a temporary employee. It is the responsibility of the business to arrange this cover, where necessary, or they could face prosecution under the Health and Safety legislation for non-compliance with the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory) Insurance Act 1969, as well as dealing with the claim from the injured party should an incident occur. Speak to a specialist broker and familiarise yourself with the diﬀerent policies, from public liability to professional indemnity, and seek advice on whether you would need this cover or if you happen to have any gaps. If you have a claim Risk assessments and contingency plans help to ensure controls are in place, as well as to ensure a uick and e cient response in the event of an incident and create a paper-based evidence trail of health and safety adherence. Furthermore, all workers will be familiar with the task at hand, their individual responsibilities, the associated risks and will be fully aware of what to do in the event of an emergency. The importance of this cannot be overstated when time is of the essence. For example, before commencement of any work, checks should be in place to ensure all

and adjustable lanyards – should meet the necessary safety standards and should not be tampered with or altered. Workers should be fully trained and competent in the use of all equipment and understand the limitations associated with each item’s use, such as height, load, and slack limitations. All e uipment should be ﬁt for purpose, checking for excessive wear, damage or defects before and after every use. Any equipment that is defective should be destroyed or clearly marked as not for use to avoid it being used by mistake. While conducting work in the tree, secure and

checks should be in place to ensure all necessary pPE is worn by workers, and other essentials, such as a first aid kit, whistle and phone or two-way radio, are carried by the climber necessary PPE is worn by workers, and other essentials, such as a ﬁrst aid kit, whistle and phone or two-way radio, are carried by the climber. All climbing equipment – including fallprotection systems, work-positioning systems,

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BZ Arb Cover.indd 45

safe attachment, suitable anchor points and considered movement should be top of the agenda, and operations should be continually assessed to ensure they are carried out in a controlled, safe manner.

The aforementioned may seem self-evident and overly prescriptive, but ensuring standards do not slip and creating documentary evidence that all safety procedures were followed will help businesses in the event of a claim. If an accident occurs and the policyholder cannot provide proof that the injured party was shown a site-speciﬁc risk assessment or other supporting documentation, it makes the insurer’s job of defending a claim even more di cult, if not impossible, regardless of circumstances. Policyholders who can demonstrate a diligent approach to health and safety and fully comply with industry and insurer’s standards may also beneﬁt from policy discounts. Of course, working in the arboriculture industry is varied, and each business will have its own complex needs and ways of operating. But, if businesses take a robust, evidentiary approach to health and safety and regularly review their current policies to ensure they are not left vulnerable, they are on good footing when it comes to being protected. Stephen Lewis is an arboricultural and forestry insurance specialist with broker Arbcover.

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 45

12/08/2019 08:42

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Ksumi tmer 2019 49 > meet the supplier

Carbon Gold are producers of biochar, a charcoalbased soil amendment oﬀering a uni ue set of beneﬁts

52 > Battery powered chainsaws

Ready to move away from fuel? Stihl’s Paul Hicks says advances mean power exists alongside clean and uiet

54 > wood chippers

This month, we are spoilt for choice with these topnotch models, ideal for those looking for an upgrade

56 > tree survey equipment

Tree iagnostics shares info on the latest range of cutting-edge investigation products

59 > chainsaw trousers

nnovation in fabric has resulted in a range of choices when it comes to protective yet comfortable PPE

62 > petzl

A selection of new and updated kit for climbers marks the next phase for the popular manufacturer

65 > Commercial vehicles

Why one Hampshire arborist stays loyal to the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter after more than 15 years

KIT COVER.indd 47

15/08/2019 10:52

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KIT

e h t t e e M supplier

hen it comes to planting trees and maintaining their health, a growing number of arborists are now using biochar. This is a pure, high-carbon form of charcoal that is added to soil. or greater e cacy, it can also be injected into the soil to reach deep into

the roots. This organic product helps in a variety of ways, including water and nutrient retention and drainage. The UK’s leading producer of biochar is Carbon Gold, a Bristol-based business which was founded in 2 by raig Sams, who is also the founder of organic chocolate brand Green & Blacks and a former chairman of the Soil Association. He is currently chairman at arbon Gold, with the company led by imon anley. The company currently has under 2 employees, but as demand for the products expands

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Meet the supplier.indd 49

is biochar a golden

alternative? WHEN PLANTING AND CARING FOR TREES, GOOD SOIL IS ESSENTIAL. BIOCHAR, A CHARCOAL-BASED SOIL AMENDMENT, MARRIES GREAT SOIL FERTILITY WITH SUSTAINABLE ARBORICULTURAL PRACTICE

and research continues to prove the benefits, the company has big plans. Recently, it announced that it is seeking investment from a strategic partner as it seeks to accelerate growth in both new and existing markets. imon says The market for carbon-rich soil amendments is at a tipping point. We have a proven product range in markets that offer significant scale and regulatory drivers are furthering demand. We are now seeking a strategic partner that shares our mission to support sustainable agriculture and combat climate change.” ommercial director ames acPhail says biochar both produces excellent results in regards to improving soil fertility, and contributes to a reduction in harmful emissions. Carbon Gold targets both consumers who are keen gardeners and the trade sector, including arborists, organic and conventional crop growers and the sports turf sector. The company has customers globally and products are

t is possible and certainly, there has been focus on enhancing the health of urban trees in parts of Scandinavia, with biochar seen as an important aid for this. ike ewby, communications manager, says a key part of his work is in getting the message out that, although natural and easy to use, biochar produces impressive and long-

Carbon Gold targets both consumers who are keen gardeners and the trade sector, including arborists, organic crop growers and the sports turf sector particularly popular in uropean countries, such as Holland, Denmark and Sweden. Are these countries more forward-thinking when it comes to tree care than in the UK?

term results There is certainly recognition now. We are working with organisations such as artlett Tree xperts and Apex Soil Solutions to explain how the products

Pro Arb | Summer 2019 49

15/08/2019 10:21

KIT

work and provide case Rejuvenating Bexley’s studies, showing that Charter Oak biochar is straightforward n 2 1 , arbon Gold worked to use and highly with Apex Tree Surgeons effective. to help one of ondon’s However, for some in landmark trees, the Bexley the UK, the use of biochar harter ak. The tree is is a new concept. arbon over 200 years old and is Gold is a ‘first mover’ in in Danson Park – it is also getting the word out and shown on the borough’s coat expanding distribution to of arms. The tree was fading, reach customers around with pale leaves, a reducing the world. ames says canopy and damage from that many involved in tree ‘beefsteak fungus’, despite planting want to see a new the applications of mulches approach: “Too often trees and it being surrounded by are planted around new a root protection one. developments with little Apex sought to treat the attention to their care. tree by enriched biochar and “New stock is placed deep soil decompaction and into poor soil and often not used its ‘geo-in ector’ tool watered – no wonder it is to push biochar down to 1.2 common to see around metres around the roots. n 80% of the young trees die, which is wasteful and prevents them growing to provide an ecosystem for wildlife and to absorb carbon dioxide. Investment at the start of the growing process and proper care in terms of watering would be so much more beneficial for the environment and result in savings. He continues: “Many arborists are also keen conservationists and want to see alternative ways of seeing trees grow successfully without all the chemical intensive farming methods that have reduced pesticides and fungicides that are commonly carbon content and helping it to become used. Trees that are growing with biochar in more fertile. arbon Gold offers a natural the soil have been shown to have increased alternative to artificial fertilisers, since it tolerance to pests and diseases including ash enhances the charcoal with mycorrhizal fungi, dieback, honey fungus, and horse chestnut other beneficial fungi such as trichoderma, leaf miner in controlled trials by third parties. seaweed and wormcasts, which contain Adding biochar to soil means that healthy bacteria and humic compounds arborists will be helping it recover from to nourish the roots. There have also been

50 Pro Arb | Summer 2019

Meet the supplier.indd 50

August 2018, the treatment was shown to have had a visible eﬀect. The oak’s crown is now denser and its leaves a darker green whilst branches are no longer dropping and all signs of retrenchment have been reversed – despite enduring a heatwave and limited rainfall. ocal tree o cers and visitors are delighted with the results, which occurred within a nine month period. arbon Gold will be working with other historic trees – details can be found at: www.treerescue.org.uk. studies to show that biochar can help remediate contaminated soil, such as those that contain harmful substances like arsenic, cadmium and zinc, through absorption. How does biochar work? Biochar is the core component of arbon Gold’s products. t is a high

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KIT

carbon form of charcoal that improves the structure, aeration, water-holding capacity and nutrient retention of all soil types. It also results in a permanent refuge for beneﬁcial soil microbiology and supports plant health.

from the atmosphere. raig ams had discovered the beneﬁts of biochar when he travelled to Belize with inventor John Moussouris, where they met Mayan cacao farmers who had been using

It is a high carbon form of charcoal that improves the structure, aeration, water-holding capacity and nutrient retention of all soil types It is created by baking plant matter slowly in special kilns to form a puriﬁed and highcarbon charcoal. Due to the fact that biochar doesn’t break down or biodegrade, applying it to soil prevents carbon from contributing to climate change. In fact, one tonne of biochar in the soil is the equivalent of three tonnes of CO2 permanently sequestered

the product to improve soil fertility. Cacao trees usually take around seven years to produce pods, but when biochar is used, they produced pods in four years. Research has since found that biochar helps soil retain nutrients – if around 20 tonnes of compost is added to a hectare of land, only one tonne of carbon stays in the soil, the rest returns to the atmosphere as

Carbon Gold’s products Products suited to arborists include: Tree soil improver Used for planting and transplanting new stock to defend against shock and drought and to revitalise established trees. Tree fertiliser Enriched with potassium phosphate to grow resilient and healthy plants, even in challenging conditions. carbon dioxide. With biochar, 10 to 20% of the carbon goes off as carbon dioxide after a decade or so, but the rest remains in the soil. Biochar also reduces the harm from nitrous oxide. This is a greenhouse gas, some 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide and is released by nitrogen fertilisers, which boost growth and are used widely in non-organic farming. If biochar is in the soil, it reduces nitrous oxide emissions by up to 50%. As such, farmers can halve their nitrate use and still produce results as if they were using agricultural chemicals. Recognition for biochar The UK has a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and biochar has a role to play in this, according a joint report on greenhouse gas removal by the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering. It’s also considered a critical ‘Negative Emissions Technology’ by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Carbon Gold’s products are also approved for use in organic systems by the oil Association, certified and approved for use in biodynamic systems by Demeter International and the UK’s Biodynamic Association. ou can find out more about arbon Gold and biochar at: www.carbongold.com

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KIT

n o s u c o f aw s chains

It’s oh

so quiet AS STIHL ANNOUNCES A NEW LAUNCH AND UPGRADE, PAUL HICKS EXPLAINS WHY BATTERIES OFFER THE POWER FOR THE MOST DEMANDING OF WORK, COMBINED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES

MSA 220 C-B

attery powered equipment is emerging as a force to be reckoned within the arb sector, as our new chainsaw launch and update proves. Although petrol and diesel engine powered equipment remain popular, cordless technology is evolving at a rapid pace and is becoming more and more sought after. At T , we oﬀer a complete range of cordless tools, which can provide a suite of all the necessary equipment for the many arborists who also oﬀer outdoor maintenance services, such as hedge trimming.

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Lower vibration For professional users, one of the greatest beneﬁts of cordless technology is the reduced vibration. Extensive use of handheld power tools can cause Hand-Arm-Vibration (HAV) syndrome, and cordless tools’ lower vibration levels can help reduce these risks.

and use costly fuel. We all want to reduce our carbon footprint, and this can also be an issue for clients when selecting ﬁrms with which they work. Cordless provides a solution, and the UK also maintains strict engine emission guidelines on Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) to limit air pollution from the likes of chainsaws or mowers. With this in mind, the use of batterypowered products can have a signiﬁcant impact on the long-term environmental protection of your surrounding work environment and the workers themselves. We should also be mindful of how noisy equipment such as chainsaws can be, and

Extensive use of handheld power tools can cause Hand-Arm-Vibration (HAV) syndrome, and cordless tools’ lower vibration levels can help reduce these risks There is also no doubt that many working within arb and landscaping have strong environmental awareness. Furthermore, with fuel prices ever on the increase, professional users are feeling the ﬁnancial impact of a constant need for petrol, whereas with battery power, this is less of a concern and eradicates the need to store

this can be very intrusive in built-up areas. Cordless tools can be so quiet in operation that no ear defender protection is required, keeping any disruption to noise sensitive areas, such as hospitals and universities, to a minimum. Meanwhile, for those using a number of tools, the 36 V Lithium-Ion battery is

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recommended, and has a one-battery fits all approach. sers have the ability to interchange batteries with various products – even switching between a petrol or cordless powerhead in the case of the STIHL kombi system, which has five petrol and one cordless motor options. New launch - MSA 220 C-B T has recently launched the A 22 - , the most powerful cordless chainsaw in its range. esigned with a high chain speed, it is ideally suited for felling, thinning work, construction and wood carving. The A 22 - is suitable for use in any type of weather and also enables cutting work in confined areas. As part of T ’s professional cordless range,

uper 3 has a powerful cutting performance, low vibrations and a low kickback. t oﬀers 3 more cuts per battery charge compared to a semi-chisel chain, and its wider kerf simpliﬁes work when using a felling wedge. eanwhile, the raised and printed felling line enables precise targeting and exact work when felling small trees, with a compact design and soft rubber handle.

The new AP 300 S battery is recommended to ensure the best possible cutting performance, and is also compatible with all other tools within the pro cordless system the A 22 - is powered by a 3 ithium- on battery. The new AP 3 battery is recommended to ensure the best possible cutting performance, and is compatible with all other tools within the pro cordless system. e ene ts The A 22 - accelerates uickly and maintains a high cutting performance, regardless of the battery charge level. The electronically controlled brushless electric motor is e cient and works almost wearfree. n addition, the new AP 3 battery has 25 more capacity compared to the AP 3 and can run for up to 45 minutes with one charge. t is ﬁtted with a full chisel saw chain as standard – the 3 Picco

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ther features include the uick chain tensioner, which enables the chain to be retightened without tools, and the semitransparent oil tank, which means the user can keep an eye on the oil level at all times. ro uct up ate T has updated its cordless arborist saw, the A 1 1 T, making it a more ergonomic and robust tool. t is the lightweight professional chainsaw that succeeds the A 1 T, and now provides a 4 higher chain speed (1 m s), and delivers a 15 increase in motor performance. This makes it suitable for removing deadwood, crown maintenance and also light reductions.

The cordless nature of the tool means that the A 1 1 T is uiet in operation and any disruption is kept to a minimum. A further update is three different trigger combinations that can be used with the new ‘trigger switch lock out’ feature, including a combination for performing multiple cuts consecutively. These have been created to be convenient to operate, whilst ensuring user safety. n the updated version, the ergo lever, located under the palm of the hand, has been enhanced meaning it can now be fully pushed in flush against the handle, preventing impact induced damage, and improving comfort. ther changes include a revision to the chainbrake with new metal thread screw oints. Powered by T ’s range of 3 AP batteries, the AP 2 battery and A 5 charger are recommended for the A 1 1 T, which supplies a run-time of up to 42 minutes on a single charge, and when using T ’s AP 3 or 3 battery, users can benefit from a 5 or 2 minute run-time respectively.

Paul Hicks is marketing and product manager at STIHL Great Britain

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I’ve got

KwoI oTd the power hippers

IS IT TIME TO BRING A CHAMPION CHIPPER ON BOARD? IF SO, THEN THESE MODELS WILL SHOW CUSTOMERS YOU MEAN BUSINESS

Bandit

Först

The ST8P from Först was recently launched with a petrol engine to comply with the new emission regulations. This is a performance machine, punching out 57hp from a Kubota petrol engine. According to Först, leading manufacturers would not have been expected to promote petrol products 12 months ago, but it is now the order of the day. With the new emissions regulations now in place, petrol is also one of the most cost-effective ways to obtain a quality chipper. This is due to the fact that anything over 24hp with a diesel engine has to have a P filter going forward, making it a more expensive and complex option. The rst petrol range is highly fuel e cient, offers plenty of tor ue and makes for a more cost-effective purchase. The T P has an x 1 capacity, the highly effective rst flywheel system, FörstGrip feed rollers and a fully comprehensive three-year warranty. t offers highly competitive performance and weighs in at 1,25 kg. www.forstglobal.com

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Solely distributed by Global Recycling, the andit 12 P oﬀers a 12 chipping capacity with an infeed opening of 14 x 1 along with a 4hp Perkins diesel engine featuring a fuel saver system. The 12XP comes in trailed or tracked options, with the Bandit autofeed system as standard on all models. It boasts a 1 mm diameter chipping drum, ﬁtted with four reversible knives at 9 intervals. The 12 P is height ad ustable and has a rotatable discharge chute with twin feed rollers and hydraulic top feedwheel lift/crush. Infeed speed is variable and has an optional winch system; electrohydraulic or hydraulic. There is a full lower and side safety bar system. www.globalrecycling.eu

GreenMech

The EVO 165 has been designed to deliver more aggressive torque and throughput. It contains an array of new features as well as GreenMech’s existing innovation. enefits include a wide infeed chute with twin hori ontal rollers and Green ech’s ‘ o- tress’ control system – this means the vo 1 5 e ciently grips timber and brash. Optimised outputs from a diesel or petrol engine option supply usable power alongside maximum fuel e ciency and compliance with tage Emission requirements. The EVO also has a new safety bar system to minimise nuisance tripping while offering a better inflow of material. Durability has been increased with the adoption of a one-piece fabricated chassis that provides greater strength in demanding operational conditions, providing more than 9 chipping hours before replacement. www.greenmech.co.uk

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Quality used chippers via Redwood Global

Jensen

ensen offers a wide range of chippers, from to 12 capacity – towed, tracked, PT , turntable and custom-built. Renowned for their high-build uality and toughness, the benefits of investing in a ensen, include the use of robust steel components, a large open flywheel system (which almost eradicates blockages), single, consistent, motorpowering, intermeshing feed rollers, and double-edge chipping blades for optimal cutting and chip uality. All new ensen chippers are covered by a three-year warranty, with parts stocked in the K and an extensive dealer network providing service, parts and repairs backup. ensen’s A54 chipper is the most versatile model, offering towed, PT and tracked formats, along with 2 turntable road-towable option. n any configuration, the impressive capacity diesel, A54 , is easily capable of processing approximately 1 m3 h of timber and brash. At the highest end of chipping capacity, the ensen A141 reduces timber up to 12 with ease, processing up to 35m3 per hour. Available in road-towable, PT and tracked configurations, the A141 is mounted with a turntable and recent variants have included crane-fed systems for use around highways and railways, with increasing interest from contractors seeking large, powerful chippers. www.jensenchippers.co.uk

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Redwood Global, which purchased the rst brand to the K, holds up to 15 used chippers in stock at any one time – making it one of the largest selections of used chippers in the K. tock changes daily, and most brands are in, including rst, chliesing, ensen, Timberwolf, Greenmech, TP and ermeer. achines are available at a wide price range and in varying si es from 5 to 12 capacity. Reworked chippers are available too – these machines are fully stripped, shot blasted to remove all paint and prepare surfaces for painting, then powder-coated to the same standard as a new machine. All reworked machines are rebuilt with new bearings, blades, anvils, oil ﬁlters, wheels, and more. hile they may not be new, they look great and perform excellently. f you’re looking for a custom colour, Redwood Global provides this too. o, whether seeking tracked chippers, wheeled, petrol, or diesel, Redwood Global should have something to suit you. All used chippers are fully checked, tested and approved before sale. www.redwood-global.com

Timberwolf

ith over 3 years of experience, Timberwolf oﬀers a wide choice of full powered diesel and petrol chippers, produced in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. ith unparalleled industry insight, and supported with expert ritish engineering, there is something to meet every need of today’s arborists. eading the Timberwolf pack is the powerful T 2 T road towable diesel chipper. Thanks to an extra-wide feed funnel with an open top section (providing better visibility and ease-of-use), and an in-feed aperture 2 mm x 21 mm, (that is the biggest in its class), the T 2 T can tackle obs with minimal fuss. f the terrain is rough, uneven or oﬀ-road, the T 2 T TR tracked chipper is the arborist’s machine of choice. esigned for every ob, it delivers outstanding ground-covering performance and e ciency via its two-speed tracking system. tanding as urope’s best-selling sub 5 kg chipper series, the T 23 PA and T 23 chippers are lightweight machines, powered by either a 3 hp riggs tratton anguard Twin petrol or a 35hp Kubota diesel engine, both delivering performance with no compromise on power. eanwhile, Timberwolf’s ‘All the acts, o missions’ campaign, sets the record straight on the Government’s emission reduction legislation tage – highlighting that pre- tage diesel chippers already on the market, including the popular T 23 , can still be used, bought and traded as they always have been. Timberwolf holds the industry’s largest supply of pre- tage , 35hp Kubota diesel engines. This strategic investment ensures customers can continue to purchase from the current range of diesel Timberwolf chippers, including the sub- 5 kg chipper, the powerful T 23 . These will be available until une 2 2 , while stocks last. www.timberwolf-uk.com

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focus on survey equipment

INSPIRING

I N V E S T I G AT I O N S IAN AND SUE BARNES OF TREE DIAGNOSTICS OUTLINE THE LATEST IN CUTTING-EDGE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

ver the last year we have seen several new introductions to our range of nondestructive testing and investigation equipment. Arborists can now make better informed decisions than ever and use tools to help retain and manage trees with defects or decay in high value areas. ArborElectro – new for tomography The introduction of the ArborElectro complements the existing ArborSonic tomography system. It provides cross-sectional information on wood resistance and is ideal for identifying high and low moisture content. It can identify areas colonised and controlled by fungi or areas with elevated moisture content where a tree has responded to colonisation. Detailed information on loading, biomechanics and a safety factor based on engineering standards such as EN 1991 are generated, moving away from simple comparisons between hollow versus intact stem cross sections.

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Callipers from Fakopp ArborSonic and ArborElectro systems have been enhanced by the new Fakopp carbon ﬁbre callipers. These can be changed between three sizes in seconds, helping avoid the inaccuracies in images that rely on circularshaped assessments. Fakopp has built on their experience with static load testing, better known as tree pulling. This is widely regarded as the best way to demonstrate a tree’s ability to withstand a forecasted wind load, a system developed over the last 30 years and backed up with thousands of tests. Fakopp has also developed systems that counter the negatives of tree pulling, such as the space required, the need for an anchor and low wind speeds in which to undertake assessments.

DynaRoot and DynaTree The DynaRoot and DynaTree root and trunk testing systems combine onsite wind speed information with detailed tree movement sensors. They use the power of the wind to provide a safety factor based on engineering standards. The DynaRoot and DynaTree systems replace the need for a winch, and can be used as part of a tree pulling system, allowing both static and dynamic testing of whole trees. Arb-Ex – air excavation system The latest addition to the range has been the Arb-Ex, a user-friendly air excavation system. t offers superior control and interchangeable nozzles that enable: power excavation of large volumes of soil, a decompaction nozzle to enable soil improvement, the incorporation of organic material and a fine no le to allow careful excavation, amongst even fine roots. Add an extension or a 45° connector and you have a system that will allow access deep into confined spaces with minimal damage to live rooting. For more info, you can contact Ian Barnes at: info@treediagnostics.co.uk

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12/08/2019 09:36

THE NEW BOA CHAINSAW BOOT

PFANNER | PROTOS | WOOLPOWER Distributor for UK & Ireland www.outwearltd.co.uk

Advert template.indd 15

15/08/2019 15:09

THERE’S AN EASIER WAY TO AVOID PAYING £100 A DAY.* Find out how the Isuzu Euro 6 range meets the Low Emission Zone targets. isuzueuro6.co.uk

*£100 a day applies to vehicles operating within the London Ultra Low Emission Zone from April 2019.

ISU1007_Advert-210x297 Advert template.indd 16 1

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KIT

n o S U C O F s aw chain s trouser

Smarty

pants

f there is one thing that invokes the ire of health and safety specialists, it is seeing someone wearing eans while working in a tree. And who can blame them? PP exists for a reason, and when handling a chainsaw it is absolutely imperative to wear specialist trousers. o, be prepared to invest in the best. any college trainers will want students to get into the habit of wearing Type (which oﬀer full protection) from the start and even when working on the ground. These leading brands oﬀering the latest in design innovation and fabric uality.

Forest and Arb

orest and Arb offers a range of brands including the anopy -Air, which is a lightweight option that weighs in at ust 11 g, and features lass 1 chainsaw cut protection with full stretch Te ion ( ordura) upper with water-and-dirt repellent Teflon finish. These trousers meet uropean safety standards and combine ease of movement, comfort and protection.

Available in both type A and , the anopy -Air is comfortable and hardwearing with integrated gaiters that feature a boot lace hook to avoid sawdust falling into boots. aterproof Pe aﬂex A ua covers the knees whilst a ylnet lining provides optimal wearing comfort. esh ventilation reduces the risk of overheating and heat stress. www.forestandarb.com

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PROTECTING YOUR LEGS WHILE BEING ABLE TO WORK IN COMFORT CAN BE A DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT – THESE OPTIONS WILL DO THE JOB

Stihl

tihl’s Advance - ight chainsaw trousers are suited to those who work in all weathers – but can be particularly welcome in summer – and for those seeking fit, breathability and flexibility. Advance - ight trousers are made from ultra-light and breathable Avertic pro-lite cut protection material ( 3 1), and is 2 lighter than tihl’s standard cut protective range. These lass 1 trousers are available in Type A and are made up of six protective layers. pecial attention has been given to the back of the legs, where black ventilation fabric has been used to make the Advance - ight trousers well suited to hot days. n addition, the trousers have a fully-elasticated crotch with Pro last, enabling flexibility when climbing, taking long strides or large movements. ther features include closable pockets and reflective areas for better visibility. The trousers can also be worn with the Advance - ent acket, which is also suited to warmer temperatures. www.stihl.co.uk

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Husqvarna

Husqvarna’s Technical Extreme Arborist trousers are designed with input from arborists for working in trees, using strong and light reinforcements of Dyneema, Cordura and Kevlar reinforcements. The design combines the key features of the Technical Extreme range with features adapted to the needs of arborists to fit with climbing gear. Arborists specified that they wanted trousers suitable for climbing with specific features that work alongside their harness. These come in Type A and are worn as ordinary trousers, not over another garment, and full protection Type C. Key benefits include an extra 3cm added to make sure the trouser stays over the boot when climbing. There is a hook and loop on braces, which are easy to remove and allow switch of use depending on the job. There are also easy access pockets with reversed zips suited to wearing a harness and double thigh pockets for storage. www.husqvarna.com

Arbortec

Arbortec’s reatheflex range is available in Type A and Type and are handmade using the latest materials in the company’s factory. They are available in short and tall leg – the Type A option contains air vents – and provide Class 1 chainsaw protection. The multi-layered chainsaw shield system is made with Dyneema for ultimate protection and a light chainsaw stalling system to reduce fatigue when climbing. Outer shells are made from Climasphere breathable fabrics, which are abrasion and snag resistant. A sixway stretch feature also provides exceptional comfort. ther benefits include reinforced seams at high tension areas, Kevlar reinforcement for the lower leg to protect against thorns and brash, a uality KK ipper on flies and all pockets designed to survive extensive heavy use – double foldover flaps on phone pockets keep out sawdust and shavings. Also included are downward facing pocket zips, a reinforced lining around the ankles and hi-vis reflective decals for improved roadside safety. www.arbortec.com

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* High quality arboriculture & chainsaw related training * Forestry/Arb focused Emergency First Aid at Work +F * Specialist utility arb training * Industry recognised qualifications * Training for both individuals and organisations * Tree surgeon fast track courses

Arborists / Crew Leaders Plant Healthcare Technicians We have opportunities for experienced Arborists for our offices in the UK and Dublin to work in teams undertaking a wide variety of tree work and plant healthcare services.

t: 033 345 678 86

e: training@hi-line.co.uk

f: www.facebook.com/HiLineTraining

w: hi-line.co.uk/training

i: www.instagram.com/hilinetraining

COME AND VISIT US AT STAND W30 AT CONFOR WOODLAND SHOW

Aerial Tree Rigging Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting Chainsaw Refresher Day Chainsaw Use from a Rope and Harness Emergency First Aid at Work with Forestry Element

Fungi and the Management of Trees of All Ages Manually Fed Wood Chipper Operations Safe Use of Stump Grinders Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Tree Felling

plus

Tre for CeraSurgery 9 week ftsmen int courseensive

Visit: www.merristwood.ac.uk or Email: mwinfo@guildford.ac.uk Merrist Wood College Holly Lane Worplesdon Guildford GU3 3PE

Advert template.indd 17

EVERY TREE NEEDS A CHAMPION.

W SS SGG S GS G S GS GS G G OOW ONNWTTONWNTIOINNNWNTOINNWNTOINNWNTOINNWNTINNNTINNIN HURRHUYRHURHURHUR UR R SSHH SOOHUUSO C EAASOMASYOASYOASYOA YOA Y A Y Y ISSC SLLCESCLEESMCLESMCLESMCLESMCLEMLEM M DDI DEEI--DAIED-DDEEI -DEEI -DEIE-DEEI -DEE-DE DE W WCCAWCAWCAWCAWCAWCA CA EW NNE NEAANEANEANEANEANEA A

We offer a wide range of Arboriculture courses for those starting out in the industry or looking to update their skills - including short courses, full-time and part-time programmes and Apprenticeships.

l sit tia on en on sid ati Re mod om

c ac

Update your skills

For more information call Sarah Maddox on 07850 649443 or apply via the website at www.bartlett.com/careers

Tree Tree Diagnostics Tree Diagnostics Tree Diagnostics Hi-Tech Tree Investigation Investigation Suppliers && Trainers Trainers Tree Hi-Tech Tree Suppliers Diagnostics Tree Hi-Tech Tree Investigation Suppliers & Trainers Diagnostics Hi-Tech Tree Investigation Suppliers & Trainers Importers forTree Fakopp and Others Others Importers for Fakopp and Diagnostics Hi-Tech Tree Investigation Suppliers & Trainers Importers for Fakopp and Others Diagnostics

Microsecond Timer & Trainers Microsecond Timer Microsecond Timer Hi-TechImporters Tree Investigation Suppliers for Fakopp and Others Dynaroot – Root Stability Hi-TechImporters Tree Investigation Suppliers & Trainers Microsecond Timer Dynaroot – Root Stability Root Others Stability forDynaroot Fakopp– and Static Wind Load ‘Tree Microsecond Timer Hi-TechImporters Tree Investigation Suppliers &Pulling’ Trainers – and Root Stability Static Wind LoadOthers ‘Tree Pulling’ forDynaroot Fakopp Static Wind Load ‘Tree Pulling’

ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph Microsecond Timer Dynaroot – and Root Stability Importers for Fakopp Others Static Wind Load ‘Tree Pulling’ ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph Arborsonic 3D Tomograph Microsecond Timer Dynaroot – Root Stability Importers for Fakopp and Others Static Wind Load ‘Tree Pulling’ ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph

Arborsonic 3D Tomograph Microsecond Timer Sumo Rugged Tablets Arborsonic Tomograph Dynaroot – 3D Root Stability Static Wind Load ‘Tree Pulling’ ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph Microsecond Timer Arb-Ex Air–Excavator Arborsonic 3D Tomograph Sumo Rugged Rugged Tablets Dynaroot Root Stability Sumo Tablets

Static Wind Load ‘Tree Pulling’ ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph Arborsonic Tomograph Dynaroot – 3D Root Stability Sumo Rugged Tablets Static Wind Load ‘Tree Available Pulling’ ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph Investigation Service Investigation Service Available Arborsonic 3D Tomograph Sumo Rugged Tablets Static Wind Load ‘Tree Pulling’ ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph Investigation Service Available Arborsonic 3D Tomograph Sumo Tablets UPPPPLY LY -- TTInvestigation RA AIIN NIIRugged NG G3D -Tomograph SU UPPAvailable PO OR RTT ArborElectro Impedance Tomograph SSU R N S P Service Arborsonic Sumo Rugged Tablets S U P P LY - T Investigation RA I N IRugged N G3D -Tomograph S U PAvailable PORT Service Arborsonic Sumo Tablets S U P P LY - T Investigation RA I N I N G Service - Tablets S U PAvailable PORT Sumo Rugged S U P P LY - T Investigation R A I N I N G Service - S U PAvailable PORT Contact Ian Barnes 01423 323851 07831 530563 Contact Barnes 323851 S U PIan P LY - T Investigation R A01423 ININ G Service - S U07831 PAvailable P O530563 RT Contact Barnes 01423 323851 07831 530563 www.treediagnostics.co.uk S U PIan P LY T R A I N I N G S U P P O RT www.treediagnostics.co.uk Contact Barnes 323851 S U PIan P LY - T R A01423 ININ G - S U07831 P P O530563 RT www.treediagnostics.co.uk Contact Ian Barnes 01423 323851 07831 530563 www.treediagnostics.co.uk Contact Ian Barnes 01423 323851 07831 530563 www.treediagnostics.co.uk Contact Ian Barnes 01423 323851 07831 530563 www.treediagnostics.co.uk Contact Ian Barnes 01423 323851 07831 530563 www.treediagnostics.co.uk

15/08/2019 09:37

KIT

On the

KimIbTing ascent cl

t n e m p i equ

2019 IS AN IMPORTANT YEAR FOR MANUFACTURERS PETZL, WHICH HAS LAUNCHED A SLEW OF NEW PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

Descenders

hether climbing upwards or downwards, arborists rely on their kit to help them work eﬀectively and stay safe. Pet l is a favoured brand for many as the manufacturer stays in regular contact with professionals to ﬁnd out what works for them and uses their feedback for product development. This year sees a range of new and upgraded kit items for climbers, which are available from suppliers across the K.

Mechanical Prusiks Zigzag – allows users to move around using the pulley system technique and the friction chain provides precision and ﬂuidity. an be used either on double or single ropes.

Zigzag Plus – a standard variant but has a highe ciency swivel for optimal rope glide through the device.

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Climbing equipment.indd 62

ew launches include the easy-to-use and versatile self-braking ’ descenders with Pet l’s A T K system and anti-panic functions. I’D S – designed for work at height and rope access. I’D L – designed for I’D Evac technical rescue. I’D Evac – designed for lowering from an anchor.

I’D S

I’D L

Prusik accessories

Chicane – auxiliary brake for Zigzag prusiks on single ropes, to provide continuous addition friction on descents. As an assembled unit with a Zigzag, it ensures smooth rope glide through the brake during ascents. Knee Ascent Loop – has foot loop to facilitate ascents on a single rope and used with the Zigzag. Knee Ascent Clip – contoured for boots and facilitates single rope ascents. Chicane Knee Ascent Loop

Knee Ascent Clip

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Harnesses

Sequoia SRT

Sequoia harnesses are designed for arborists and ensure mobility in the tree. They optimally distribute the load between the waist belt and the leg loops, providing lumbar support where the arborist has their weight on the harness. Accessories such as straps, seat and attachment bridges allow users to adapt the equipment to their needs. Sequoia SRT – suited to single rope ascent techniques. It has a ventral attachment point that allows a Zigzag or Zigzag Plus to be installed with the Chicane and Knee Ascent accessories. It also allows a range of work tools to be carried and organised. Sequoia – suited to doubled rope techniques.

Sequoia

Eye and face shields

Head protection

Petzl has two core helmet models, Vertex and Strato, and now offers a host of options and accessories, meaning climbers can create the helmet that best suits their needs. Both come in ventilated and hi-viz options, and accessories include: • Nametag holder – allows uick identification and can also hold business cards • Nape protector – protects against sun and rain, supplied in fluorescent colours for optimal visibility elmet protectors – fits over the Vertex and Strato models to protect against dirt and water • Storage bags • Dual chinstraps

Storage bag

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Vertex

All ﬁt the ertex and trato helmets Vizir – eye shield featuring a easy clip system. Provides protection against projectile hazards. Vizir Shadow – tinted eye shield protector – protects the eye shields from scratches and is installed on top of these. Vizen – face shield, protects against electric arc hazards. Vizen mesh – protects against ﬂying wood chips and shavings.

Vizir

Vizir Shadow Vizen

Strato

Vizen mesh Nape protector

Nametag holder

Dual chinstraps

ABOUT P etz l was estab lished in 1 9 7 5 b y cav e explorer F ernand P etz l, whose son, P aul, is the current president. I ts headquarters are in Crolles, near G renob le in the F rench Alps, and as well as from its tree care expertise, it also specialises in v ertical sports k it such as for mountaineering, work ing at height and equipment for rescues. The P etz l web site has a range of tips on single rope and doub le rope techniques. Check out #moveintrees on social media or v isit: www.petzl.com/GB

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Horticulture CAREERS Register online now for free and take advantage of the following features:

New user-friendly interface. A modernised design means that the site is easier to navigate, with simplified job application features. Follow your favourite companies. You can follow some of the biggest companies in the industry to be notified of the latest vacancies as they are uploaded. Register a CV. Upload a CV and let employers find you!

Please contact Liam Colclough to advertise your vacancy:

Email: liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446076 Advert Hort Careers template.indd FP.indd 18 1

15/08/2019 20/03/2019 14:20 09:27

KIT

KIT Commercial vehicles

CHANGING UP TO A CANTER

ROSS WOODLEY, A HAMPSHIRE ARBORIST, EXPLAINS WHY HE’S STAYED LOYAL TO THE MITSUBISHI BRAND

oss Woodley, owner of Romsey Tree Surgeons, is now on his sixth Fuso Canter – a 3.5t vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi, and supplied by local dealer: Marshall Truck & Van. Romsey Tree Surgeons was set up in 1998, and caters for both domestic and commercial customers across Hampshire, Dorset and iltshire. The team is ualified to undertake a broad range of services, including pruning and thinning, and specialises in the safe removal of trees, or parts of trees, particularly those which are large and dangerous – often the result of storm damage. The firm also offers a professional tree survey service to landowners and developers when a tree is located close to the development site, a motorway, a third party property, or if it appears to pose a threat. Romsey is able to advise on the best course of action required and provide a report. Romsey is now on its sixth Canter in a row. Ross says he favours the model’s strength and rugged durability, which owes much to its ladder-frame chassis. “Most of its 3.5t competitors are based on vans, which simply

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aren’t robust enough for our operation. But the Canter is a proper little truck. It’s very well built and, as we know from long experience, extremely reliable – I can honestly say that in the 15 years we’ve been running them, we’ve never had a single breakdown.” He continues: “We always send at least two – but often three – men out in the trucks and they travel in comfort and safety. The vehicle’s handling when carrying a full load is also totally reassuring. It sits really well on the road and has a great turning circle, because you sit right over the front wheels. That’s another important attribute when we’re on and oﬀ residential driveways, and at other sites where access is restricted.” The latest Canter 3C13 model has a comfort cab with three seats and a economical 96 kW (130 hp) 3.0L turbo diesel engine. Ross comments: “I buy a new Canter every three years, and always have two at any one time – my

other truck has been on the road since 2015. We don’t do a lot of miles but when I come to replace them, I’m always impressed by their residual values. “I like my trucks to look smart because they double as mobile advertisements for the business. We’ve picked up quite a few jobs over the years from people who’ve seen us out and about and followed up with a phone call.” He arranged for a conversion on the truck so that it has a high-sided tipping body, carried out by Solent Bodybuilders & Repairs, of areham. The finished model also has a roofmounted flashing light bar. Solent also fabricated and installed a toolbox with locking shutter doors on both sides. A mesh-sided tray beneath the body on the nearside is used to carry signage and other e uipment. The truck is also fitted with a hitch and used to tow a wood chipper. Ross ac uired the van using finance from ercedesen inance, offered by arshall Truck an.

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ANCIENT TREE COLUMN

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KENSINGTON GARDENS FEATURES A DIVERSE RANGE OF VETERAN TREES, PROVIDING EXAMPLES OF THE DEMANDING TASTE OF MONARCHS ACROSS THE GENERATIONS

hat comes to mind when you think of a veteran tree? ’d imagine, for most, the first image to appear would be an ancient, gnarled, pollarded oak. This is the archetypal image of a veteran tree in the K – it even forms the AT logo – but this doesn’t change the fact that veteran trees can be any species, si e and age. Kensington Gardens is a Grade listed Royal Park, spanning 242 acres and receiving over 1 million visits a year. The Gardens are known globally for links with . . arrie’s Peter Pan and the ritish royal family. ess known, however, is the significant number of veteran trees. Though first developed from 1 9, the Gardens were laid out by harles ridgeman at re uest of the ueen in 1 2 . Trends in planting came and went and management techni ues added to the landscape. Throughout all the change, however, the one constant was the veteran sweet chestnuts – 3 of which date back to the ridgeman planting. weet chestnuts are distinctive, with corkscrew-like bark splitting apart and revealing the wood beneath. The trunk

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and crown separate into different functional units the heartwood hosts fungi such as Laetiporus sulphureus and Fistulina hepatica, breaking into cubical crumbling woodblocks. They are truly remarkable, and are a living connection to the monarchs of the past. The Gardens are also home to other veteran tree species, with a personal favourite being a field maple next to the Peter Pan statue. e estimate this tree is 15 to 1 years old. The tree itself has cavities, basal decay and an abundance of dead wood in the canopy. Recently, we made the decision to fence off the tree. This was to protect the tree from soil compaction as it is located in a busy area of the park. encing off trees and re-directing desire lines are sometimes essential in order to promote the trees health and visitor safety. There is plenty of other activity connected to conservation as we identify trees that have potential to be the next generation of

veterans. aproxylic insect surveys will help to understand the habitat potential for invertebrates that are dependent on dead or decaying wood. ur work also involves bringing together tree experts – last year, we were proud to host the inaugural AT ondon meeting in Kensington Gardens. Greg Packman is an arboriculturist for The Royal Parks in London, chair of the London group of the Ancient Tree Forum, co-opted member of the London Tree Oﬃcers Association’s Executive Committee and one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners. The ATF champions the biological, cultural and heritage value of Britain’s ancient and veteran trees and promotes best practice. www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk

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