Pro Arb Winter 2022/2023

PRO ARB

The incredible rise of arborist Dan Whelan Meet the record-breaking world champion pole climber

PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE FOR TREE SURGEONS

Hello Husqvarna New launches with innovation at their core

Hold on tight with Marlow Ropes

Get to know this outstanding British company

Why it’s time to train to gain Lantra’s Mandy Maynard has some sound advice

Many arborists are extremely fit, but Dan Whelan takes it to a whole new level. At this year’s APF he won the Husqvarna 25 metre Pole Climbing Championships, scaling the vertical pole in an incredible time of just 8.83 seconds, which is a new world record – he’s the subject of our interview on page 14.

If you were at APF, you may well have seen him in action and feedback from attendees on the whole event has been exceptionally positive – see page 11 to bring back some memories of what was a superb three days.

Meanwhile, with a new year coming up, this is a good time to be looking at your training needs, as well as for any employees you may have. We feature Lantra’s Mandy Maynard, who provides some great advice on page 44 and if you’ve plenty of experience, why not consider becoming an assessor for them, and so help pass on your knowledge?

We also have pages of tempting kit, including the new cordless battery backpack blower from Makita, which brings environmental benefits in terms of significantly reducing emissions and noise – see page 35, while we also profile the highly successful

British company, Marlow Ropes, in Meet the Supplier on page 26.

We hope you enjoy the issue, and everyone at Pro Arb wishes our readers a wonderful Christmas break. We’ll see you in 2023.

The MSA 220 TC-O is STIHL’s most powerful cordless arborist chainsaw to date. It’s the first STIHL chainsaw that has an LED display and integrated oil sensor, which provides key information during operation. With equivalent cutting performance to the petrol MS 201 TC-M and longservice life, arborist professionals can take on the tough tree maintenance and removal jobs.

The new ADVANCE ProCOM headset and ear defenders on the X-CLIMB helmet allow you to communicate with workers on the ground seamlessly, with simple networking over vast distances for up to 16 people, plus much more.

EFFICIENT, COMFORTABLE COMMUNICATION: STIHL ADVANCE PROCOM.

Updates from around the arb world

News extra – APF 2022

Welcome back to the Ragley Estate

Interview – Dan Whelan

Meet the world record holder and winner of the Husqvarna World 25m Pole Climbing Championships

Pests and diseases –Expert view

Dr Glynn Percival on spotting and stopping whiteflies

Terrain Aeration

David Green on why oxygenation at depth breathes new life into trees

Dr Duncan Slater’s Casebook

Cavities in trees are well worth looking into

Top tips – tracked aerial platforms Time for a lift? Russell Woodward of CMC Lift has pointers on what to buy

Trees in danger – warning from the Woodland Trust The charity is calling on the government to focus protection

HUSQVARNA NEW LAUNCHES

The Swedish manufacturer has some outstanding new products

PRODUCT DNA

Meet Makita’s 36V battery backpack blower

Bobcat attachments

Add in versatility and productivity with two recent new additions

Corvus Terrain EX4

This utility vehicle can be driven on the most challenging conditions and is fully electric

Timberwolf’s industry-first hybrid

The TW 280HB meets the need for a sustainable wood chipper solution

GreenMech case study

Moorland Treescapes shares its experience working with the EVO 165D

benefiting from a boomerang When is it right to rehire an ex-employee? apprenticeships

Dee Vickers explains the initial assessment

learning with Lantra National development manager Mandy Maynard explains why training really matters when it’s too cold to work How managers should ensure safety is being put first when snow is falling

spotlight on Scottish rewilding Projects that put trees and nature first are thriving in Scotland

wOOD MIZER

Five minutes with... Catch up with Landmark Trading’s warehouse supervisor Simon Raines

news ROUNDUP

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

US ‘ROPE WALKING’ SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE IN UK

The Velox Ascent foot ascender system, which was developed by US brand Haas, is now being imported and distributed by Carr’s Billington Safety.

US COMPANY BUYS HONEY BROS AND TREEKIT

American company

Vertical Supply Group has purchased two British arborist suppliers, Honey Brothers and TreeKit.

Vertical Supply Group is a specialist in the US market and the acquisitions are part of its plans to expand outside of North America. It was announced that the existing premises in Surrey and Dorset would be retained as will key people Martyn Day for Honey Bros and Max and Mark Storey for TreeKit.

“I am excited to welcome Honey Brothers and TreeKit to the Vertical Supply Group team as our first two acquisitions outside of North America,” said CEO Tripp Wyckoff.

Honey Brothers was founded in 1955 and is one of the most prominent arborist equipment specialists in the sector.

TreeKit was founded by brothers Mike and Max Storey. In 2012, Mike had over 20 years of industry experience as an arborist and product designer and Max had a background in business.

Vertical Supply Group focuses on product development, manufacturing, and equipment supply, and comprises brands Sterling, Notch and Silky, and more. verticalsupplygroup.com

The new launch follows in the footsteps of the original Haas and the product has been growing in popularity among arborists. It offers increased efficiency and speed when ascending a single rope when using both legs.

The ascenders enable this ‘rope walking’ technique by using a knee positioned ascender on one leg and a foot ascender on the other that allows the climber to ascend the rope in a similar way to climbing the rungs of a ladder.

Carr’s Billington Safety stocks two versions of the Haas Velox – the Ascent System and the Clip n Go. The products are made in Ohio in the US and one size fits all – there is also no set up required.

The one-handed adjustable foot strap locks around the boot and a bungee quick clip easily attaches to the harness bridge or prussic pulley. It extends 30” under load and creates no dead spots in the return action.

LANDOWNER FINED FOR WOODLAND TREE DESTRUCTION

A man from Newquay, Cornwall, who dug up an established tree in woodland has been fined £3,000 after admitting the offence.

John Richards, 56, said he had felled trees without a licence when he appeared via videolink at Truro Magistrates’ Court. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to a pay a surcharge of £190 and crown prosecution costs of £85.

Magistrates heard a Woodland Trust officer visited Richards’ land and found there had

at the top of the Velox and travels down a channel to the bottom where it wraps around a pulley with stainless steel sealed bearings housed in a machined aluminium block. The bungee can be easily replaced in under five minutes with no tools required. In addition, the fully integrated knee ascender and adjustable foot loop enables a smooth ergonomically correct ascent that evenly works core muscle groups, reducing fatigue and stress. The Velox Ascent System has an RRP of £220, including VAT.

The Velox Clip n Go carries all the specifications of the Velox Ascent System, but has been specifically designed to clip into the ascent system foot loop on Clip ’n Step Boots using a carabiner. The Clip n Go is also priced at £220 (including VAT).

carrs-billington-safety.com

been illegal felling of trees near St Newlyn East. The trees had been dug up using an excavator. Richards initially claimed he believed he had done nothing wrong and that he had planned to replace the trees – it was said his attitude was described as “unpleasant”. He was reported to the Forestry Commission and was found to have destroyed 103 cubic metres of trees.

In his defence, Richards’ solicitor said that his client had not acted for financial gain as the trees were burnt and not sold. The court had heard that Richards’ plea of guilty was also taken into account.

gov.uk/government/organisations/ forestry-commission

Designed to maximise friction reduction, the bungee terminates

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AWARD GRANTED TO AUTHOR MARK JOHNSTON

Mark Johnston from Northern Ireland has won an award from the 2022 International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for his book, Trees in Towns and Cities: A History of British Urban Arboriculture Mark has won the R.W. Harris Author’s Citation, an award of distinction given to authors who consistently publish timely and valuable content related to this field.

The ISA Awards of Distinction, presented by Bartlett Tree Experts, are the highest honours given by ISA based on nominations submitted by members and industry professionals. The ISA Awards of Distinction recipients are announced at the ISA Annual International Conference, with this year’s event being held in Malmö, Sweden.

This award is his second ISA Award of Distinction. In 2009, he received the ISA Award of Merit.

Mark received his PhD from the University of Ulster in 1999 with a thesis on The Development of Urban Forestry in Britain and Ireland that has since been published

COMMUNITY ANGER OVER BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL FELLING

Local conservation activists have expressed fury at Bristol City Council’s policy of allowing developers to fell trees.

in academic journals with the survey part published as a book entitled A Survey of Urban Forestry in Britain. He began his writing career in 1983 when his first peerreviewed academic paper appeared in the Arboricultural Journal

Since then, he’s published more than 50 academic papers that appeared in various journals.

With 50 years of experience in the fields of arboriculture, landscape, and urban forestry, Johnston worked as a tree surgery contractor, tree officer in local government, consultant in private practice, government adviser and as a university academic. He also served as the lead researcher and main author of a government study on urban trees and tree management in England called Trees in Towns II, which remains the most detailed study of England’s urban trees and their management to date. isa-arbor.com

Bristol Tree Forum claimed that trees were often being cut down illegally across the city. The volunteer group said an under-resourced planning enforcement team were “not fit for purpose” because staff numbers had been cut in half during the last five years. The city’s team only has three full-time and one part-time member of staff, with another being on secondment from another department.

Mark Ashdown, chair of Bristol Tree Forum, says: “Planning enforcement, as far as the protection of trees is concerned, is not fit for purpose. Many trees have been illegally removed and nothing has been done about it.”

Councillor Richard Eddy, chair of development control committee A, said developers were regularly ignoring planning permission conditions due to lack of enforcement action.

Mark Weston, leader of the council’s conservative group, says: “If Bristol has a reputation where enforcement isn’t as robust, then people chance it. I’m worried we’re gun-shy and creating an impression that it’s okay to do it.”

bristoltreeforum.org

ANTIQUE GLASSWARE HUNTER FINED FOR FELLING TREES

A man hunting for antique bottles and has been fined for his destructive actions, as he was uprooting trees in the process.

Jack Cosgrove was fined more than £3,000 for felling trees with a mini digger in a wood near Irma Street in Bolton. Several trees were felled and destroyed. Bolton Council was forced to fill in the holes left by Cosgrove, who was

caught when a nearby resident filmed him using the digger and sent it to the local authority.

Cosgrove pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Manchester Magistrates Court and was ordered to pay £3,098.28 in compensation, a £768 fine, and must complete 40 hours of unpaid work.

Nadim Muslim, Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for environmental services, says:

“Digging around public footpaths uproots trees and creates dangerous holes as well as leaving broken glass. As well as representing a danger to the public, there is significant cost to the council in repairing the damage. This is a dangerous and illegal activity, and we hope the outcome of this court case sends a clear message.” bolton.gov.uk

MAKITA LAUNCHES LONG RUNTIME BATTERY

Makita has launched its largest capacity battery to date, which provides 288 watthours of energy.

The 8.0Ah BL4080F offers the longest runtime for Makita’s XGT products, meaning less downtime and improved productivity. The company says this is especially useful when used on higher drain XGT machines.

According to Makita, the battery has been designed to be both robust and highly intelligent and is equipped with 20 cells.

It has a heavy-duty and durable outer and cell casing and significantly improved impact resistance. The BL4080F is also IPX4 rated with a water and dust-resistant triple layer structure and an enhanced terminal structure to handle challenging conditions at the worksite.

ACADEMIC OFFERS GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR UK’S ASH TREES

Dr Anne Edwards of the John Innes Centre in Norwich – an international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology –has said that some ash trees will survive in the UK, despite the impact of dieback.

Ash dieback is now in most parts of the UK, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). However, according to Dr Edwards: “My prognosis for the ash is that we’re not going to lose them all.

“What I have noticed is that there’s a huge variation in the resistance to the disease. Some trees die very quickly. One whiff of the fungus and they were dead.

“But others are hanging on and some are fabulously healthy. There will be losses, quite significant losses, especially in woodlands, but some will hang on, and we will rely on those to re-populate.”

The battery has been designed with Makita’s digital communication function between the tool, battery and charger to optimise the charging process, reduce charge times and protect the battery from damage. This real-time digital communication actively monitors heat, overload, and overdischarge as well as delivering up to 2X longer sustained power during demanding applications.

Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager at Makita, says: “Offering the longest runtime for our XGT products, this product will considerably improve productivity on site, as users won’t need to down tools to recharge batteries as often. Furthermore, despite its capacity, the battery can be charged in just over an hour – at approximately 76-minutes when using the DC40RA charger, which makes it stand out in the market.” makitauk.com

ANCIENT SURREY YEW

IS NAMED TREE OF THE YEAR 2022

Thousands have voted for a yew at the ruined Waverley Abbey in Farnham. Surrey as the tree of the year.

The Woodland Trust, which organises the competition, said this is a beautiful tree with “roots that sprawl out above ground before plunging into earth, with its multi-stemmed form being dotted with holes, crevices and areas of decay that provide an invaluable habitat for wildlife.”

There were 12 finalists selected from the Ancient Tree Inventory, which maps the oldest and most important trees in the UK, and one tree nominated by the public.

Dr Edwards says they now know that ash were genetically diverse, a factor that has helped the species. “If you look back at COVID-19, some people were very sensitive to it, and others were brushing it off like a cold, and not having any symptoms” she says. It’s like that with the trees, but it’s not one single factor, it’s a complicated genetic picture that hasn’t been completely revealed, and maybe in time it will.”

Defra said more than £6 million had been invested to “advance our scientific understanding of the disease”. Dr Edwards added scientific advancements had a huge impact on identifying and tracking the disease.

In the past 10 years, more information has been found about the life cycle of the fungus, helping researchers to understand how it is spread. Meanwhile, Forestry Commission director Steve Scott says it is possible 25% to 50% of British ash could survive as there are signs that some trees are now regenerating.

Hopes are also being pinned on a species of tolerant ash, with over 3,000 of these being planted in a bid to ensure landscape recovery. jic.ac.uk

The yew won with 16% of the vote, with the Portal Tree Rowan in Midlothian gaining 11% in second place and in third, Derbyshire’s Layering Horse Chestnut, with 10% of the vote.

The other nine finalists were:

● The Escley Oak, Herefordshire

● Holly on the Hill, North Yorkshire

● The Flitton Oak, Devon

● The Burnbanks Oak, Cumbria

● Hedgerow Hawthorn, Cumbria

● The ‘12 Apostles’ Lime, Gloucestershire

● Kilbroney Oak, County Down

● The Langley Park Sweet Chestnut, Montrose

● The Rolls of Monmouth Oak, Monmouthshire

The winning yew tree will now go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2023 competition.

TW 280HB HYBRID AN INDUSTRY FIRST

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All hail APF 2022

RECORD NUMBERS OF VISITORS ATTENDED THE RECENT EVENT, WHICH WAS NOT ONLY HUGELY ENJOYABLE, BUT ALSO SAW SOME SERIOUS BUSINESS TAKING PLACE

Arecord 23,000 visitors and 3,000 exhibitors were greeted by warm sunshine over the three days at this year’s APF, which took place at the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire.

This was the first event after a four break, with disruption being caused by the pandemic. It was also the 23rd APF event, which first took place in 1976 at the Longleat Estate, since then, it has been held at Ragley.

This year, the organisers joined forces with the Arboricultural Association to provide even more focus on the arborist sector. Visitors enjoyed testing out state-ofthe-art equipment, alongside traditional woodland crafts and horse logging. There was also a seminar programme covering areas like tree health, training, wood processing and business solutions. The Arb Worker Zone also had daily drop-in sessions and demonstrations of the latest equipment, techniques and safety issues.

This year’s APF included new features, such as the UK open tree climbing and the British open fencing

championships. The world pole climbing and European chainsaw carving competitions were also extremely popular. One carving, which was sold after at an auction, achieved £5,500.

The 2000-metre demonstration circuit also led to a lot of business being done - there was some £80 million of equipment was on display and much of it was bearing ‘sold’ stickers as the event closed.

One of the new measures, which also met with visitor approval was a traffic management system which ensured there was easy access to the site,

Along with the many arborists and exhibition staff in attendance, APF was also the destination for some 850 school children and their teachers, as well as groups of university students – the aim was to show them about career opportunities within arboriculture and forestry.

Exhibition secretary Ian Millward says: “We have been deluged with emails and comments on social media from both visitors and exhibitors about how good the show was and how much people enjoyed it. It makes it all worthwhile.

“It is a huge credit to our team of staff and contractors, many of whom were new to the show, that they come together for the first time in four years and put on a show of this scale, complexity and quality.

“People cannot believe that the APF show has no full-time employees, just a team passionate about the forest and arb industries. I would like to offer our thanks to all our sponsors who enabled us to stage so many events and competitions.”

Find out more: apfexhibition.co.uk

A record 23,000 visitors and 3000 exhibitors were greeted by warm sunshine over the three days at this year’s APF

In pole position

Shropshire arborist Dan Whelan says he doesn’t exactly know why he’s so good at pole climbing in particular, but he has proven his exceptional talent and it looks like it may be something to do with his genes. His grandad also had the talent, perhaps not to the same level, but he was responsible for inspiring his grandson to try out the sport.

Dan is now 25 and is the world record-holder. At this year’s APF, he won the Husqvarna World 25 metre Pole Climbing Championship, competing against contestants from around the world. He hit an incredible time of 8.86 seconds, only 0.02 seconds behind his world record run in Scotland at the Royal Highland show this year. He is now the only person to achieve a score that is below nine seconds and has become a threetime world champion as well as a six-time British champion.

Shown on national TV

Pole climbing is not a well-known sport – outside of the arb world, at least – but Dan certainly has done much to raise awareness and the competition was shown on the BBC and Sky Sports. On attending events with his grandad, he says: “He was a big part of why I took up pole climbing. I just used to like spending the time with him and eventually, decided I wanted to have a go at climbing the pole. I also used to go around the arena and collect money while he was climbing as he used to raise money for Marie Curie. Over the years, he raised over £42,000 for the charity.”

Dan has been competing for the past 11 years, but has been watching the sport since he was a young boy, and it seems he may be taking part for many years to come – he points out his grandad started climbing when aged 65 and finished when he was 84. “So I used to go along with him watching and supporting him and then end up having a go and got addicted really,” he says.

DAN WHELAN HAS WON THE HUSQVARNA POLE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP A THIRD TIME –AND HE’S ALSO THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER – WHAT’S MORE, PARTNER, EMMA IS A WINNER TOO

Fitness comes through work

Dan has an amazing technique, but explains he does not work out and he simply relies on his arborist job to keep him fit, rather than working out. Before he competes, he says: “I am pretty relaxed to be fair, I don’t really think of too much. I just let my body do what it knows what to do. I have done it for such a long time, that I kind of switch off. You don’t really hear anybody shouting or the crowd, I go into my own little zone.”

Before a competition, he says he stays relaxed and does not overthink things. “Anything can happen, so I just try to keep focused have self-belief and enjoy competing before the final.”

It is usual for arborists to try out tree sports often because they are introduced to it through work, but for Dan, it was the other way round. “I got into pole climbing first and it was speaking to the other competitors and hearing them say how much they enjoyed their work – I decided to try it out and it helped that I’ve never been an ‘inside’ kind of person.”

He studied arboriculture and attended Reaseheath College in Cheshire. “I went there on a two-year course. I enjoyed the course and also made some good friends and also met my partner Emma there, who was doing a foundation degree in equine. It set me up well as it was good to get the theory and put it into effect in the working world.”

hooked trying to beat my own time and enjoy the competitive side.”

Emma says that while she enjoys working outside, that she has no plans for a career in tree care, and enjoys her role in customer services.

Cairns Show. Dan also shares: “I am excited to announce that I have just become an Arbortec ambassador and look forward to what the future brings working alongside them.

Hooked on climbing

Emma Cakebread is also a fantastic climber and also won the ladies’ World Championship for the second time in a row at this year’s APF. She says: “I started in 2015 after going along to the shows with Dan. I have got a little

Whelan Tree Services was set up in 2017 and specialises in residential work, along with some commercial – Dan also works as a sub-contractor for other firms on occasion. His ability to handle heights when climbing is also reflected in his favourite item of kit, which is a MEWP. And when he’s not working, Dan says he enjoys sport, playing football and cricket for Prees, the village where he lives with Emma.

Looking ahead, the couple plan to travel to Australia in 2023 where they will compete in the Australasian Pole Climbing Championships at the

Dan adds that he has been “overwhelmed” by many messages of congratulation to him and Emma and no doubt all will be wishing them a wonderful time away, after their incredible achievements.

I have done it for such a long time, that I kind of switch off. You don’t really hear anybody shouting or the crowd, I go into my own little zone

I just try to keep focused, have self-belief and enjoy competing

Ladies World Championship podium

Men’s World Championship podium

& DISEASE watch PEST

Whiteflies are a common insect pest that affect many UK trees including hornbeam, azalea, privet, rhododendron, hazel, beech, birch, false acacia, lime and maples. Young, vigorous plants, or those heavily fertilised with nitrogen, are most severely impacted.

Spotting the symptoms

Common noticeable symptoms are an abundance of white, waxy material covering leaves and fronds and a sugary substance called ‘honeydew’, produced by the leafsucking insects. Excessive dark sooty mould on leaves typically grows on the honeydew. An infestation rarely kills healthy plants, but can be disfiguring and cause some damage and/ or plant decline. Damage to plants also results from the effects of feeding on young tissue, which weakens and distorts new growth.

LORD OF THE whiteflies

In addition, whiteflies excrete large amounts of sugar-rich exudates that land on leaves below the whitefly. These leaves then become covered in the sooty mould fungus. Although sooty mould does no direct damage, it does reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the leaf surface, in turn reducing rates of photosynthesis.

Control methods

Whiteflies are difficult to control and the immature stages are small and difficult to detect. Whiteflies develop quickly and when adults emerge, they rapidly become distributed over an entire tree or move to other available host plants.

Winter washes based on spray oil can be used on fully dormant trees applied as a spray or brush to kill overwintering eggs.

situations such as rolled or curled leaves, in galls (abnormal plant growths) or on the higher branches - these are absorbed by the tissues and poison the sap whiteflies feed upon.

Eliminating all possible sources of residual whitefly infestations, such as weeds and plant debris around the tree that can harbour immature or adult whiteflies, may also prove helpful.

What are causal agents?

Most whitefly have a life span of one to two months and can produce 30 to 500 eggs. Eggs are deposited on the undersides of leaves and are often found in a circular or crescent-shaped pattern. The ‘crawler’ hatches from the egg, moves a short distance and then settles and begins feeding. The adult whitefly emerges from the pupal case and has the capability of flying to other host plants to lay eggs and begin the cycle again.

Insecticides such as soap or spray oil are used on growing plants and kill whiteflies by direct contact. Due to the non-persistent nature of these products re-infestation may soon occur and repeat sprays at 14 to 21 days may be necessary. When using soap or oil, care should be taken if spraying on hot (above 26°C) days to avoid leaf burn and in the case of fruit trees, ensure that two weeks elapses after spraying before harvest.

Synthetic insecticides provide reasonable control of whiteflies feeding in protected

Yellow sticky traps throughout the tree can provide a useful tool to detect whitefly populations early. For best results hang one to four yellow sticky cards per tree canopy. The adults are attracted to the yellow and will stick to the adhesive surface of the card. Once the number of whiteflies rises above 50, then it is time to instigate control measures.

Dr Glynn Percival is a plant physiologist/ technical support specialist at Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory. bartletttree.co.uk

THESE SMALL WINGED INSECTS FEED ON SAP AND CAN BE UNSIGHTLY AS WELL AS DAMAGINGDR GLYNN PERCIVAL EXPLAINS HOW TO IDENTIFY AND CONTROL THE PEST

Adult whitefly and pupae on Maple leaf

Adult whitefly on Maple leaf

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SCAN ME

We tend to take trees for granted whether in our parks, estates and gardens, as a natural part of the landscape. All too often, they are subjected to stress as a result of a number of factors, such as nutrient shortages in the soil, surface compaction due to foot traffic and waterlogging where water drains off hard surface pathways.

Terrain Aeration is armed with a number of solutions and has been treating trees in all types of situations for over 25 years, from back gardens to large estates right through to Royal Parks. The Terrain Aeration Terralift machines comprise a probe that reaches one metre depth. This is deeper than the roots of trees, other than the major tap roots which grow straight down. Breaking up the soil around the roots – and beyond – means that excess water will drain away from the roots to help stop anaerobic conditions and rotting of the root system.

Seaweed treatment

The probe is then used to inject dried seaweed, which helps keep the fissures open and backfilling the probe holes with aggregate provides a semi-permanent aeration/ventilation shaft. Terrain Aeration aerates around the roots using two-metre spacings, on most occasions one-metre inside and one-metre outside the canopy drip line, as this is where the growing

the benefits of soil aeration WAY DOWN:

In one particular situation, it was found there was a magnesium deficiency coupled with low overall soil fertility around trees in a park. This was determined using new technology to measure light transmission through the leaves on the trees to gain a reading of chlorophyll levels.

A need for natural nutrients

The likely cause of the problem was that leaf litter is always removed and had been for a century, taking with it the natural nutrients from decaying leaves. There was also severe compaction of the surface around the tree. A tree feed mix containing slow release general nutrients and magnesium was injected, using the Terralift’s ability to inject granular material via its seaweed carrier, forcing it upwards into the root zone of the trees. This also avoids losing the nutrients to the grass, which would occur with surface treatment.

moulds). This includes products that can be applied around the tree roots via a watering can – if the tree roots have been aerated by the Terralift machine, the product has a far better chance of reaching affected roots due to the soil being decompacted.

There are also machines that will go shallower, but this does not have such an effective treatment as it would still be necessary to remove excess water away from laying stagnant around the roots.

Terrain Aeration also recommend that root samples from good and affected trees, as well as tip samples, should be sent for full analysis from the Forestry Commission or another approved arboricultural adviser.

roots lie. Decompacting around the roots and injecting air into the soil increases the percentage of uptake of oxygen into the root system.

To carry out the process, two Terralift machines were used and there is also facility for injecting water storing polymers to help combat the effects of climate change.

There are also some products in the marketplace which are said to be of help for trees with Phytophthora (plant damaging water

The samples should be labelled as well as being placed in separate plastic bags and photos of the location of the trees would also be helpful as buildings or other structures can also have an impact on tree wellbeing. It is always best to give a complete story surrounding a tree to ensure the best diagnosis.

David Green is managing director of Terrain Aeration. For more information visit: terrainaeration.com/trees

USING SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT FOR DEEP PENETRATION AROUND TREES CAN RESULT IN DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENTS, AS DAVID GREEN EXPLAINS

Decompacting around the roots and injecting air into the soil increases the percentage of uptake of oxygen into the root system

Dr Duncan Slater’s Casebook

Decay cavities in trees often lead to such trees being downgraded in terms of their structure and longevity. However, many trees live long lives with cavities and these can be important microhabitats for wildlife.

Branch cavities

Most branch cavities do not significantly reduce the factor of safety of a mature tree, because of two key factors.

are many branch cavities, of relatively small size, in many of the mature trees. Rather than concluding that all these trees are defective in a minor way, such branch cavities are a big boon. This is because they supply micro-homes for a wide range of wildlife: bats, bees, beetles and birds. Many species are reliant on these little cavities for setting up home.

Most cavities in the aerial parts of trees have one of three origins:

i) A branch has died, decayed and a branch cavity occurs in the main stem or limb where the dead branch was attached.

ii) The tree’s stem is wounded (or bad pruning occurs) such that a significant area of decay develops associated with that wounding.

iii) At the base of the tree, mechanical damage or the death of one or more of the tree’s roots leads to an open cavity in that location.

Firstly, the associated decay is most often limited to the ‘insertion cone’ or ‘knot’ of the branch that has died, the decay not often spreading further into the associated stem or limb unless the tree is already in decline. Secondly, the tree often forms a ring of tough woundwood around such a cavity, which causes the stem or limb to regain its bending strength in the area of the cavity.

Authors Kane and Ryan (2003) found that the production of woundwood in red maple ( Acer rubrum) resulted in an increase in stem toughness, compared to normal, unwounded stems.

So, take a walk in a woodland or park and look up – you will find there

I have many pictures of tree failures, but not one that implicates a branch cavity as the main cause. That is not to say that a large diameter branch cavity could not be a focus for failure, but it would appear to be a rather rare event.

The image below shows that some branch cavities are around only for a limited time before the tree occludes them completely. The cavity shown was inhabited, as can be seen by the scratching around the entrance hole.

CAVITIES CAN BE ALARMING BUT ARE NOT NECESSARILY BAD NEWS FOR TREES, SO IF YOU FIND A HOLE, MAKE SURE YOU LOOK INTO IT. DR DUNCAN SLATER SHARES HIS KNOWLEDGE AND GUIDANCE

many trees live long lives with cavities and these can be important microhabitats for wildlife

Branch cavity in sugar maple

Branch cavity in Norway maple 13 years later

12 years later...

Habitation hole in Acer pseudoplatanus

Stem cavities

A zone of decay at the edge of a tree stem can be much more problematic, as it frequently reduces the factor of safety of a tree by reducing its bending strength – and that a large amount of wood has been opened up to decay – as opposed to a small branch cavity.

The typical response by a mature tree is to grow two ‘pillars’ of response wood either side of the cavity opening to reinforce itself, while attempting to occlude the wound, which will often be a slow process. Many hollows in tree stems are caused in this way – and many trees cope with this level of damage, living their expected lifespan.

Basal cavities

Decay right at the base of a tree – its ‘root crown’ or ‘root flare’ – is often related to substantial root decay, although it can be initiated by superficial mechanical damage, especially by mowing equipment.

The wood of trees decays more rapidly just under the surface of the soil, because of the perpetual dampness and temperature buffering that occurs there, as well as the prevalence of many microbes in that biologically active topsoil.

If the tree can respond to the presence of basal decay, it will ‘bottle’, which is to create a bulge at its base.

This is akin to a buttress, but noticeably more swollen out around the basal cavity, than any normal tree’s growth form.

Basal cavities are generally the most important cavities to assess in detail, using micro-drills or tomography to assess the extent of current decay – and to predict the progress of that decay.

However, it is important to be aware that roots are likely to be decayed below the level of the visible cavity – and the tree is far more likely to fail because of root decay, than it is due to being somewhat hollow at its base.

Lessons to be learnt

Cavities are not all the same – their origins, position in the tree, the extent of associated decay and how much of a ‘flaw’ they represent varies greatly.

In general, small diameter branch cavities surrounded by a ring of woundwood are of the least concern, and large basal cavities of greater concern, when it comes to inspecting trees. It is also important to gauge if the internal decay is still progressing rapidly, and the extent of response that the tree can achieve, which relates directly to the tree’s vitality.

A declining tree with active decay at a large basal cavity is a classic cause of tree failure, while a healthy tree with a minor stem or branch cavity may well be able to survive.

Dr Duncan Slater is a senior lecturer in arboriculture at Myerscough College, Lancashire. He is also a co-ordinator of Arbor Day UK (#ArborDayUK) –an action group that seeks to put new trees and woodlands back into the landscape. To support or sponsor these Arbor Day efforts, please contact Dr Slater at dslater@myerscough.ac.uk

small diameter branch cavities surrounded by a ring of woundwood are of the least concern, and large basal cavities of greater concern

Stem cavity in oak 10 years later… 13 years later

Basal cavity in oak

Take it to the next level

FOR MANY ARBORISTS, OWNERSHIP OF A TRACKED AERIAL PLATFORM OPENS UP A NEW WORLD OF WORK OPPORTUNITIES. RUSSELL WOODWARD FROM CMC LIFT PROVIDES SOME POINTERS ON MAKING THE RIGHT PURCHASE

CMC Lift UK is a leading distributor of a range of tracked spider lifts, which are proving extremely popular with a growing number of arborist customers. The range is manufactured in Bari, southern Italy and shipped to CMC UK’s Sussex headquarters, where there is a showroom and workshop, with bespoke trailers also available. This will always be a considered purchase, but there are plenty of arborists who say business is booming. While they may have hired a platform in the past, this does not always guarantee access to a quality machine. As such, they are ready to make a capital investment to allow them to take on significant contracts and jobs where climbing is not feasible or potentially unsafe.

So, if a spider lift is in your sights, what should be the key considerations?

What materials are used?

Steel is generally best for strength and reliability – if there is a repair, this will often be straightforward. Platforms where plastic or fibreglass is used will be less robust and problematic to fix.

Stability is essential

Spider lifts that have either semi articulated or fully articulated outriggers are best for uneven terrain, because of their

THE FOLLOWING MODELS ARE PARTICULARLY SUITED TO ARBORISTS:

CMC S18F – a new launch and fully hydraulic

● 17.78m working height

● 11.15m horizontal outreach

● 230kg lifting capacity

● Weighs 2495kg

CMC S22 HD – heavy duty

With 22m track mount, increased leg clearance and horizontal outreach – ideal for working on rough terrains and gradients.

● 21.6m working height

● 12.5m horizontal outreach

● 230kg lifting capacity

● Weighs 3000kg

levelling capabilities. If purchasing a spider with straight outriggers or legs, make sure it has increased leg penetration (legs or outriggers do not penetrate the ground – this is unsafe. This refers to downward pressure through the outriggers which aids the stabilisation of the machine).

Urban workers need narrower access Width adjustable tracks allow access through areas where space is tight, variable outriggers will help ensure the platform can be set up in small or confined areas.

Fly jibs, basket rotation and a quick release cage

A fly jib and basket rotation means you can make micro adjustments to your positioning to ensure you’re in the best place to access the area you need. Another feature to look out for is a quick release cage, which allows you to quickly separate the cage from the machine and reattach with ease.

CMC S23 – CMC’S largest road-towable option

The S23 has the largest outreach in its class.

● 23m working height

● 12.4m horizontal outreach

● 200kg lifting capacity

● Weighs 2865kg

CMC i23 – debuting for sale in the UK

A double pantograph geometric platform with the largest-unrestricted outreach in its class.

Electrically insulated up to 46kV, it allows safe working on or near high-voltage lines.

● 22.8m working height

● 10m horizontal outreach

● 180kg lifting capacity

● Weighs 3930kg

Buy from a specialist

Do they understand the specific needs of the arborist sector? Take care if buying a used machine; do you know its history and what warranties are available?

Buying new is likely to mean more peace of mind, but equally, the platform needs to be right for the job – be prepared to ask questions and look for feedback from other customers.

Take

appropriate training

Training is vital to ensure safe operation but also carry out daily checks on the platform. Your supplier should be able to advise on this and answer any questions as these arise.

Find out more at cmclift.co.uk Russell Woodward is managing director for CMC UK

trees in danger Woodland Trust warns of

THE WOODLAND TRUST SAYS THERE ARE INCREASING RISKS TO ANCIENT WOODLAND AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST CHANGE ITS COURSE

The UK’s precious ancient woodlands are facing increasing threats and the government is not doing enough to protect them – what is more, a failure to plant more trees will also mean the UK will fail to hit its net zero target.

This is the view of charity The Woodland Trust, which has recently spoken out about the government’s plans for investment zones. These were a key policy of the short-lived Liz Truss premiership, although it is currently unclear if new prime minister Rishi Sunak will back the strategy. However, it is known that some 35 councils have put forward applications to set up low tax, low regulation regions, designed to attract investment.

Investment zones pose threats

The Woodland Trust said investment zone proposals could affect more than 125,000 hectares of ancient woodland and 40,000 recorded ancient and veteran trees.

An ancient woodland is one that has existed continuously since at least 1600. They are a vital part of the country’s history, store large amounts of carbon and are important habitats for animals.

Dr Darren Moorcroft, CEO of the Woodland Trust said such development would weaken planning policy and threaten existing wildlife laws. It also fears the government could end a proposed scheme to pay farmers for planting trees.

Dr Moorcroft said: “On the basis of what we’ve learned from Government so far since

the mini-budget and the Retained EU Law Bill, this combination of plans could see the UK lose more trees and woods, and plant fewer at a time when we need to strengthen

TREES IN THE UK AND THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY

The Woodland Trust states:

● The Government’s climate plans to hit net zero require woodland cover to reach 17% by 2050.

● The UK currently has 13% woodland cover, compared to the European average of 38%.

● Trees are essential to life. They play a crucial role in cooling towns and cities, cleaning the air, crop pollination, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and our own mental and physical wellbeing.

● Farmland and incorporating trees into farming systems is key to increasing canopy cover. It is estimated that currently only 3.3% of the 72% of the UK’s agricultural land area is managed under agroforestry.

● The UK’s largest forest carbon stores are our ancient and long-established woods. Woodlands in Britain hold 213 million tonnes of carbon (in their living trees) of which ancient and long-established woodlands hold 36% (77 million tonnes), even though they make up just 25% of all woodland.

● Only 7% of Britain’s native woods are in good ecological condition.

● Woodland wildlife continues to be in rapid decline.

● Ancient woods are home to more rare and threatened species than any other terrestrial habitat.

● Once widespread, ancient woodland now covers just 2.5% of the UK.

● Due to their complex nature, established over centuries, ancient woods can never be replaced.

● The Forestry Commission found the government is lagging behind its target to create new woodland in England. 1,980 hectares of new native woodland have been established in the last year, bringing the total to 7,150 hectares since 2019.

Given that Government has set a target for 30,000 hectares of new woodland in England by 2024, this leaves over 20,000 hectares still to be planted in the next two years.

● Work to restore irreplaceable ancient woodland damaged by historic commercial forestry remains very limited. Despite welcome recent commitments from Government, only 19 hectares are recorded as being in restoration during 2021-22, a decrease on the already low figure (67 hectares) for 2020-21.

a failure to plant more trees will also mean the UK will fail to hit its net zero target

protection and ramp up woodland expansion to tackle the nature and climate crises. We are especially concerned about the protection of ancient woods and trees in new investment zones where planning rules would be weaker and recent so-called assurances have done nothing to allay our fears.

“These are unprecedented times for the environment on which we depend for our prosperity and quality of life. The very last thing we need is to weaken protections and create uncertainties for farmers and landowners who are helping to ready our countryside for the battle against the climate change ahead.”

Key role for farmers

The charity said that net zero can only be achieved by “getting billions more trees in the ground” and this is dependent on financially rewarding farmers and landowners for doing this. The government had put forward plans for the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) payments as a means to do this. But, the Woodland Trust said delaying the introduction of ELM or focusing grants on area-based payments would mean trees and woods would be sidelined, making net zero much more difficult to achieve.

Dr Moorcroft said: “The Government must urgently make clear it is still committed to these plans. If it doesn’t, the danger is

that landowners will hold off planting and restoration for fear that support may now not be available, severely hampering woodland expansion efforts. Clarity on the future of ELM, and protections for irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland in the investment zones, must follow swiftly.”

What is the Woodland Trust?

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and has over 500,000 supporters.

It was established in 1972 and now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares.

The Trust has three key aims:

1. Protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable.

2. Restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life.

3. Plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

He added that this year, the Woodland Trust saw some of the most telling impacts yet of climate change, to both its ancient woods and new planting sites. This included unseasonal storms battering the north, bringing down 80% of trees in some woods in the Lake District. Extreme heat and an extended period of drought scorched new saplings in the south-east of England and killed ancient trees in fragments of temperate rainforest in the south-west.

There is further risk from tree diseases and pests, which continue to arrive and which in warmer conditions. He said felling now happens on a greater scale to attempt to control the spread of disease, or to make trees weakened by disease safe.

Naomi Tilley, lead campaigner, of the Woodland Trust, has asked members and supporters to contact their MP. “We know from experience that planning processes and policy are critical tools in protecting ancient woodland. We cannot afford to bypass them,” she said.

Find out more: woodlandtrust.org

planning processes and policy are critical tools in protecting ancient woodland. We cannot afford to bypass them

SHOWING THE ROPES

Marlow Ropes is a British success story, manufacturing products from its headquarters in Hailsham, East Sussex, which are then sold around the world. The company’s roots go back to 1807 and manufacturing still takes place on the same site. Marlow has long been known as a rope provider for the yachting industry, but it now has equal recognition with arboriculture – it also supplies defence and industrial markets. In its early days, natural fibres such as hemp and sisal were used, but in the late 1950s onwards, the advantages of using synthetics was realised, since these offered strength in a lighter format.

Made in the UK

Today, a growing number of customers are arborists, who appreciate the strength and reliability of the range from Marlow Ropes. Commercial sales director Richard Edge says that ropes are designed and produced in the UK and in conjunction with feedback from arborists.

Richard has been with the business some 26 years and has seen the company expand and modernise, but not at the

The new Reflective Safety Line in action

We’ve seen the arborist sector increase in number and also in their professionalism

The Marlow Ropes team

expense of quality. “We’ve seen the arborist sector increase in number and also in their professionalism,” he says. Meanwhile many arborists may be paying even more attention to their choice of rope since the introduction of CE standards that require two ropes to be used when climbing, as part of Working at Height Regulations. Overall, ropes are a core part of kit and quite literally act as a lifeline.

A wide range

There is a range of climbing and rigging ropes and this year, Marlow launched Vesper, an 11.8mm lightweight tree-climbing line, which is available in two standout colour combinations – orange and blue or lime and purple – to ensure visibility and improve safety.

Vesper is made of 100% polyester and has a braided core, to provide low elongation with effective friction and heat resistance. It is available in a wide range of lengths, as well as a reeled product, or with a low profile termination. The slim termination design results in an easy thread with the latest mechanical devices on the market, such as Petzl’s Zigzag.

A rope for light limited conditions

A further new launch is the Reflective Safety Line, which is aimed at utility arborists working in light-limited conditions. This could prove useful where emergency work is being carried out, such as following storm damage and if there are power outages. It is a low stretch kernmantle rope (LSK) and the reflective element of the rope is illuminated by a light source, such as a head torch. The reflective yarn performs as a safety marker for users working in confined or dark spaces where visibility is impacted.

The retro-reflective element not only offers enhanced safety factors to both the climber and those working on the ground, it also makes work more profitable by reducing set-up times and the exit process from the worksite. The 12mm rope is available in orange and will shortly be offered in whitethe rope will also be launched in an 11mm version, meaning it can be used with most climbing devices.

Other popular brands from Marlow include the Vega, which has low elongation and so helps reduce fatigue while climbing, it is lightweight and ideal for SRT climbing.

The Venom is also a big seller – this is an 11.8mm arborist climbing line designed for the new generation of mechanical climbing devices and modern climbing techniques, either on single or doubled rope.

Venom has a braided nylon core that works with the 24-plait nylon jacket to give a rope with exceptional flexibility.

A global business

Marlow Ropes are only available through retailers and as Richard says: “We’re not set up for direct retail and our focus is to design and manufacture – there are benefits in buying through a specialist dealer, as

distribution company specifically for the US market, based in Plymouth, Massachusetts and there is also strong growth in Asian markets.

Marlow Ropes remained open throughout the pandemic and this proved helpful in terms of ensuring supply for arborists, many of whom found they were exceptionally busy at this time. “A number of the specialist arb suppliers also stayed open and were able to offer click and collect,” he explains.

The company also benefits from a loyal local workforce, who work in its factory and adjoining offices, including some who have worked for the business for more than 30 years. “There is a family feel here and several generations of the same families who have stayed with us."

there’s often helpful advice available, including areas such as care in use or device compatibility.”

Richard travels extensively as part of his role and attends many trade shows and events. Marlow colleagues were at APF this year, supporting a number of retailers, but outside of the UK, this is a global business. In 2013, the company opened a sales and

Loyalty is also prevalent among Marlow’s many arborist customers and while he has few details to reveal at present, Richard mentions that the company is currently hard at work producing two more new ropes that will have much to offer for those who work with trees.

For more information, please visit: marlowropes.com

there are benefits in buying through a specialist dealer, as there’s often helpful advice available, including on areas such as care in use...

Reflective Safety Line: the reflective element of the rope is illuminated by a light source

KIT SAWMILLS

GET TO WORK WITH A WOOD-MIZER

Agrowing number of arborists are now producing timber planks and other wood products as an additional source of income. Wood-Mizer looks to offer customers a far more affordable – and often better quality – product compared to large commercial suppliers. It offers a complete range of portable and industrial sawmills, resaws, edgers, woodworking machines such as planer/moulders and thicknessers, smart log processing lines, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades and blade maintenance equipment.

On parade at APF

The company appeared at this year’s APF event, demonstrating a number of sawmills, including the LT70WIDE, the LT40WIDE, the LT15CLASSIC WIDE and the LX250. Other models on show included the MB200 SlabMizer, which was seen flattening a large timber slab, the LT20 sawmill with the CookieMizer attachment for producing round wood cookies as well as the EG300 board edger for trimming the rough sides of boards. The MP360 planer/moulder with four cutterheads was on show, designed

for making final products such as flooring, sideboards and door frames.

The company’s best-seller is the LT40 sawmill, which continues to allow easy and affordable milling of logs. Another popular model is the LT70, a well-proven machine for high capacity production which is recognised for its speed and accuracy of cutting, featuring a sturdy hydraulic bed and many automatic functions resulting in comfortable operation. Meanwhile, if the user is only looking for occasional or low-volume production, the LT20 or LT15 sawmills provide effective solutions.

A complete service

Wood-Mizer is a global company with worldwide branches, though the Kent head office is based in Yalding, where manager David Biggs and his team provide sales and servicing, including fast delivery. From here it is possible to order parts and blades and deal with any troubleshooting issues. Common spare parts and blades are kept in stock in their warehouse and orders are shipped for next-day delivery.

The UK office also offers Wood-Mizer’s ReSharp service; customers send in their blades and they are then sharpened on exactly the same equipment that is used to manufacture them in the first place.

Agents Keith Threadgall and Martin Phillips cover Scotland and the North of England respectively and there is also a support team based in Poland. In addition to major events, Wood-Mizer provides demonstrations and also holds open days. If required, the company can also put arborists in touch with other sawmill users so that they can see a model being used in a commercial setting.

Find out more at woodmizer.co.uk

WHY NOT OFFER CUSTOMERS A FINISHED TIMBER PRODUCT ALONGSIDE OTHER ARBORIST SERVICES? TAKING OWNERSHIP OF A PORTABLE SAWMILL MAKES IT POSSIBLE

NEW RELEASES

UP AND COMING FROM HUSQVARNA

MARKET

Hot off the blocks

The T540i XP G top-handle and 540i XP G are the world’s first battery-powered chainsaws with heated handles, helping arborists work comfortably in cold weather conditions – this was previously only available on petrol models.

They will be available in the first quarter of 2023 and are upgrades on Husqvarna’s existing battery chainsaws for professionals. They also feature a digital oil sensor reminding users to refill the chain oil, which improves performance and reduces maintenance. Both chainsaws perform like petrol chainsaws in terms of power. There is also less maintenance compared to petrol and these models also automatically notify users when the chain oil is low and needs refilling. This leads to improved performance and

uptime, while preventing damage and additional servicing.

The rear-handle 540i XP G is an allround saw and ideal for tasks such as groundwork. Both saws can cut thick trunks and branches while also being suited to smaller tasks.

They come with a user-friendly interface with the battery status being easily visible. The motor produces no direct emissions and can be started and stopped with the push of a button. Other benefits include low noise and

THE SWEDISH MANUFACTURER HAS ANNOUNCED EXCITING NEW LAUNCHES FOR THE ARBORIST

Heated handles

T540 XP Mark III

Petrol preference?

The 540 XP Mark III and T540 XP Mark III are 40cc petrol chainsaws and these two new models are suited to those experienced in advanced tree care – they will launch early in 2023.

The 540 XP Mark III is a new petrol rear-handle chainsaw, optimised for arborists who on occasion choose to use this over a top-handle saw. This would typically be when working from a bucket truck and also suited to lighter work thinning trees and it is lightweight and easy to carry.

The T540 XP Mark III is a top-handle chainsaw with a new powerful engine that is even more reliable than previous versions in hot and cold starts, with improved runability during use. It has been designed specifically to ensure reliability with high manoeuvrability and plenty of power to cut stems and thick branches. The chainsaw features a new engine and provides powerful cutting capacity. The weight is kept low to produce a high power-to-weight ratio.

Both models feature AutoTune 3.0 and simplified starting technology, which ensures the engine starts with less effort than previous versions. The engine is simple to refill with flip-up tank caps that are easy to open and close.

Both are equipped with air injection, preventing the air filter from clogging. This improves reliability and minimises the time

spent cleaning the saws. The design also ensures vibration is minimised and they use Husqvarna’s X-Cut and X-Precision chains to further improve cutting performance.

Climbing high

A new range of climbing and rigging gear for tree care professionals is now available.

It features a climbing harness and ropes designed in partnership with Teufelberger. There is also a new storage bag, designed to help arborists organise their equipment, particularly when working with chainsaws.

The new harness has been designed for climbers looking for a versatile, adjustable, robust and comfortable piece of equipment. The harness provides excellent mobility and comfort while helping reduce the risk of injuries and physical stress when working long hours in trees. A wide range of settings allows

540 XP Mark III

540 XP Mark III

Collaboration with Teufelberger

climbers to customise the harness to different climbing styles and jobs.

There are also two sets of quality climbing ropes approved according to both CE and ANSI standards, suited to different rope techniques and smooth during ascent and descent.

The new weather-proof gear bag assists with storing, organising and protecting the climbing and rigging gear, is durable and can fit 70L. It includes a reinforced bottom, a helmet storage lid at the top and side zippers.

They are lightweight, well-balanced and ergonomic and feature an anti-vibration system and improved handle design. Maintenance is simplified due to the manual gear rotation feature, making it easier to inspect and service the knives.

Battery power-up

The new professional BLi-X battery range will launch in spring 2023. These come with state-ofthe-art cell technology to produce the right power and runtime for each type of job. As with Husqvarna’s battery products in the 500 series, the new batteries fulfil the IPX4 classification for water resistance, making them reliable in all weather conditions. The batteries are designed for safe and easy handling and are backwards compatible with all the 500 series machines in the Husqvarna range.

Other new accessories include a chainsaw strap with an anti-shock feature that reduces the impact if the chainsaw gets caught in a falling branch or on other objects. It also includes a sling, a work positioning lanyard, rigging rope, a friction saver and accessory carabiners.

Husqvarna’s current climbing gear offering includes a climbing harness, climbing rope (11.5 mm and 11.8 mm), rigging rope, gear bag, work position lanyard, friction saver, sling, prusik, and chainsaw strap.

More cordless choice

An expanded range of battery-powered hedge trimmers, grass trimmers and brushcutters are now available, which match and even outperform petrol equivalents.

The new models within the professional Husqvarna 500 series are all cordless without any external connection cables or external batteries and can also be used with a backpack battery for maximum runtime.

The 522i hedge trimmers have improved performance equal to professional petrol trimmers and are equipped with high-quality knives and optimised grinding of the teeth to ensure a high cutting capacity.

The 525i grass trimmers and brushcutters perform equivalent to 25cc petrol products, but with lower noise and without direct emissions. The combination of the Husqvarna-developed E-Torq motor and a high power-to-weight ratio, allows for greater productivity. All models are equipped with a digital user interface showing the battery status and lets the user easily switch between three speed modes. The 525iRXT and 525iLXT are equipped with the ErgoFeed trimmer head, where the trimmer line can be fed by simply pushing a button.

The BLi-X 36V batteries come with three different capacity levels, making it easier to choose battery-powered products as they will match or even exceed petrolpowered equivalents.

The new batteries feature ActiveCool, which enables active cooling both during charging and discharging. This helps retain productivity even in demanding conditions, prolonging lifetime and enabling effective charging. The batteries have built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing connection to Husqvarna Fleet Services.

Find out more: husqvarna.com/uk

522iHD75 battery hedge trimmer

525iECS Battery edger curve shaft

BLi-X battery range

BLOWN AWAY

DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONALS, MAKITA’S UB002C

36V BATTERY BACKPACK BLOWER PROVIDES THE POWER OF A PETROL MACHINE BUT WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES OF CORDLESS

product dna

More gain less strain

• The backpack configuration reduces user fatigue, especially when used for longer periods of time. Weight is transferred to the user’s back, rather the arm and the harness with padding is comfortable to wear.

Strong and silent

• The UB002C battery backpack matches the performance of a 50cc petrol machine and delivers long run-times. Being cordless, it is also quiet and low vibration. The variable speed control produces a blowing force of 22 newtons, a maximum air volume of up to 19.0 m3 /min and an air velocity of up to 76.0 m/sec.

Feature rich

• The UB002C offers cruise control, an adjustable control grip position and LED battery gauge indicator for simple power monitoring. It is also IPX4 rated meaning it is showerproof. The UB002C is available as a body only (UB002CZ) option or supplied with the PDC1200A02 portable battery pack (UB002CX3).

36V

Makita UB002C

battery backpack blower

A day’s work covered

• It provides around 45 minutes of continuous run-time at maximum power, while there should be enough to cover a full day’s work based on actual trigger time.

Compatibility matters

• The Makita PDC1200 portable backpack battery can be used with a range of compatible Makita cordless machines.

For more information, please visit: makitauk.com

PERFECT PARTNERS

VERSATILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

Bobcat has expanded its attachment range with the launch of two new ‘Brushcat’ rotary cutter models and a new log grapple attachment for small articulated loaders.

The new Brushcat attachments offer cutting widths of 1,118mm and 1,372mm, respectively, and are the smallest models in the full line-up of Brushcat rotary cutters, which offers larger models with cutting widths of 1,676mm, 1,829mm or 2,032mm.

Meanwhile, the log grapple is compatible with both the Bobcat L23 and L28 small articulated loader (SAL) models. The log grapple meets the challenges of site clearance. The log grapple can also be used on the new MT100 mini track loader.

Brushcat benefits

The two new smaller Brushcat attachments deliver powerful cutting and mulching action in areas of untamed growth and can pass through gates and other narrow entrances. They can handle tough brush clearing jobs in a wide variety of applications, such as arboriculture, landscaping and work for municipalities. The lightweight, short-deck and superior oscillation, enable the brush cutter to follow ground contours in order to maintain a clean cut, even on slopes.

The attachments feature a highefficiency, direct-drive motor that maximises hydraulic horsepower for optimal cutting and mulching of tall, thick vegetation in one pass. The high cutting speed and heavyduty blades ensure momentum to cut and mulch vegetation up to 5cm in diameter.

Log grapple features

The new log grapple can easily clean up after cutting or trimming trees and bushes. Overall, the log grapple brings the best out of Bobcat SALs, increasing their versatility, from cleaning and recycling to discarding or collecting branches and logs, with its heavy-duty teeth.

pusher, ensuring material falls in the intended direction, allowing the operator to accomplish multiple tasks with the same attachment.

Operators will also appreciate the efficiency offered by the log grapple’s 143cm wide opening and 360° rotation for increased productivity and ease of use. The open sides allow for easy clamping of logs and piles of brush, clearing areas –even in confined spaces.

Working together

Bobcat has launched a new version of the company’s BobCARE Planned Maintenance (PM) programme for customer machines in the UK, the first of its type in Europe.

BobCARE PM is designed to ensure a longer machine life, increased uptime or higher residual value. However, until now it has only been managed at an individual dealer level, which could not fulfil all customer expectations.

To overcome this, Bobcat has worked with the company’s UK dealer network to introduce a new national solution, that offers:

The log grapple attachment also has reinforced tines, which with the heavy-duty teeth provides outstanding grip when managing unwieldy logs and brush. Rope bollards provide an additional anchor point, assisting in stability while at work. For increased operator control, the log grapple comes with an integrated tree

NEW BOBCARE PLAN LAUNCHED

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The new version of BobCARE PM means customers can now have their machine maintained at the most convenient dealer branch based on the machine’s current location.

Costs are predictable – the price is final and stated at the start of the contract. This means

The Bobcat L23 and L28 SALs offer high-lift capacities in confined spaces, ease-of-use with simple intuitive controls and low ground disturbance for working on any terrain. Designed and built by Bobcat at the company’s North American facilities, the new SALs offer good levels of stability and tipping loads of up to 1.39 tonnes. The machine's compact size, with a width of just over one metre, combined with a tight turning radius, allow Bobcat SALs to work easily even in tricky and hard to reach areas. The SALs are also built to be light enough for easy transportation.

maintenance costs are resistant to inflation. Bobcat is also offering various forms of the BobCARE PM plan, which vary from two years and 1,000 hours up to five years and 5,000 engine hours.

The plan continues to include the regular maintenance operations and checks as well as all Bobcat genuine parts and fluids.

Every plan is also backed by Bobcat –customers, dealers and leasing partners are guaranteed fulfilment throughout the contract period.

BOBCAT HAS LAUNCHED NEW ATTACHMENTS SUITED TO ITS SMALL ARTICULATED LOADERS, ALLOWING BOTH

Brushcat rotary cutter

Log grapple

All-TERRAIN VEHICLES

ALL TERRAIN, ALL ELECTRIC KIT

Corvus has launched the electric Terrain EX4, a 4x4 utility vehicle, which could well suit arborists who need a versatile vehicle to work off road, making it a viable option for use in fields or woodlands. The fully electric model features a 13kW AC induction 48V motor which is capable of hauling a payload capacity of 620kg. The EX4 also has a towing capacity of 755kg in low and 479 kg in high.

Keep it quiet

The Terrain EX4 achieves 40km/h/25mph and can be driven on roads, making it ideal for a quiet, non-polluting everyday work vehicle. It offers high load capacity, lower maintenance and high vehicle durability with the precision power needed for smooth or rough terrain. Being electric, this also means low running costs.

There is a dual power selector for ‘Range’ and ‘Power’ which allows the driver to select electronically the right driving mode for the most demanding jobs.

With less maintenance and no fuel costs, UTV electric vehicles are significantly more affordable and cost-effective than traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. The 15kW lithium-ion battery on the EX4 is designed for quick and convenient charging.

Plentiful storage

The cargo box is steel with a 300kg load capacity and so there is plenty of space for carry kit such as chainsaws. There is also more space with a front storage boot and convenient under seat storage too.

From the start of its rapid acceleration, the EX4 is whisper-quiet and as an offroad vehicle provides an enjoyable driving experience. With a ground clearance of 309mm and the choice of 4x4 and 4x2 power, even the most difficult terrain can be easily covered. There is also a safety benefit in having a vehicle close to a worksite that would be inaccessible to a standard truck or car.

All Terrain EX4 models are approved to EU T1a standards and equipped with

automotive safety windshield glass, threepoint belts, indicators, headlamps and brake lights, horn, mirrors and windshield wipers.

How much?

There are three versions of the Terrain EX4 with a cab and other accessories available. Prices start at £25,499 for the EX4 Base EPS, £26,499 for the EX4 Pro EPS and £28,499 for the EX4 CAB EPS. The vehicles come in a colour choice of white, orange or green, and the Terrain EX4 is compatible with a range of accessories including CAB systems that provide driver comfort throughout the winter.

Additional accessories available include various front and rear protection elements, as well as various options for increased loading and towing possibilities, among others.

Corvus is a Spanish manufacturer and a leading provider of off-road vehicles. It is the only European manufacturer with fully electric UTVs available to buy in 2022. The company also produces the Terrain DX4 diesel vehicle, which is the market leader in its field.

The Terrain EX4 is distributed by Boss Off-road Vehicles, which has a dedicated UK commercial sales team and an extensive dealer network to assist with the purchase of the vehicle.

For more information visit: bossorv.co.uk

KIT CHIPPERS

Timberwolf has launched an industry first with its new hybrid wood chipper, the TW 280HB. The new model was shown at the recent APF event and also at French expo Salonvert. It is the latest addition to the TW 280 range and was developed to meet the growing industry trend towards more sustainable solutions.

“Taking existing technologies to develop an industry-first solution has been a very exciting innovation and development project,” said Chris Perry, Timberwolf’s managing director. “The team have excelled in identifying and delivering an outstanding technical solution to meet this increasingly important market need. For over 35 years, the Timberwolf brand has been synonymous with wood chippers and now, as we launch the TW 280HB Hybrid, we demonstrate our commitment to use the strength of our technical expertise to meet the sustainability challenges of the future.”

Lowering emissions

The TW280HB offers processing throughput of over seven tonnes/hr and class leading peak power of 62hp, with Kubota Super Mini Series engine levels of emissions. Maintenance is simple according to Timberwolf and the new launch is well suited to businesses that are committed to minimising their emissions without compromising on performance.

In-house development

Timberwolf’s designers said that delivering power suitable for an 8” wood chipper while also minimising emissions was a challenge. Historically, when looking to meet the needs of arborists, design engineers typically need to dial up engine power, which naturally increases engine emission levels.

After extensive research of hybrid powertrains and following discussions

HELLO HYBRID

with engine manufacturers, it was concluded that no commercially available solution was currently available. It was therefore decided that Timberwolf would lead its own hybrid powertrain development programme to meet the dual challenge of addressing performance and emissions.

Working with Kubota

In the year Kubota celebrates its 100th year anniversary, the Timberwolf engineering team placed the 24.8hp (18.5kW) Kubota D902-TE4 turbo diesel engine at the heart of the hybrid design. The Super Mini Series powerhouse was chosen not only for its Kubota pedigree, but also its high RPM and strong applied torque, which was deemed ideal for the Timberwolf chipping methodology.

Supplementing engine generated power is a power-dense hybrid system. Further and integral to this system, is an Inmotion Generator Synchronous Motor (GSM) and energy efficient SECH supercapacitors. This provides swift recharge capability, in contrast to Li-ion battery solutions, while supercapacitors store and release energy quickly coping with the variable duty cycle of the arborist’s job. This is integrated in a self-supported system that does not need external charging to operate.

Class-leading power

As the arborist’s working environment is always variable and the work schedule often long, the TW 280HB Hybrid will perform throughout the day, every day. With a processing throughput of over 7 tonnes/hr, the powertrain provides class-leading 62hp peak power but with emissions at the level of a Kubota 24.8hp engine.

Low maintenance

According to Timberwolf, hybrid technologies often provide a more reliable and low maintenance solution than their full engine counterparts. With maintenance-free supercapacitors and GSM, the TW 280HB Hybrid is no exception.

Through evaluation activities held during the development process, Timberwolf said users found the new launch reassuringly familiar. With only a few simple daily checks and regular greasing required to keep the machine operating at peak performance, maintenance has been kept to a minimum. Additional features include enhanced operator diagnostics for easy troubleshooting. A threeyear warranty is also provided as standard.

Find out more at timberwolf-uk.com

WITH MANY ARBORISTS SEEKING MORE ENVIRONMENTALLYFRIENDLY SOLUTIONS, TIMBERWOLF ’S NEW WOOD CHIPPER OFFERS PLENTY OF BENEFITS

RELIABILITY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

As alkylate petrol pioneers since 1988, Aspen ensures a safer and healthier working environment.

Available for both two and fourstroke engines, our ethanol free fuel is perfectly suited for professionals –offering a cleaner burning fuel which also improves the performance of your machinery.

KIT CASE STUDY

A NEW RECRUIT

Moorland Treescapes provides tree work and utility arboriculture services throughout Staffordshire, Cheshire and the surrounding areas for businesses, local authorities and the public. Owner Simon Stockton has used a number of other GreenMech models over the years and his fleet includes a QuadChip 160P.

piece of kit for us. Improvements have been made to simple things like the manual override control which means that the infeed will continue to pull material through and not leave you standing in and amongst brashy or thorny material. All of the basic service points are accessible and centralised greasing makes that process really quick and easy.”

GreenMech’s EVOlution

GreenMech recently showed its range at this year’s APF, including models from its road-tow, fixed track, SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak configurations, with the EVO range being its most powerful wood chipper collection to date.

Simon established Moorland Treescapes almost 20 years ago, and for most of that time has used GreenMech to supply chippers to suit his broad range of domestic and commercial tree works. “Over the years we’ve had three QuadChip’s, a 19-28 SAFETrak, ArbTrak 200 and then more recently, a tracked machine from the GreenMech EVO series,” explains Simon. “With each machine you notice little tweaks to the design and functionality. But with the EVO, it was like a whole new machine.”

Due to a reduction in embankment working, Simon has recently switched from a tracked EVO 165DT-45LE to the road tow

The EVO 165D is now tackling a lot of commercial work around Staffordshire and Derbyshire, including large-scale projects on behalf of BT, while the QuadChip 160P is bringing its own benefits to the day-today domestic jobs. “The QuadChip with the rotatable turntable is great for jobs on the kerbside. The ability to turn the chipper to be able to feed material from the pavement is brilliant for operator safety and means we don’t have members of our team working in the road,” says Simon.

He adds: “We have always had fantastic service from GreenMech and our local dealer Global Sales because the nature of this industry means that things do inevitably go wrong. In my book, it’s not the problems that matter, it’s how a company resolves them and Global have always been brilliant in helping us when they arise. As there are only four of us, having equipment that does a good job and is backed up with brilliant support is like having an extra member of the team.”

Originally launched in road-tow format, the EVO 165D was quickly joined by the fixed track EVO 165DT in the autumn of 2019. Following this was the 165P SUB 750 model – incorporating all of the proven EVO features such as the wide infeed chute, twin horizontal feed rollers and heavy-duty flywheel – in a smaller, lighter, petrol-driven package.

More recently, the EVO concept was extended into the 8” market with the launch of the EVO 205D. At the heart of the EVO 205 is a 50hp Kubota diesel engine which delivers strong processing power to make light work of bulky brash and timber.

All of the machines included as part of the EVO collection come with GreenMech’s disc-blade chipping technology, a three-year parts and labour warranty and support of their nationwide dealer network as standard.

GreenMech has also launched a range of aftermarket service kits – available for popular GreenMech models. These contain the required filters and any other components required to complete the regular maintenance at 250-hour and 1000-hour intervals. A 4-disc blade replacement kit will also be available as part of the aftermarket range.

boomerang?

REHIRING AN EX-MEMBER OF STAFF CAN BE A DIFFICULT DECISION, BUT WITH THE CURRENT SHORTAGES, MANY ARE CONSIDERING THIS OPTION

There are insufficient arborists to fill the number of vacancies and with busy and expanding workloads, solutions are urgently required. Although more arborist firms are now taking on apprenticeships, this is the answer to why someone fully trained is needed on board. This is also why more employers are looking at whether it makes sense to take on a former employee or someone who previously worked for them as a sub-contractor. So, what are the most important issues to take into account in a “boomerang” situation?

Why did they leave?

There are plenty of reasons for leaving a business, whether to set up on their own or for a better role somewhere else. Perhaps this did not work out and they want to come back, or you think it could be worth making the approach.

Maybe they had an injury and needed to take time out to recover, or perhaps mental health issues were present and again, time away from work and recuperation was needed. But if they left a number of years ago and proper records were not kept, then you should make sure you know if there were any problems.

This could be in terms of unsafe working practices or a dispute with another employee. Is that member of staff also still with you and if so, could there be problems

if they were to work together again? Once you know the full story, you will know if rehiring is a possibility.

Conduct a thorough interview

If the employee left because of ill-feeling, you will need to see where the land lies now and also gauge how your existing team feels about them rejoining.

more pay and a better role, that other employees may be unhappy about this and feel they have been overlooked. If so, you need to be ready to give explanations. Colleagues tend to talk about money and so don’t expect this to be kept private.

What is the motivation?

Managers have to be prepared to ask difficult questions and if there were poor working practices, then find out if the individual has been through refresher training. You should also find out who they have been working for, including if they took time out of the arb sector.

If there were health reasons, then again, you need full explanations, ensuring that information is treated confidentially.

It is also possible that the individual left because they were dissatisfied with what your firm offered them, perhaps because of the pay or lack of opportunities. Try to be objective if this is the case and see if what you are able to offer now will meet their expectations. Be aware that if you are offering

Meanwhile, if they approached you, then why do they want to work for your business again? Have they been turned down by rival firms or are you their first choice? There can certainly be benefits in taking on a previous member of staff, particularly if they left for a legitimate reason and on good terms – not least, they will know the ins and outs of how your business works. They may also have gained some valuable additional skills while working elsewhere.

But equally, it will never be worth taking someone on who could be a risk, whether through cutting corners during jobs or if they act in an unprofessional way, which could damage customer relationships or affect morale and the rest of the team. If there was friction in the past, this may resurface again. In addition, if you may have brought in new and improved working practices, it is essential no one is stuck in the old ways and all are willing to meet standards.

There is strong demand for experienced arborists and there are not enough to go round – this is why – subject to some careful checks – boomerang employees may be the answer.

Managers have to be prepared to ask difficult questions

Could your business benefit from a

Apprenticeships

what is

assessment ?

THIS CRUCIAL PROCESS RELATES TO THE THREE CORE PARTIES OF EMPLOYER, APPRENTICE AND TRAINING PROVIDER. DEE VICKERS PROVIDES GUIDANCE

There have been several major changes to the apprenticeship system recently, which apprentice employers should be aware of. Pro Arb covered these in the last article and in this one, we will take a look at one area that has been clarified further –the initial assessment.

Importantly, the employer has been drawn closer into the process, to provide a stronger link between the apprenticeship and the workplace. The new guidelines now state that there is a requirement for a ‘direct link between the productive job role and the apprenticeship standard’. This means that the training provider should be working closely with you as the employer to understand the role that the apprentice will be undertaking and ensuring that it meets, as closely as possible, the knowledge, skills and behaviours stated in the standard.

the employer is to “provide the individual with appropriate support and guidance, even where the apprentice is working from home”.

I’ve come across several instances where apprentices are told by their employers not to attend a college day, due to workload.

Need for a skills scan

The skills scan forms an integral part of the initial assessment and is where the training provider and apprentice discuss any prior knowledge and experience, relevant qualifications and explore the behaviours needed for the standard.

Maths and English are also needed to be able to complete an apprenticeship programme. As such, there is a need to ascertain the level of maths and English already achieved and if it does not meet the end criteria, this will also have to be factored into the apprenticeship.

All about suitability

Training providers will also need to balance this with ensuring the individual learner is undertaking the most suitable programme of training for them. There are occasions where the apprenticeship may not be in the best interest of the learner, for various reasons.

Assuming that an apprenticeship is the chosen delivery method, the training provider must now also ensure that the employer is willing to support the apprentice throughout their programme. The guidelines are quite clear on this, stating that

Most training providers will understand this is sometimes the case, especially where work is seasonal in nature. However when this happens repeatedly, there is an issue that needs to be addressed. An apprentice must therefore be able to achieve the required off-the-job training during work hours – added to which there is a new rule that there must be evidence of learning within a four-week period.

The work around the initial assessment is to ensure that the employer agrees to support the apprentice, that the chosen apprenticeship standard is relevant to the job role, and that the learner is eligible for the programme.

Furthermore, the initial assessment informs the eventual price (the ‘Total Negotiated Price’, TNP) of the apprenticeship. As that is related to what the employer might have to pay, the initial assessment should be seen as important by the employer.

Maths and English is not paid for by the employer and it does not form part of the total negotiated price, being funded entirely by the Government. However, the employer will need to release the apprentice so that they can complete this element, if needed.

The initial assessment is a critical part of the sign-up process to an apprenticeship. It is important that all three parties, employer, apprentice and training provider discuss openly the results from this assessment. Following the initial assessment, the training provider understands what needs to be delivered, the employer understands what they are paying for, and the apprentice knows that they will be supported throughout the programme.

Dee Vickers is the head of apprenticeships at Kingston Maurward College in Dorset, and a board member of the Dorset & Somerset Training Provider Network.

the training provider must now also ensure that the employer is willing to support the apprentice throughout their programme

the initial

Train to gain: an expert view

FACING ARBORISTS AND HOW THEY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ARRAY OF TRAINING COURSES

Mandy Maynard has worked for Lantra for nine years and is focused on putting the needs of their approved providers, instructors and assessors at the forefront of everything they do. She comments: “It is such a pleasure to watch our providers working in partnership with our instructors and assessors to encourage and develop learners to reach their full potential to either take their first steps into the arb world or continue to develop their skills and careers.”

Why is Lantra so successful at providing training?

Our success comes from listening to the needs and challenges of industry so we can consistently develop and improve our training and qualifications in line with real world requirements. We do this as our learners are at the heart of what we do – we strive to keep everyone well informed and, most importantly, safe.

What do you feel are the main issues for those running arborist firms? Are there skills shortages, enough people, problems with recruitment?

There are a few issues within arb, the main being we still have a lack of diversity. It remains a male-dominated industry. Most become arborists because they have a friend or family member already in the industry, who are on the whole, male. Jobs within arb and as a career is not really spoken about at schools either. So, unless you know someone, most people will only find this path once they have left school or college. This, I believe, is where a change needs to happen. Arboriculture should be celebrated more as an amazing career option and this can only happen with more exposure to the younger generation. Added to this, women need to know this is definitely a great career for them. I chair a committee – Women in Arb – where we are doing all we can to try to change the perception that this industry is not for them.

Do you see different attitudes from employers – do some really understand the importance of training, while others may say they have too much work on?

Sadly, there are still some employers who don’t see the value in keeping their staff’s skills up-to-date and refreshed. This can sometimes be for financial reasons, or it can just be that they don’t understand the worth of training. It is so important to keep skills such as tree work updated, as accidents happen every year – it is the reality of working with potentially dangerous equipment.

Some of these accidents could be avoided with the right knowledge gained through training. Employers need to make sure staff are working to an industry standard and they

PRO ARB CAUGHT UP WITH LANTRA’S NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER , MANDY MAYNARD TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES

are capable, fit and up to date with training. Refreshing your training will quite simply keep your employees safer! You can find out more about refresher training on our website.

and keeping up to date could genuinely be a matter of life or death – the HSE’s website should be checked regularly.

Does Lantra always have enough assessors, are you looking for more and what are the benefits of this role?

We are always looking for new talent to become Lantra assessors, with the growing demand for our qualifications. There are huge benefits to anyone wanting to become an assessor and they have the option of doing this alongside the work they already do or as a full-time career.

is always more we can do to highlight them and help, where possible, to create an atmosphere of understanding. This is also where our Lantra verifiers figure, as they are at the coalface and are always ready and willing to update arborists of any changes happening in the industry and guide those who still need to undertake training.

How did you find the APF event, was it useful for Lantra?

Do you have concerns that some in arboriculture are working with a lack of training/without qualifications and so are likely to be unsafe?

It is always a worry that some people will think arb work is easy and so training is unnecessary. Or, they have a friend or family member give them a bit of training on equipment and they think they are good to go. But the truth is it’s an extremely skilled profession with many different factors to it.

A good arborist will be highly skilled and knowledgeable. In my humble opinion, they don’t get the recognition they deserve. They need to understand all the different complexities of trees and the environment they are in, whether they are working in a wood, by a road or in an urban environment. This all takes various considerations, approaches and knowledge. This is why undertaking the right training and qualifications is so important, to keep them and the environment around them safe too.

What is the situation with refresher courses –do enough arborists attend them?

Good arborists will always undertake refresher training. If they are a full-time professional, they will do this every five years. If they are an occasional user, they will do this every three years. There is always a concern for those who feel they don’t need to take refresher training. It is vital arborists stay informed about changes to industry practices and legislation

You can work nationally, if you enjoy travel, or you can just work in your local area – the choice is up to the individual. The feedback we get is that it is a real privilege to pass on their knowledge and help keep skills high in our industry.

You have also been a participant of Lantra training – how has this helped you understand your arborist customers?

Attending the training myself was invaluable to help me understand all that’s involved. It gave me a greater appreciation for just how hard and skilled an arborists work is. Kudos to all who do this day in and day out! It’s not easy and you need to have a sharp mind as well as being physically fit.

What are your thoughts on the physical risks faced by arborists – is there enough understanding that good techniques can help prevent this?

The work of an arborist is physically demanding. There are some who stop in their 40s but there are also many who continue into their 50s and 60s – having said that, these are the ones who keep themselves up to date with industry and keep physically fit for work. Following good working practices and techniques lessens the chance of injury.

Is there enough understanding about tworope working – are you seeing an uptake of training in this area?

APF was an amazing success this year. It was such a pleasure to be back meeting up with old friends and colleagues and welcoming new people into the industry face to face.

Stephen Roberts, our head of instructor network, delivered a talk on how to become an instructor on the first day of the event, which created a real buzz and we had a huge amount of interest and feedback from this. It was great to see, and hear, so many people enthused by the thought of being able to pass on their experience and knowledge.

What key message would Lantra like to pass on to arborists?

Lantra cares passionately about this industry, and all who work in it and we just want to help keep everyone updated, give the best advice we can, and listen to what is needed.

If we can keep achieving this, we should help to create a sector that is happy, safe, and highly productive.

Two-rope working has meant an increase in the demand for training. Generally, all have welcomed this change and understand the importance – but as with any changes, there Find out more: lantra.co.uk

Lantra cares passionately about this industry, and all who work in it

Good arborists will always undertake refresher training. If they are a full-time professional, they will do this every five years

for tree care SNOW PLACE

Stay warm with Makita’s heated jacket

Weather reports at the time of writing claim a cold Atlantic front is on its way, which may well bring snowfall in various UK locations before the end of 2022. But, cold and other kinds of challenging weather can raise difficult issues for those running arborist firms –when should they tell their people to put down their tools?

There is no minimum official temperature in law that says it is too cold to work. But, it is up to the employer to make a decision on whether conditions make it unsafe. The relevant laws are The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which

tools, icy conditions increase the risk of falls and snow could affect visibility.

It is up to the manager to conduct a risk assessment and if they believe the conditions are unsafe, they should inform the client as soon as possible and reschedule. Any responsible company will put their employees’ safety first and this is why there is no alternative if conditions are treacherous.

In some cases, it may be possible to work for reduced hours, so the weather may become warmer later in the day, allowing for some tasks, such as those on the ground, to be completed.

When working in cold conditions, there is risk of hypothermia or frostbite and checks should be made that staff are wearing thermal clothing as well as their PPE. They should also be allowed to take extra breaks for rest and hot drinks. It may also be necessary to employ additional workers, so that all can work for shorter periods in rotation.

Makita has launched a heated jacket, the DCJ205, which is powered by its 18V LXT battery. This may prove a must-have for those working on the ground in cold conditions. The jacket offers comfort and durability, thanks to its five heating zones. These mean users benefit from continuous warmth in the chest and back areas while also having control over the three heat level settings.

requires managers to be mindful of their workforce’s welfare and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which says the working environment must be “reasonable” so that employees are safe and comfortable.

The key issue for arborists is that their work (even in good conditions) is higher risk, particularly when they are working from height. If it is extremely cold, it will be much harder to handle

It is not just snow that makes tree work higher risk – strong winds are also dangerous. Equally, in the case of an electrical storm, there is no case for an arborist to be in a tree.

If extreme weather stops work, the company should also have a clear policy on what staff will be paid –provided they have made it in to the job site. Meanwhile, if they are required to wait for weather to improve, there may well be other work they can do, whether on the ground, or in sharpening tools, and so planning for this eventuality is also a sensible strategy.

The powerful 18V LXT battery offers even longer continuous runtimes, with a fully charged battery lasting seven hours on the highest setting, 11 hours on medium, and 29 hours on low (when powered by the BL1850B 5.0Ah battery). Customers can use existing batteries or purchase one with the DCJ205 as a kit.

The jacket is also waterproof and windproof and the inner fleece lining helps keep the user warm even with the power off. Additionally, it is fully washable and dryable and it comes with a two-way zip, offering more flexibility when wearing a tool belt, as well as six pockets – sizes are M to 2XL.

Find out more: makitauk.com/products/heated-jackets

MANAGERS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY FROM WORK IF CONDITIONS ARE TOO HAZARDOUS

Any responsible company will put their employees’ safety first

For full details on all jobs, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

QUALIFIED AND TRAINEE ARBORISTS

GLENDALE

Location: Somerset, Bristol

Glendale, one of the largest green space management service providers in the UK, has a unique opportunity to recruit apprentices, trainee, and qualified arborists to join arboriculture teams based near Bristol Airport or Weston-super-Mare. The role will see arborists carry out a wide range of tree-related works for domestic, commercial and public sector clients.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

FENCING OPERATIVES

ELMTREE GARDEN CONTRACTORS LTD

Location: Bristol

Elmtree is a landscape construction and grounds maintenance company based in Bristol with full-time permanent positions available for experienced fencing operatives. Three years commercial timber fencing experience is required, along with a CSCS card and driving licence. Basic salary from £27,000 to £32,000 per annum, with regular overtime and a company bonus scheme available.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

ASSISTANT HORTICULTURALIST

CAMERON GARDENS

Location: Notting Hill, London

Due to continued growth, an exciting opportunity has opened for an assistant horticulturalist to join Cameron Gardens. You will work closely with your horticulturalist foreman within a team of two. You will need a love of and enthusiasm for plants and gardens, excellent attention to detail, be good at communicating and enjoy being part of a close-knit team, whilst being able to show initiative.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

LANDSCAPE CLERK OF WORKS (LCOW)

ALIGN JV (HS2 C1 PACKAGE)

Location: Hertfordshire

The ALIGN Landscape Clerk of Works (LCoW) will be the environment department reporting to the Senior Landscape Clerk of Works and will be responsible for assisting with assurance of the delivery of various landscape packages across the ALIGN C1 project. By joining Align you can become an integral part of this landmark project – with the opportunity to develop your expertise and leave a legacy to be proud of.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

SITE OPERATIVE

THE WOODHORN GROUP

Location: Sussex

The Woodhorn Group is looking for site operatives to join the busy team at its Tangmere Composting Facility. Site operatives complete a variety of tasks on site, such as loading compost screeners, shredders and lorries, mixing compost products, and shovelling. Monday to Friday, 7.45am to 17:00pm with salary from £23,000 to £26,000 per annum.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

HARD LANDSCAPING ASSISTANT

CAMERON GARDENS

Location: Notting Hill, London

Cameron Gardens, based in Notting Hill, is a successful garden design, build and maintenance company established over 30 years ago. This role, where you will work closely with your hard landscaping foreman, offers the opportunity to work on top-end domestic and commercial gardens. You will need hard landscaping experience; some horticultural knowledge is beneficial; a desire to learn and develop is vital.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

GARDEN MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

ALFIE BINES GARDENS

Location: London

Alfie Bines Gardens is an award-winning garden company based in North London, looking after a variety of commercial and domestic high-end gardens. It seeks supervisors with at least three years of experience, excellent plant knowledge, a good work ethic and all round practical skills in garden maintenance, involving the use of power tools and mowers.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

LANDSCAPE OPERATIVE

ELMTREE GARDEN CONTRACTORS LTD

Location: Bristol

Elmtree is a landscape construction and grounds maintenance company based in Bristol with full-time permanent positions available for experienced landscape operatives. Commercial landscaping experience is required, along with a CSCS card and driving licence. Basic salary from £27,000 per annum, with regular overtime and a company bonus scheme available.

For more details, please go to horticulturecareers.co.uk

Scotland shows THE

POWER OF REWILDING

TRAVEL NORTH OF THE BORDER TO DISCOVER PROJECTS THAT PLACE TREES AND NATURE CENTRE STAGE

Scotland’s rewilding network has grown to 50 sites in 18 months, showing that the country is determined to tackle issues such as deforestation and to give nature a helping hand. The Northwoods Rewilding Network was launched in April 2021 by rewilding charity Scotland: The Big Picture. There was an initial goal of signing up 20 landholdings, but now 50 partners are involved.

The landholdings include farms, community woodlands and private estates, with sites ranges from 50 to 1,000 acres. James Nairne, Northwoods project lead at Scotland: The Big Picture, says there is widespread recognition that the ecological health of some of Scotland’s landscapes needs to be restored.

“The thread that runs through the Northwoods Rewilding Network is a determination to be part of the solution to climate breakdown and biodiversity loss. What’s taken us by surprise is the strength of the appetite. From Sutherland to the Solway Firth, and from the East Neuk of Fife to the Ross of Mull, this is a landownerdriven aspiration.”

Each Northwoods partner makes rewilding commitments tailored to the site, which may include the expansion or enrichment of native woodlands, the restoration of carbon-storing wetlands or the creation of wildlife corridors to allow animals to roam freely.

Gavin Drummond and

Hay,

Aberdeen,

©PeterCairns/Northshots

“Northwoods was established to help remove the barriers to taking action,” says Nairne. “We support our land partners with ecological knowledge, practical advice and funding opportunities.”

Northwoods Rewilding Network

May 2022. The 70-acre site was farmed conventionally for many decades, and rewilding commitments include reversing the effects of 1950s drainage by creating ponds and wetlands. This strategic re-wetting will enable peatlands to resume carbon sequestration.

The biggest site in the network, and the one that has been rewilding for longest, is Tireragan on the Isle of Mull. Cared for by volunteers of the Tireragan Trust, the site is home to a remnant of nationally important Atlantic rainforest, and has been a rewilding pioneer since 1997 when intensive grazing was curtailed.

Scotland is also the location for a new citizen science project to help endangered red squirrels. People in the Scottish Highlands are being asked to help monitor a red squirrel

Laura

owners of Harestone Moss near

joined the

in

We support our land partners with ecological knowledge, practical advice and funding opportunities

©James Shooter/scotlandbigpicture.com

Rutger Emmelkamp, pictured at Tireragan, is a trustee with the Tireragan Trust

reintroduction project, led by the charity Trees for Life. The research is part of a rewilding initiative, through which Trees for Life has established 10 new red squirrel populations in the Highlands so far. Over the past six years, the charity has reintroduced a total of almost 200 squirrels at sites across the north.

Scotland is the UK’s last remaining stronghold of the endangered native species, Trees for Life now wants to find out how far these relocated reds have spread out from initial release sites. Sightings should be listed on the scottishsquirrels.org.uk website and will be fed into a large dataset, supplementing in-person survey work later this year.

species is found, we can create an up-todate distribution map to use as a baseline for future monitoring and to identify where future releases could make a positive difference.”

While similar studies have been carried out in other parts of the UK and Ireland, this will be the first Highland-specific survey, covering a total land area of more than 25,000 square kilometres.

Red squirrels live in woodlands where there is a variety of tree species for them to feed on, including Scots pine, larch, hazel, oak and beech. The new study will also feed into the Big Scottish Squirrel Survey, an annual survey

that gathers data on the status of reds and the non-native grey squirrels across Scotland.

Since being introduced to the UK in the 1870s, the grey squirrel has spread throughout most of the country, decimating red squirrels through competition for food and disease.

Trees for Life has been rewilding the Scottish Highlands since the early 1990s, including relocating reds from Inverness-shire and Moray to suitable woodlands in the north west where they can spread, safe from grey squirrels.

Becky Priestley, red squirrel project manager at Trees for Life, said: “By filling gaps in knowledge about where this endangered

we can create an upto-date distribution map to use as a baseline for future monitoring and to identify where future releases could make a positive difference

©PaulCampbell

©Paul Campbell

©Paul Campbell

©aquaticimagesstock.adobe.com

Dundreggan

Dundreggan tree nursery

Squirrel map: October 2022

Simon Raines

WAREHOUSE SUPERVISOR FOR LANDMARK TRADING

When did you join Landmark Trading and what’s your role?

I’ve been with Landmark for five and a half years working predominantly in the warehouse, overseeing the quick, efficient, and most importantly accurate flow of goods in from suppliers and out to customers. I also cover some of the customer service responsibilities in terms of liaising with customers to ensure that they are kept fully informed as to the status of their orders and with suppliers to schedule deliveries in, and at times to resolve issues. I also help maintain the website, adding, removing or editing products as required to help keep the site as up to date and relevant as possible.

find solutions to their problems, generally I have found people in this industry to be very friendly and forthcoming.

What products from Landmark have proved popular with arborists in 2022?

The most exciting product we have just recently seen here are the new Harkie Defiance smocks and jackets. They look great and I can see that these will be extremely popular with the arb sector.

Is there an item you would recommend for working in colder weather?

I would suggest that it is not about keeping warm as much as dry and cool. When you are working hard you tend not to feel the cold and you generate quite a lot of your own body heat.

more awareness of the countryside and countryside issues now than there ever has been which is bringing lots of new people, businesses and ideas into the industry.

Has this been a busy trading year and are you looking forward to a break at Christmas?

What did you do previously?

I worked in the brewing sector.

What do you enjoy most about the arb sector?

I like the products involved. When I first started with Landmark, it was quite a challenge getting to know and understand all the different methods and requirements for getting up and down trees. I enjoy speaking with customers and helping them

A really good quality waterproof breathable garment will keep you warm in the cold and most importantly dry. A decent pair of work gloves, good socks, waterproof boots and a beanie should keep the worst of the cold out.

Do you think enough young people know about careers with trees and does this need to change?

I think that there are a lot of routes into the arboriculture sector, we deal with a lot of new starters who have just left college having gained a qualification. There is certainly far

We’ve had a good year, numbers are going in the right direction, which can only be a good thing in the current climate. We have had a lot going on with the reorganisation of our warehouse and integration of a new stock control system. We have also launched a new website which has taken quite a bit of time and we are currently working on our new catalogue for 2023 which will keep us busy well into December. I am looking forward to a break at Christmas and coming back in 2023 to the opportunities and challenges that a New Year will bring.

Any plans you can mention for 2023?

As the business continues to grow we are constantly having to review the organisation of the warehouse, at some point we will need to look at premises expansion. Aside from this, we have one supplier that we are working with that has some particularly exciting plans for 2023 –all I will say for now is watch this space.

I enjoy speaking with customers and helping them find solutions to their problems

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