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Is there a classroom course study to learn all this properly ?
is it inc in chainsaw certificates?
thanks in advance.
robin
I don't think so Rob.
The person who carried out this tree inspection for us had worked within organisations such as Network Rail and Fountain Forestry solely on tree management. I'd imagine he would have studied for a long time.
Whilst I am sure most of use here could carry out a successful risk assessment - and in certain circumstances would legally be able to carry one out on a client's property - one would have to make sure that their public liability insurance covers the activity.
Gardens4u.co.uk said:
There are quite a few examples of various free hazard/risk assessment and management documents published to the internet.
Tree risk management document - Wakefield Council
http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F2E2371A-98DA-455C-873B-C0...
Norse Commercial Service - Tree hazard risk assessment and policy statement
http://www.norsegrounds.co.uk/images/trees/sample_policy.pdf
National Tree Safety Group - Common sense risk management of trees
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCMS024.pdf/$FILE/FCMS024.pdf
Rob, perhaps this helps more.
I had to get qualified 3 / 4 years ago to perform Basic Tree Inspections on behalf of a large commercial client (it does not include any practical chainsaw training as it is not relevant at this point).
It's a Lantra Course and provides basic skills to carry out an objective "observation" against a basic set of guidelines (ie similar to that shown in Phil's document above). This report is onsidered a basic 'Duty of Care' and satisfies (commercially) that the Property Manager has fulfilled that aspect of their responsibilities.
Clearly, if you already have experience greater than this course gave, then you would already be classified as a competent person.
If an "observation" from above raises a concern, you are not qualified to make a subjective "recommendation" of any further action and should then employ a fully qualified Abor Consultant who would then investigate more fully, use their experience and make written recommendation. It that case the Consultant would be covered by additional PI (Professional Indemnity) insurance.
It's my understanding that many qualified Tree Surgeons have dropped this element from their insurance and don't provide tree care management reports due the massive costs of PI insurance.
Details here : http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/Products/Basic-Tree-Survey-and-Inspe...
many thanks Gary - yes this sort of thing , i only have cs30/31. one in wales or manchester.
I really need more on trees / studying the parts/ disease / rot etc etc maybe if its under the ariel rescue etc i dont know ? any help appreciated.
Gary RK said:
Working with an arb consultant, either as a trainee consultant or through some informal shadowing would be the best way to gain some experience and confidence. You could do the Basic tree assessment course to pick up some systems of how to look at a tree, and then practice, ideally with some mentoring or guidance.
In terms of books that would be useful, for starters there's the "holy trinity" of The Body Language of Trees, The Diagnosis of Ill-Health in Trees and Principles of Tree Hazard Assesment & Management, all publsihed by HMSO.
In terms of ongoing training a level 3 (ideally 4) qualification in arboriculture would be recommended, so the RFS cert arb or new level 4.
The top-level qualification in terms of "tickets", there the LANTRA Professional Tree Assessor (PTI) award. This is a costly and intensive three-day course which has as its minimum requirements 5 years expreience in tree surveying at some level and a level 3 qualification.
I personally did 6+ years working under AA registred consultants or chartered arbs before taking on my own work. I've been working as an arboriculturist for 14 years now and am happy to say, I learn new things every day.
Good luck.
It's been pointed out to me by Scott that the template used in this tree report is available from the International Society of Arboriculture’s website (I'll add an attribution in the original post too).
http://www.isa-arbor.com/education/resources/educ_TreeHazardForm.pdf
I hope our case study is useful?