Being a tree surgeon is a highly-skilled yet dangerous job that requires an understanding of tree physics and biology. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to being a tree surgeon than tree removal services and pruning.
We are involved in planting and removing trees and diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and other common issues that affect trees.
Previously the equipment available was rudimentary and involved a lot of manual handling. However, industry innovation over recent years has changed how tree surgeons complete arboricultural work. The mechanised options now available in the industry have revolutionised how we plan and complete tree work, felling operations and site clearances.
In addition to making tree surgery more time-efficient, modern equipment and machinery significantly reduces the fatigue and strain on the climber’s body, in many instances meaning climbing is not necessary – thereby making the industry safer.
This article looks at what tools are used and how they help improve performance.
Climbing Tools and Equipment
Climbing can be the most dangerous part of a tree surgeon’s work. Still, tree surgeons can significantly reduce these risks through careful planning, wearing the correct PPE, having suitable training, ensuring risk assessments are carried out and using the right equipment, listed below.
-
Industry-specific PPE
-
Industry approved climbing equipment that’s subject to regular checks and inspections
-
Suitable helmets and ear defenders
-
Gloves that offer better grip
-
Radios or other communicators
-
Climbing Spikes
-
Ascenders and descenders
-
First-aid kits
-
Ladders
Rigging Tools and Equipment
Rigging tools and equipment go hand in hand with the climbing gear used by tree surgeons. By using the following essential tools, tall and dangerous trees can be dismantled or pruned safely to reduce any risks they may pose. The highly specialist gear regularly used includes:
-
Friction/ lowering devices
-
Suitable Ropes
-
Pulleys
-
Carabiners
-
Slings
-
Winches
Cutting Tools and Equipment
A large proportion of our time is spent carefully cutting trees. It is always done as a last resort, with the view of maintaining or treating trees we are working on to prevent more damage.
Along with a range of chainsaws for both climbing and ground-based operations, we use:
-
Woodchippers
-
Tractors/Flails
-
Mewps (mobile elevated work platform)
-
Cranes and mobile grapple saws
-
Stump grinders
-
Skid-steer loader and other plant machinery to reduce manual handling
-
Hand pruners
-
Extendible Pruners
-
Hand saws
Trimming Tools and Equipment
The main difference between dismantling and cutting/pruning is that pruning reduces the tree crown size. This is done to avoid cutting down a healthy tree in line with BS3998.
Trimming, or tree pruning, is used in the same way any gardener performs it on other plants and flowers, keeping them looking aesthetically pleasing. Tree pruning uses many similar tools to cutting. However, more finesse and intricacy is involved in tree trimming versus cutting.
Working at heights
During an inspection of the tree’s structure, stability and environment, we may decide that for safety reasons of the public and our climbers, it is necessary to use a crane or mobile elevated work platform rather than climbing the tree. Before any works take place, companies must complete a suitable risk assessment.
We assess the risk for every job requiring working at height with a WAHA (Working at Height Assessment) and put suitable control measures in place. The HSE advises that the Work at Height Regulations 2005 be followed for all work at height which protects the tree surgeon and members of the public.
Why use HRG?
At HRG Tree Surgeons, we have invested heavily in modern, up-to-date tree surgery equipment to ensure our climbers and the public remain safe. For fully insured tree surgeons in Hampshire, call 02382 440473.
