Need advice on tree trimming...

[Bassman]

My lawn biz has slowed considerably and I need to find something to create revenue as well as fill in all the spare time I have now. My commercial lawn center said time to turn to tree work. He is pushing the Echo aggressor tree trimmer. It reaches up to 14 ft. and cuts limbs up to 4.5", (has a 6" reciprocating blade). Price is around $349. I have also seen power pruners by Stihl with the chain saw on the business end but they are much more at around $549. I don't think I want to fool around with climbing a ladder 16ft. and trimming a palm tree with a regular chain saw or pruning saw, besides my current liability ins. policy would not cover anything where I was working over 6' off the ground. Has anyone any advice on the most efficient and economical tools for tree trimming? Does the agressor get the job done? I've worked with manual pruner saws with extensions, they are inexpensive but wear me out. Any comments appreciated. Thank you.
Bassman

[cos]

My advice? Don't buy the power tree trimmer. Buy a quality pole pruner. How much pruning are you going to be doing? I don't think that it is worth it. I don't see any tree companies using these. They are just another piece of machinery that would be bought and barely used, and would be collecting dust in the garage.


Just my .02......

[GrassMaster]

Hello Bassman:

Back in the old days the proper classification was Park Noc 9102, or something close to that.

Lawn Maintainance covers a broad range of things, at least mine did. It cover me doing work up to 18" deep, we were covered cleaning off roofs, landscaping, we even did pressure washing, spraying chemicals, tree work, etc...

Our Bread & Butter was Lawn Service. We just did the rest for our customers. Can't go & do major tree work only, but if you have a lawn service agreement you can get away with it.

One of the biggest problems with Insurance & Workers Comp is not getting the right classification. Then not having enough Insurance.

Insurance companies that don't specialize in the Green Industry Profession in most cases sign you up, even if the wrong classification. Because they did not take the time to find the proper classification! They don't care about nothing bit the All mighty Dollar!

Example: At the moment I do not really have a company vehicle, but I would not have any vehicle in my family with out at least $500,000 liability & my house too. $100,000 lawsuit is nothing these days.

The difference between $100,000 & $500,000 for 4 vehicles & a $250,000 home is, LOL $67.50 extra every 6 months. You pay out the yeng yang for first $100,000 & very little for more.

Make sure you cover your Arse because if not, somebody else will take it away from you. I knows this kind of stuff, I've been sued twice since 1995, because I own a business & it's perceived that I'm rich. Both times the people that sued me made more money than I.

People that have never been self employed do not know Shinola about the Business Man.

I can get a easy job, making 3 times what I do, but I'm spoiled. If I want to set at home for the next 6 months like I have the past 6 months. I do it. Work smarter not harder.

[powerreel]

I agree on getting a real nice pole pruner. Get one without a string though, mine has a "shotgun" pump and it is awesome. When it is tree trimming time I like to laugh at people with strings- getting that string caught,the string pulls the branch away they want to cut, etc. And NEVER, EVER, CHOP THE HEAD OFF A TREE (topping), if you don't know what I am refering to then don't touch any trees until you trim a few books first! Also never try to trim the power lines and watch out for windows.

[Edited by powerreel on 11-01-2000 at 12:34 AM]

[Runner]

Bassman, I purchased the Echo Power Pruner. It has a 17 ft. reach, and a 12" bar which is longer and larger than the Stihl. It's one of the handiest items you can purchase. What influenced me to make this buy? I borrowed my cousin's one weekend and made enough with that alone, while I was still doing my regular maintenance for my customers, to pay for it. It's incredible for lifting a tree up or for thinning smaller trees. Very fast and easy. It's great to give the customers the estimate first, with them knowing how much work is involved since alot of this work is a ways up, but then when you pull this thing out, and you're done in minutes, they're a little surprised. Anyway, it's just one of those things that kind of pays itself off quickly - much like an aerator.

[Premo Services]

I agree with Runner the echo power pruner is the best tool I have purchased.

[cos]

Powereel is absolutely right. DO NOT top trees. It may be good money, But you are killing trees. And never lion tail a tree(leaving just the leaves at the end of all the branches).
If you want to know the importance of not doing these two things e-mail me and I'll explain.

[Pauls Mowing]

Just a side bar note on this topic, if any of you are interested, you can get a free subscription to Tree Care Industry, the publication of the Nat. Arborist Assoc. free of charge. The monthly mag covers many interesting topics from management to tree work. Lots of ads. Web site is: http://www.natlarb.com

Paul

[Eric E.]

First learn proper pruning techniques then decied what are the proper tools. Many tools on the market are not designed to make proper cuts, EI. anvil-style pruners. Get a copy of the ANSI A-300 pruning standards and "Pruning Guidelines". Both are available from the International Society of Arboriculture.
In my opinion it is difficult to make a proper, clean cut using a pole pruner. That's why few Professional arborists have them.

[Premo Services]

Originally posted by cos
And never lion tail a tree(leaving just the leaves at the end of all the branches).
If you want to know the importance of not doing these two things e-mail me and I'll explain.


I have never topped a tree, but what are you talking about, lion tail?

[mowerman90]

I bought an aggressor (head only) to use on an extra trimmer I had, to use for trimming palms. I thought it would be just perfect to reach "in between" fronds to trim seed stalks out and it was. Unfortunately, the blade is rather fragile, and gets bent or broken at the slightest touch. I broke down and purchased the Pole Pruner 2400 and have been happy ever since. I'll wear you out after trimming 8 or 10 palms. But the good part is that it pays for itself in just two or three jobs. If you'd still like to try the aggressor (head only) I'll be glad to sell you mine. just e-mail me.

[Lance720]

When he refers to a lions tail he is talking about removing all the interior branches on one of the main stems leaving what looks like several lions tails sticking out of one main stem (the trunk.)
On the same note another good site to look at is http://www2.champaign.isa-arbor.com/
It is the International Socioty of Arborculture web page and the do offer certification. On there site you can post on there bulliten board. There is several helpful,knowledgable, certified arborist that can answer your questions.
Lance

[Bassman]

Thanks for the input. You have saved me from making a mistake by buying the Echo aggressor for tree trimming and pruning. Mowerman90,I too thought the blade looked fragile on the aggressor. If I persue tree work I will invest in a good power pole pruner , probably with a 12" bar. Mostly for light pruning, trimming palms, etc. I'm not going to get into serious heavy duty tree work. Just looking for an angle too pick up extra revenue that fits into my main line of work,(lawn & landscape maint.) Thanks again everyone.
Bassman

[Edited by Bassman on 11-02-2000 at 10:05 PM]

[Premo Services]

Originally posted by Lance720
When he refers to a lions tail he is talking about removing all the interior branches on one of the main stems leaving what looks like several lions tails sticking out of one main stem (the trunk.)



Thanks Lance720,for clearing it up. I have never did the lions tail trimming, and never will!This is why I like this site,someone always ready to help you out.

[Lance720]

Your welcome mow money. If you get a chance look into ISA(or other) certification. It is a fairly well balanced course which does require an exam. I know it has served me well in my advertising.
Lance