Calling any tree surgeons

[rustydan]

Sorry for the non car related post but are any of you folks tree surgeons on here? Reason I ask is after being an electrician for nearly 10yrs it as lost its appeal and I have always had a hankering to be an arboriculturalist. Working outside in the fresh air, cool vehicals like pickup trucks, landies and unimogs! And chainshaws with the sweet smell of two stroke.
Anyway I just was after advice if it would be worth while? There is a college not far that does all the courses so that side is covered, but don't know anyone in that industy to find out any info on what pay is like, the industy as a whole and what not. I know its a tough job and I am in not to bad of a shape for a being in my early 30's so shouldnt struggle on that side and use to do alot of climbing when I was younger.
I was going to post a cool shot of a unimog but I am posting from a mobile so cant do it. boohoo

Cheers
Dan

[zeberdee]

Can’t help with the question , but might be able to help with the pic .

[pauly22]

I'm an electrician too. Also hate it,

Hope you can change to something you'll enjoy more.

[Mercdan68]

Try this chap, he likes a tree surgeon

[skkylinedave]

Just a idea but what about going for the electrician light job? Just doing easy home install jobs such as extra sockets , different lights , running power to sheds etc or try to get to work for a lettings firm or even better a university - usually a job for life with cracking pension and easy work , guaranteed pay rises etc.


I know too tree botherers , one is approaching 40 and he know has two younger guys working for him . He can still work but not straight weeks of it so leaves the harder work to the lads . Another is in early 30s and seems to be still going ok.


They have both be doing it since 16/18 though , i don't know how hard it will be to get into and bare in mind you might only have 5-7 years before the cold and strain are a pain in the backside .

[rustydan]

Mmmmm nice unimog, cheers for the responses, funny you say that skkylinedave thats pretty much my line of work now, I have always done domestic, lettings agents and small commercial, currently in a realy good company but its has just become a bit stale, same sh*t different day you know. Last summer cut down three 30ft conifers at the bottom of my garden, had to thin them out them drop them in sections and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[dazcapri]

I think you'll be shocked when you see the wage it's not brilliant for what is hard physical work a mate did it a couple of years ago the course wasn't cheap either. You should have a look at www.arbtalk.co.uk

[chris y]

A good friend did just that after realising that he couldnt do factory work forever, he loved the idea of tree work.

The money has never been great, but now he's bought a truck and some equipment and set up on his own, he isnt greedy and just has a day rate, working for home owners or sub contracting if someone wants him. He is very busy and very happy, although not rich.
He is 44 years old and the work keeps him fit so no problems that way.

[SamR380]

If you're a spark and you like the idea of working on ropes, have a look at rope access work. I don't know the way in but I know the rigs are crawling with them!

[xbl]

I know a tree surgeon, he can make a fortune in a day but it's not regular work so he has to make hay while the sun shines, if you can get a contract with some of the local councils you'll be ok.

[nomad]

A mate was doing tree work when he was in his 30s, I got the impression it's a handy way to get some income but it's seasonal rather than a full-time job.

It's not good when it's cold / wet / snowing (that rules out October to Easter in the North East ? )
Be prepared for complaints if you try cutting trees when the birds are nesting or bringing up young (March-May ?)
February is ok but miserable, June-September is ok (unless the birds decide to lay a 2nd brood)

One of the in-laws was doing gardening & landscaping, very long hours but it seemed a more steady income - still hard work in the bad weather.

Good luck with the future