new generation of tree workers

[southsoundtree]

I dragged brush for a little while before going out on my own (having had forest felling experience and rock climbing experience).

I still drag brush most days. I feel lucky on days that I don't drag or chip.

I always do some of the hauling/ chipping or final clean-up work to this day, literally.

Having experience with all facets of the job helps in many ways.

 

[treehumper]

I started out "dragging brush" then began climbing after about 4 mths. It was a 2 man crew so it meant doing ground duty after finishing a climb. Now with a 3 or 4 man crew I still do clean up and moving brush. Nature of the beast. Although when I am contract climbing we structure it to keep me in the trees. If we can I'll move on to the next job before the clean up is done since the client is paying a premium for my climbing skills. There are still times I'll hit the ground and drag the brush or buck or rake if that is what is the most effective use of my time and will produce the best result.

I think it all depends on how ambitious you prove yourself to be and whether the opportunity exists to move from groundsman to climber. Working the ground first keeps to close to the foreman so they can watch and guide your development.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

There are lots of good things being said here, listen and usemit as education.

Whenever I hired someone they would be told
That they wouldn't climb for at least a week of groundie time. If someone can't show me that they can function in two
Dimensions with feet on the ground they weren't going into the third dimension.

How do they work with others?
How do they handle handle ropes and rigging?
How do they learn 'my' way of doing a job so that things get done like I expect...and what I told our employer...the client!?
Can they make good cuts with a handsaw on the ground? No?!?! Then they can't make good cuts in the tree with a chainsaw.

Some people need years on the ground before they're ready to climb. One of the summer laborers at work this year would be ready to start climbing right away...if I could let him and he was still working. A bright fellow who will do well at any profession.

 

[mdvaden]

I don't think a climber has to drag a lot of brush. But I think that it would be best for anyone who is going to climb, that they get to drag brush for at least a few daya or a week, to learn that where the branches fall, and what size the pieces are makes a huge difference.