Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove

Bruce Hopf · 23rd August 2009, 03:41 AM

YouTube - Tree Trimmer Killed In Elm Grove

To all you guys that climb, Please be careful.
Is there any way to check a tree for density, prior to climbing it, to prevent an accident like this one?
This is very sad thing. Bruce.

woodmiller · 26th August 2009, 01:31 AM

It is a sad event, but will hopefully trigger development into methods of determining tree density.

The only non-invasive method that would most likely work would be an adaption of the ground penetrating radar tools used in the civil engineering and hydrogeology fields, which are used primarily for detecting voids and density variations (other than due to voids).

Garry Brockley · 26th August 2009, 07:57 AM

Unfortunately we deal with this every day, i assess the tree from the floor and as i ascend and make decisions as i go its a bad part of the job but we all know the risks and adapt to them as needed.
god bless to this mans family and friends it was an unnessesary accident.

Eric Frei · 26th August 2009, 09:04 AM

It was a removal so he could have just plunge cut his chainsaw into the butt.

Usually in cases where the tree is this unstable there is plenty of visual clues as to the condition.

If there is root rot in the trunk flare but not the trunk it gets harder to detect especially if there si no evidence, however the canopy usually displays some symptoms like die back.

There's no real 100% rock solid guaranteed method I suppose without extensive testing which would then become costly, of course using a bucket where ever possible is a simple start (providing tree doesn't fall on truck).

What often happens is that for every time you get away with a dodgey removal you become more complacent and do another, until perhaps one day this happens. It becomes, "oh well, it's not much worse than the last one we did so she'll be right". The price quoted becomes inconsiderate of risk, alternative solutions like buckets or tying elsewhere and setting that up .... even guying the tree to the ground.

Sad, I wonder if we'll ever find out what the OSH outcome is.

Garry Brockley · 26th August 2009, 09:45 PM

It would be interesting to read it, it may save someones life by not making the same mistake.

Bruce Hopf · 27th August 2009, 02:24 PM

It's kind of surprising, that this tree wouldn't have fell en with the wind. Is it possible that the weight of the climber changed the weight at the top of the tree to shift at the bottom of the tree? But why wouldn't the wind cause the same thing? Thanks. Bruce.

Garry Brockley · 27th August 2009, 10:18 PM

He may have cut above the problem fault and it collapsed under him when the weight changed position thats why the h & s report would be interesting to read.

Bruce Hopf · 28th August 2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galbee

He may have cut above the problem fault and it collapsed under him when the weight changed position thats why the h & s report would be interesting to read.

Ekka, Galbee, and woodmiller.
Thanks for the input. I've never climbed trees (other to be in a tree stand about 10' from the ground while bow hunting for deer), so I'm learning as I go here. I've learned so much from you guys, and a lot of other members, since I joined this website. Thanks again. Bruce.

26th August 2009, 01:31 AM	#2
woodmiller Sappling Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mt Macedon, Vic Posts: 33	Re: Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove It is a sad event, but will hopefully trigger development into methods of determining tree density. The only non-invasive method that would most likely work would be an adaption of the ground penetrating radar tools used in the civil engineering and hydrogeology fields, which are used primarily for detecting voids and density variations (other than due to voids).

26th August 2009, 07:57 AM	#3
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,649	Re: Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove Unfortunately we deal with this every day, i assess the tree from the floor and as i ascend and make decisions as i go its a bad part of the job but we all know the risks and adapt to them as needed. god bless to this mans family and friends it was an unnessesary accident. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

26th August 2009, 09:04 AM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove It was a removal so he could have just plunge cut his chainsaw into the butt. Usually in cases where the tree is this unstable there is plenty of visual clues as to the condition. If there is root rot in the trunk flare but not the trunk it gets harder to detect especially if there si no evidence, however the canopy usually displays some symptoms like die back. There's no real 100% rock solid guaranteed method I suppose without extensive testing which would then become costly, of course using a bucket where ever possible is a simple start (providing tree doesn't fall on truck). What often happens is that for every time you get away with a dodgey removal you become more complacent and do another, until perhaps one day this happens. It becomes, "oh well, it's not much worse than the last one we did so she'll be right". The price quoted becomes inconsiderate of risk, alternative solutions like buckets or tying elsewhere and setting that up .... even guying the tree to the ground. Sad, I wonder if we'll ever find out what the OSH outcome is. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

26th August 2009, 09:45 PM	#5
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,649	Re: Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove It would be interesting to read it, it may save someones life by not making the same mistake. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

27th August 2009, 02:24 PM	#6
Bruce Hopf Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North of Sebringville, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,176	Re: Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove It's kind of surprising, that this tree wouldn't have fell en with the wind. Is it possible that the weight of the climber changed the weight at the top of the tree to shift at the bottom of the tree? But why wouldn't the wind cause the same thing? Thanks. Bruce. __________________ McCulloch chain saws 1- Pro Mac 60, 1- Pro Mac 700, 2- Mac 10-10 Automatic's, 2- Mini Mac 30's, 2- Mac 110's, 2- Mini Mac 35's, 1- Mac 140 with Automatic Chain Sharpener, 1- Pro Mac 10-10, 1- Mac Cat, 2- Eager Beaver 2.0's, 1- Mac 1-10 Stihl chain saws 2- 044's, 2- 034's, 2- 024's, 1- 064, 1- 084, Strunk chain saws 1- Busy Beaver, 1- SpeeDemon Special Stand Back, I Have A Very Extreme Case of CAD (Chain Saw Addiction Disorder).

27th August 2009, 10:18 PM	#7
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,649	Re: Tree Trimmer killed in Elm Grove He may have cut above the problem fault and it collapsed under him when the weight changed position thats why the h & s report would be interesting to read. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

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