Why are you in the tree business?

Eric Frei · 28th February 2007, 07:25 PM

Whether you groundy or climb or grind stumps etc why are you in the game?

Lets face it, it's tough, it's risky, it's expensive compared to other trades and very competative with many locales having no regs so you are up against hacks all the time.

So what is it that keeps you in the business?

TreeCo · 28th February 2007, 09:00 PM

I like trees, climbing and equipment. Plus it pays the bills.

l2edneck · 28th February 2007, 10:25 PM

Pretty much all of the above but i been doin it so long its hard to change after 20 years.

TREE-SURFER · 28th February 2007, 11:36 PM

I hate bad looking trees, especially ones where the cowboy has been in with a low low price and undercut everyone and knackered a perfectly good tree.
I am trying to educate Joe Public, here in the Isle of Man, about this, after all, if you seen a dog getting ill treated, you'd report it and have something done about it, or say something to the owner (if you're brave enough, there's some nasty looking Alsations out there). But educating Mr Public is expensive.

There is also the money part of it, got to pay the bills.
As for the adrenalin, I get loads of it when I talk to the Alsation

Eric Frei · 1st March 2007, 07:18 PM

Well, I went with the interest in trees thing.

I figure if you get good at a job you'll get good money, so that sort of spans mosts jobs.

Then you buy machinery to do the job, although you like toys they have a pretty darn good purpose, they're a toll to deal with the tree.

So yeah, I'm in that group.

Jeff Darby · 1st March 2007, 07:19 PM

All the above except, for can't get another job,as I have quals in a few fields,Me personally I like the challenge of a sucessful takedown and the customer interaction with you,most times we get our lunch prepared for us by the customer,the money pays the bills,...job satisfaction of a job well done.

Eric Frei · 1st March 2007, 07:57 PM

Some customers are unreal, even bake for you fresh cake and coffee etc.

TREE-SURFER · 2nd March 2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Some customers are unreal, even bake for you fresh cake and coffee etc.

I look after a small glen for a customer and get the occasional invite to Evening Meal with my wife. And I get paid for it.. Top nosh.

TrevMcRev · 5th March 2007, 06:45 PM

All the above except "cant get another job"

Jeff Darby · 13th February 2008, 12:21 PM

- - -

JohN Dee · 13th February 2008, 12:24 PM

I thought I'd revive this old thread as we have alot more new members now with alot more activity.

Again all of the above exept for cant get another job.

My number one would have to be the genuine interest in tree's.

Started back in class last night, doing cert III.

bigshea13 · 13th February 2008, 01:38 PM

gives me a hard on just thinking of big swinging wood.....wait that didnt sound right. the gear involved is extremely diverse and has numerous applications for them. your free to be creative while at the same time there is an enormous sense of self gratification when the task is completed as planned. many people are in the game but few are actually capable of really playing.

treevet · 13th February 2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshea13

gives me a hard on just thinking of big swinging wood.....wait that didnt sound right. the gear involved is extremely diverse and has numerous applications for them. your free to be creative while at the same time there is an enormous sense of self gratification when the task is completed as planned. many people are in the game but few are actually capable of really playing.

Hard on, big swinging wood, self gratification. Just guessing, Bigshea, but I think you have been on the road for a long time. (Plus I read a recent post by you that said you have been on the road for a long time}.

.

newguy18 · 13th February 2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshea13

gives me a hard on just thinking of big swinging wood.....wait that didnt sound right. the gear involved is extremely diverse and has numerous applications for them. your free to be creative while at the same time there is an enormous sense of self gratification when the task is completed as planned. many people are in the game but few are actually capable of really playing.

I didn't need to read that.

I'm only in the tree game on occasion but i am aimimg at getting isa certified and doing trees full time as doing everything tends to give people a bad rep.I got started for the shear adrenaline rush but after being here you can add i have gotten a care for trees.

treevet · 13th February 2008, 03:01 PM

A lot of your posts tell me that you are making progress Newguy.

I got into it to it for the kicks (adrenaline), as I have a low thresh hold for boredom. I ve stayed in it because it is an honorable profession.

newguy18 · 13th February 2008, 03:08 PM

Thanks Treevet.Most of my spare time besides being here is studying proper tree care. I always believed in doing everything right.tree work is no exception.

treevet · 13th February 2008, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguy18

Thanks Treevet.Most of my spare time besides being here is studying proper tree care. I always believed in doing everything right.tree work is no exception.

Being here is studying proper tree care, also (besides having some fun). Hope you are taking care of the health issues you ve had.

newguy18 · 13th February 2008, 03:20 PM

thats still a work in progress.the health dept isn't accepting any new paitents right now.not sure why but the said try back in about 3 weeks.i'm feeling better after taking an asprin a day though.i think its because my blood is real thick,when donating blood they said they could only compare it to corn syrup.

D Mc · 14th February 2008, 01:38 AM

I spent a good portion of my life in the woods and out of doors. You know, one of those kids who sat in the classroom staring out the window; a social misfit. Turns out tree work is a great place for those types of people. I always knew I wanted on outdoor job from my youngest memory. Could never focus on what that might be until I met a cop (Yeah, I was one of those kind of kids) who was doing tree work on the side and let me know that you could actually make money for climbing trees. Sounded like a dream come true. Set my high school record for chin ups in my freshman year. The only thing I ever accomplished in school. So the climbing part was easy; the education took longer. And actually the education will never stop. I am too old to change, but I wouldn't anyway. This is who I am.

D Mc

D Mc · 14th February 2008, 01:48 AM

This is S Mc here.

I am the kind of wife that works with her husband. Kind of the old fashioned type where you do what they do. (Thank GOD David wasn't a roofer or concrete pourer!!)

I spent many years just being there helping with the cleanup. It was a gradual realization that somewhere along the line HIS profession had become MY profession as well. I love the physicality of the work and I truly love the trees. I had a hard time dealing with the seasonal aspect at first; trusting that the work would come in, but learned to budget for the slow times. The management and bookkeeping aspect was right up my alley because I was a secretary/bookkeeper for years before I met David. So we do make a good team.

I was very intimidated at first to get my Certification because, after all, I do not consider myself a "real" climber. But decided to go for it anyway and am immensely proud of that achievement. It has also spurred both of us on to keep learning.

S Mc

Juno · 14th February 2008, 05:01 AM

Climbing up a tree, look around and feel free.

And when your up 25 meters (Never been higher yet) looking over the streets and all the people are watching to that grazy treeworker hanging on a line. It gives me a good laugh

And of course all the things above

TREEMONKEY · 14th February 2008, 12:45 PM

I Started in trees because i could drive a bucket truck. then I seen some Tree climbing. I thought that looks easy i can rock climb i can do that.(I was Very Wrong not easy).
Started Climbing liked the workout and the adrenaline. then i started to do a little reading realized how poor some of the tree care is around here took an interest in trees not just cutting them down. know i have 2 jobs A partnership in a tree business and full time in emergency services.

I guess i like the adrenaline the most.

bigshea13 · 14th February 2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treevet

Hard on, big swinging wood, self gratification. Just guessing, Bigshea, but I think you have been on the road for a long time. (Plus I read a recent post by you that said you have been on the road for a long time}.

.

yeah. idrove threw your state twice in the last four months. doing this work six days a week i can only hope the thrill remains. as soon as it dies ill probably start stealin cars and robbin banks for kicks.

quercus · 14th February 2008, 04:03 PM

Hmmm too bad we're only given one choice here. If you're in it for the money, then do something else...There are other things that pay much more whilst you stay on the ground...

One of the things I personally love? My view from the "office"....

dguntertrees · 14th February 2008, 04:49 PM

Oh, you know,

I just like being outdoors, love a good tree and oh, want to save the damn planet...

DG

TreeHumper · 15th February 2008, 03:37 AM

The blend of so many skills and discplines, science, mechanics, physics, nature, art, sociology, psychology, communication, athleticism. Working outdoors, new challenges everyday, teamwork in the truest sense of the word, problem solving. It makes you work with clarity and eyes wide open.

Not too many jobs can match that.

TreeDimensional · 15th February 2008, 04:30 AM

Great response Treehumper, I wish I could of said it that way.

big dog · 15th February 2008, 08:09 AM

lets face it ,its hard work,wether hot or cold,wether wet or dry,or up the tree or down the tree but most of us would not be chatting if was not for love of the great outdoors the rush the enjoyment and most of all fulfillment.

Pro Nemus · 15th February 2008, 11:24 AM

To say that you are in the business for the purpose of making money, is akin to saying that you are alive for the purpose of breathing.

Yes, a business (or person in the business) has to make money to stay in business, just as a person must breathe to stay alive. However, for your life or your work to be happy, productive or rewarding, you must believe that you are destined to serve a higher purpose.

We are in a service industry, therefore it is our purpose to be of service - to serve our clients. And I cannot think of a more honorable service then to be helping them in the care of their most valuable natural asset.

arbdog · 17th February 2008, 12:50 AM

Well said everybody, I think most people when they started doing tree work didnt care for trees but then you get hooked and want to learn and care and you cant help that! The thing about trees and the way we work on them is addictive! I could never amagine doing any other job nor would I ever want too.

View Poll Results: Why are YOU in the tree work business
The money	9	12.33%
The adrenelin rush	6	8.22%
The genuine care/interest for trees	45	61.64%
Can't get another job	0	0%
Good at it and too old to change	8	10.96%
The toys and machinery	5	6.85%
Voters: 73. You may not vote on this poll

28th February 2007, 07:25 PM	#1
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,996	Why are you in the tree business? Whether you groundy or climb or grind stumps etc why are you in the game? Lets face it, it's tough, it's risky, it's expensive compared to other trades and very competative with many locales having no regs so you are up against hacks all the time. So what is it that keeps you in the business? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

28th February 2007, 11:36 PM	#4
TREE-SURFER Mature tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Isle of Man,UK. Posts: 332	I hate bad looking trees, especially ones where the cowboy has been in with a low low price and undercut everyone and knackered a perfectly good tree. I am trying to educate Joe Public, here in the Isle of Man, about this, after all, if you seen a dog getting ill treated, you'd report it and have something done about it, or say something to the owner (if you're brave enough, there's some nasty looking Alsations out there). But educating Mr Public is expensive. There is also the money part of it, got to pay the bills. As for the adrenalin, I get loads of it when I talk to the Alsation __________________ The Aerial Arborist Isle of Man Tree Surgeon\| All Aspects of Tree Work What experts say about TOPPING

1st March 2007, 07:18 PM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,996	Well, I went with the interest in trees thing. I figure if you get good at a job you'll get good money, so that sort of spans mosts jobs. Then you buy machinery to do the job, although you like toys they have a pretty darn good purpose, they're a toll to deal with the tree. So yeah, I'm in that group. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st March 2007, 07:19 PM	#6
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,059	Can't Vote ! All the above except, for can't get another job,as I have quals in a few fields,Me personally I like the challenge of a sucessful takedown and the customer interaction with you,most times we get our lunch prepared for us by the customer,the money pays the bills,...job satisfaction of a job well done. __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

28th February 2007, 09:00 PM	#2
TreeCo Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 307	I like trees, climbing and equipment. Plus it pays the bills.

28th February 2007, 10:25 PM	#3
l2edneck Palm Tree Rat Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 46	Pretty much all of the above but i been doin it so long its hard to change after 20 years.

1st March 2007, 07:57 PM	#7
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,996	Some customers are unreal, even bake for you fresh cake and coffee etc. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th March 2007, 06:45 PM	#9
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,594	All the above except "cant get another job"

13th February 2008, 12:21 PM	#10
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,059	Re: Why are you in the tree business? - - - __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011 Last edited by Jeff Darby; 13th February 2008 at 12:23 PM. Reason: Damit, posted on dads account again.

13th February 2008, 12:24 PM	#11
JohN Dee Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Climbing around the world Posts: 848	Re: Why are you in the tree business? I thought I'd revive this old thread as we have alot more new members now with alot more activity. Again all of the above exept for cant get another job. My number one would have to be the genuine interest in tree's. Started back in class last night, doing cert III. __________________ We are what we repeatedly do... Excellence then, is not an act, but HABIT... Red : Green : Blue

13th February 2008, 01:38 PM	#12
bigshea13 Former Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: super 8 motels Posts: 361	Re: Why are you in the tree business? gives me a hard on just thinking of big swinging wood.....wait that didnt sound right. the gear involved is extremely diverse and has numerous applications for them. your free to be creative while at the same time there is an enormous sense of self gratification when the task is completed as planned. many people are in the game but few are actually capable of really playing.

13th February 2008, 03:01 PM	#15
treevet Monument Status Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Posts: 2,119	Re: Why are you in the tree business? A lot of your posts tell me that you are making progress Newguy. I got into it to it for the kicks (adrenaline), as I have a low thresh hold for boredom. I ve stayed in it because it is an honorable profession.

13th February 2008, 03:08 PM	#16
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,948	Re: Why are you in the tree business? Thanks Treevet.Most of my spare time besides being here is studying proper tree care. I always believed in doing everything right.tree work is no exception. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

13th February 2008, 03:20 PM	#18
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,948	Re: Why are you in the tree business? thats still a work in progress.the health dept isn't accepting any new paitents right now.not sure why but the said try back in about 3 weeks.i'm feeling better after taking an asprin a day though.i think its because my blood is real thick,when donating blood they said they could only compare it to corn syrup. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

14th February 2008, 01:38 AM	#19
D Mc Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 68	Re: Why are you in the tree business? I spent a good portion of my life in the woods and out of doors. You know, one of those kids who sat in the classroom staring out the window; a social misfit. Turns out tree work is a great place for those types of people. I always knew I wanted on outdoor job from my youngest memory. Could never focus on what that might be until I met a cop (Yeah, I was one of those kind of kids) who was doing tree work on the side and let me know that you could actually make money for climbing trees. Sounded like a dream come true. Set my high school record for chin ups in my freshman year. The only thing I ever accomplished in school. So the climbing part was easy; the education took longer. And actually the education will never stop. I am too old to change, but I wouldn't anyway. This is who I am. D Mc

14th February 2008, 01:48 AM	#20
D Mc Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 68	Re: Why are you in the tree business? This is S Mc here. I am the kind of wife that works with her husband. Kind of the old fashioned type where you do what they do. (Thank GOD David wasn't a roofer or concrete pourer!!) I spent many years just being there helping with the cleanup. It was a gradual realization that somewhere along the line HIS profession had become MY profession as well. I love the physicality of the work and I truly love the trees. I had a hard time dealing with the seasonal aspect at first; trusting that the work would come in, but learned to budget for the slow times. The management and bookkeeping aspect was right up my alley because I was a secretary/bookkeeper for years before I met David. So we do make a good team. I was very intimidated at first to get my Certification because, after all, I do not consider myself a "real" climber. But decided to go for it anyway and am immensely proud of that achievement. It has also spurred both of us on to keep learning. S Mc

14th February 2008, 05:01 AM	#21
Juno Sappling Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 28	Re: Why are you in the tree business? Climbing up a tree, look around and feel free. And when your up 25 meters (Never been higher yet) looking over the streets and all the people are watching to that grazy treeworker hanging on a line. It gives me a good laugh And of course all the things above

14th February 2008, 12:45 PM	#22
TREEMONKEY Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ONTARIO, CANADA Posts: 93	Re: Why are you in the tree business? I Started in trees because i could drive a bucket truck. then I seen some Tree climbing. I thought that looks easy i can rock climb i can do that.(I was Very Wrong not easy). Started Climbing liked the workout and the adrenaline. then i started to do a little reading realized how poor some of the tree care is around here took an interest in trees not just cutting them down. know i have 2 jobs A partnership in a tree business and full time in emergency services. I guess i like the adrenaline the most. __________________

14th February 2008, 04:03 PM	#24
quercus Mature tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: belgium Posts: 368	Re: Why are you in the tree business? Hmmm too bad we're only given one choice here. If you're in it for the money, then do something else...There are other things that pay much more whilst you stay on the ground... One of the things I personally love? My view from the "office"....

14th February 2008, 04:49 PM	#25
dguntertrees Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mudgeeraba, SE Queensland Posts: 80	Re: Why are you in the tree business? Oh, you know, I just like being outdoors, love a good tree and oh, want to save the damn planet... DG

15th February 2008, 03:37 AM	#26
TreeHumper Sappling Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 15	Re: Why are you in the tree business? The blend of so many skills and discplines, science, mechanics, physics, nature, art, sociology, psychology, communication, athleticism. Working outdoors, new challenges everyday, teamwork in the truest sense of the word, problem solving. It makes you work with clarity and eyes wide open. Not too many jobs can match that.

15th February 2008, 04:30 AM	#27
TreeDimensional Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 421	Re: Why are you in the tree business? Great response Treehumper, I wish I could of said it that way.

15th February 2008, 08:09 AM	#28
big dog I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: england Posts: 2	Re: Why are you in the tree business? lets face it ,its hard work,wether hot or cold,wether wet or dry,or up the tree or down the tree but most of us would not be chatting if was not for love of the great outdoors the rush the enjoyment and most of all fulfillment.

15th February 2008, 11:24 AM	#29
Pro Nemus Sappling Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 37	Re: Why are you in the tree business? To say that you are in the business for the purpose of making money, is akin to saying that you are alive for the purpose of breathing. Yes, a business (or person in the business) has to make money to stay in business, just as a person must breathe to stay alive. However, for your life or your work to be happy, productive or rewarding, you must believe that you are destined to serve a higher purpose. We are in a service industry, therefore it is our purpose to be of service - to serve our clients. And I cannot think of a more honorable service then to be helping them in the care of their most valuable natural asset.

17th February 2008, 12:50 AM	#30
arbdog Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: england Posts: 108	Re: Why are you in the tree business? Well said everybody, I think most people when they started doing tree work didnt care for trees but then you get hooked and want to learn and care and you cant help that! The thing about trees and the way we work on them is addictive! I could never amagine doing any other job nor would I ever want too.

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