Like most jobs, tree surgeons need the right tools. But unlike most jobs, forgetting some of these could quite literally be the difference between life or death.
Today we cover 13 essential pieces of equipment that all tree surgeons should have on the job, no matter how big or small. Forgetting one of these could at worst, leave you leg-less (not the ‘I’ve had one too many’ kind) or at best, mean you have to go all the way back to base to pick it up. Neither is ideal.
- The Hard Hat
If we’re comparing workmen or women to Batman, then the hard hat is essentially Robin. It may seem like one of those things that people wear just because, but it can just save your life. If a large branch were to fall on your head without you wearing one who knows what will happen. With you wearing one however, you might just be ok.
- Chainsaw Trousers
All chainsaw work carried out at height should be done wearing chainsaw pants, which will protect against any cuts. Whilst we consider ourselves perfectionists, accidents do happen so we always ensure our arborists are fully equipped in these.
- Chainsaw Boots
Like the trousers, chainsaw boots protect against accidents or injury and are designed with steel toe caps. Good balance is extremely important in this profession, so trust us you don’t want to loose any toes.
- Chainsaw Gloves
You get the message by now; wear specialist protective clothing when carrying out tree work. As well as protecting your hands and fingers, they will also keep you warm in the colder months. Winner.
- Throwing Bean Bag
So this one sounds really fun, but unfortunately you won’t find them at a kid’s party. Throwing bean bags are best used for hoisting an arborist rope or line in to a tree. As the name would suggest, you can also throw them pretty far.
- Friction Saver
Friction savers can be used for a variety of tasks, but they’re most commonly used to protect your climbing rope against any wear and tear from rubbing against the tree.
- Carry All
Carry all is just another way of saying ‘a bag… that carries all’. Rather than having all of your equipment separate, you’ll save time by keeping everything organised and together, so it’s worth investing in a good carry all.
- Rope
Unless your name is Tarzan you’re going to need rope for tree work, especially if you’re pruning or felling a large tree. Make sure your rope is in good condition before carrying out the job.
- Harness
Like with the rope, a harness is a no brainer… even Tarzan was spotted falling out of trees. To provide the best support it should have a wide rigid belt and should also be relatively easy to get in and out of.
- Zig-Zag Climbing Aid
The zig-zag is a device that you use with your rope and allows you to easily and efficiently move around a tree.
- Spikes
Climbing spikes make it easier to climb trees that are going to be felled. The spikes are great to have when you’re removing a tree but don’t use them in any other circumstance, as the spikes can cause damage to the tree.
- Lanyard
Our lanyards are for more than proving we are who we say we are – we use them to secure any equipment we’re using at height, so that they won’t fall if we drop them.
- A Silky
Silky saws are robust handheld saws that very in length and come with different teeth depending on the intended use. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used for both small and bigger tasks, so they always come in useful.
There you have it, our list of 13 essential pieces that you need on the job. There’s one final piece that we haven’t mentioned above, and although it may not actually help you get the job done, it’s no less important; a first aid kit. Here’s hoping you’ll never need it, but if you ever do you’ll be glad you brought it along.