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During times like this, we wanted to walk you through everything you need to know when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting your fall protection equipment. In light of current Coronavirus events, we have been getting several inquiries about how to clean and disinfect personal protective equipment (PPE). Washing your hands for 20 seconds and running a disinfectant…

This is the fate that awaits ash trees now that the deadly emerald ash borer has arrived in central Pennsylvania. (www.emeraldashborer.info) Kiss your ash trees goodbye … unless you treat now Ash-tree owners: The day of reckoning is here. An imported wood-boring bug called the emerald ash borer has been wiping out ash trees over the…

Top 10 Pieces of Advice for Tree Service Safety There’s a reason safety is emphasized to such a great extent in the tree care industry. Whether on the ground or up in the air, arborists and tree care providers constantly deal with dangerous equipment, risky situations, and the hazards of the work environment. For that…

Previous columns have provided a basic introduction to the art and science of splicing, the process whereby a rope may be repaired, fastened back to itself to create an attachment point, or even made into an eminently useful rope tool. Rather than review much of that previously discussed material and information, this column will provide…

These pests chew, extract and sponge up the very material that’s needed by trees to keep them vigorous and healthy Insects feed on all parts of trees — roots, leaves, transport system, heartwood; each can be damaging in their own way. Keeping a handle on the most damaging of these is a key component of…

How to use the force of friction to your advantage in tree climbing operations. A cambium saver in place for installation on a climbing line being pulled aloft by a throwline with a slipknot to keep the device in place beneath it. Photo: Michael (House) Tain The force of friction plays a major role in…

For many arborists, a chain saw is an everyday tool. With such regular, frequent use, it can be easy to slip into complacency. Knowing and understanding chain saw kickback can help prevent accidents or injury. (By Kevin Myers) No matter how long you’ve been in the tree care industry, remembering and following safety best management…

Heat illness can be deadly.  On July 23rd the tree care industry lost another worker, this time from heat stroke. With this year’s exceptionally warm weather, we want to remind you of the danger signs, and steps you should take to prevent heat-related health issues. The body typically cools itself by sweating.  However, while working in…

 MICHAEL TAIN — NOVEMBER 11, 2015 A proper understanding of footlocking is an excellent addition to a climbing arborist’s repertoire Footlocking, a method of efficient and speedy ascent into the canopy, has played a role in the tree industry for many years. While the ropes and gear used when footlocking have changed over time, the basic process has…

ALL PHOTOS BY MICHAEL (HOUSE) TAIN EXCEPT AS NOTED Slide lines can save considerable time, energy and money. Tree folk are confronted on a daily basis by the need to move something, usually awkward woody debris, from one place to another in an efficient manner. Often this involves a great deal of “sweat equity” with…