The Australian Arbor Age April - May 2022

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AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1 MAGAZINE FOR ARBORISTS SINCE 1996

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• TREES OF UKRAINE • BODY LANGUAGE OF TREES • FAILURE AND RESILIENCE • TREE RISK MANAGEMENT

• EVERYDAY TOOLS, CLIMBING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT • THE BALANCING ACT OF BRANCH LIFTS

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EDITOR'S LETTER WELCOME

ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE

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o the AA family – readers, sponsors, contributors, our heart goes out to the flood affected and to those heroes who helped and are helping Australian refugees.

I recently connected with a survivor who lost her home. Her stories of community survival were far from mainstream news coverage. We commend those nongovernment heroes of the storm who rescued so many with their own limited resources. I pray the people of the Northern Rivers Region receive the help they deserve.

To this edition with the feature series by Peter Dubiez – Failure and Resilience with Ben Lawson of Shane’s Trees. Ben, you blew me away with your incredible story of progression in your business. The fact you openly reference the double-edged sword of inner and outer work is a strong measure of you as a leader. This journey is tough and many of us arborists with limited education, support and mentorship have to work it out the hard way. Reading your story prompted some fire in me as I struggle with similar commitments, as I personally kick off a new business.

Cassian Humphreys

Guy Meilleur is a true global Arb traveller, it’s so great to get input from around the world. In this edition he brings us a feature article with ‘Trees of Ukraine’ and introduces us to Ukrainian arborist Igor Singer. Some of the observations discussed here remind me of observations I made in Berlin in the very early ‘90s (just after the Wall came down), where I worked as a tree surgeon – old Catalpa bignonioides trees are there

too. I hope the war there comes to a swift conclusion and look forward to seeing more of Igor’s work in association with you, Guy. With ‘The Balancing Act of Branch Lifts’ we get some input from Joe Harris and Vermeer, on trees and crane work, a part of the Australian Arborists Seminar Series.

Jim McArdle and Hephzibah Crossing in association with the Tree Contractors Association Australia run an article on the ever-expanding world of trees and risk with ‘Proactive Tree Risk Management in The Arboricultural Industry’.

QAA are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a full-on schedule for 2022. In their news section we have a recap of their first two workshops of the year and an update on the upcoming events, including the Freestyle Climbing Competition in Cairns.

In closing I make reference to my feature article, The Body Language of an Ancient Sentinel - Part 2 – The Queen of The Forest – a project carried out in association with the High Climbers Brotherhood. Now that I have a number of other ancient figs in my sights I am starting to get really excited about the next chapter of this series. When appraising trees like this, we have no idea what we are going to find or experience, stepping into the unknown of a giant tree for The Australian Arbor Age – bring it on.

Regards, Cassian Rupert Humphreys AA Sub-editor AA

EDITORIAL DEADLINES JUN/JUL 2022

Deadline Apr 29, 2022

AUG/SEP 2022

Deadline Jun 29, 2022

OCT/NOV 2022

Deadline Aug 29, 2022

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 3

APR/MAY 2022

AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1 MAGAZINE FOR ARBORISTS SINCE 1996

Publisher Kurt M. Quambusch Sub-Editor Cassian Humphreys Production Manager Arianna Lucini arianna@maynemedia.com.au Group Sales Manager KahChi Liew kahchi@maynemedia.com.au 1300 764 688 National Advertising Manager Sineade Sullivan sineade@maynemedia.com.au Subscriptions Arlette Kouchakdjian 1300 764 688 (02) 8355 6841 / (02) 9452 4517 arlette@maynemedia.com.au Design Peter Cartledge art@maynemedia.com.au ISSN 1327 1784 The Australian Arbor Age and Forestry is a Bi-Monthly magazine published by Mayne Media Group Pty Ltd.

ACN 130 678 812 ABN 27 130 678 812 Postal: PO Box 489 DEE WHY NSW 2099 Australia Ph: 1300 76 4688 Int Ph: + 612 9452 4517 Int Fax: + 612 9452 5319 www.arborage.com.au Copyright 2022 Mayne Media Group Pty Ltd. Material may not be reproduced or photocopied in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Mayne Media Group Pty Ltd. believes that all material is correct at the time of printing and will not be held liable for any incorrect information supplied within.

CASSIAN HUMPHREYS Cassian is a Merrist-woodian graduate (NCH-arb - 1991) qualified to Diploma level in Australia (09), his career commenced in Horticulture (85) and transitioned into Arboriculture (89). An experienced tree climber, instructor, arboriculturist, consultant, educator and writer, he has 30 years of experience. He sees his work as making a contribution to the Australian arboricultural profession.

4 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

GUY MEILLEUR Guy is a Master Arborist and Utility and Municipal Specialist, facilitating the co-existence of trees and people for the past 46 years. His company HistoricTreeCare.com manages the risk in veteran and historic trees by installing lightning and support systems, root invigoration, pruning and community education.

Guy writes for tree care publications and works with the ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards committee in the US. He studies the science of arboriculture around the world.

PETER DUBIEZ Peter is the CEO of Sydneybased Enviro Frontier (EF). EF utilises over 250 Tree Companies across Australia in managing tree works on behalf of its clients in the Insurance, Government and Facilities Management sectors. All jobs are managed using its proprietary technology platform (TreeManager) making it the leading data provider for the insurance and facility management industry.

The company also operates in NZ, UK and Spain.

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FEATURES

AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1 MAGAZINE FOR ARBORISTS SINCE 1996

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• VEGETATION MANAGEMENT º CASE STUDY º LATEST EQUIPMENT º ASSOCIATION NEWS

REGULARS 03. WELCOME LETTER 06. BUSINESS NEWS 42. THE BIG PICTURE 48. EVERYDAY TOOLS, CLIMBING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT 52. CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE 54. INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS 62. EYE ON THE INDUSTRY 64. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 66. BUSINESS AND FINANCE 68. ASSOCIATION NEWS 70. WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY 71. CLASSIFIEDS 72. SUBSCRIBE AND WIN

GRAEME McMAHON For almost 45 years Graeme has been based in the Dandenong Ranges East of Melbourne and become world leader in large tree removals.

Working as a production faller for alpine logging operations for three decades, expert witness, Investigator for WHS incidents and Lead Auditor are a sound foundation for him to assist with improving industry safety.

JIM McARDLE B.Ed. Sc (Sydney), Dip. Arb. (Ryde), VTRA@QTRA qualifications. Director at McArdle Arboricultural Consultancy and TCAA President, Jim’s career spans across almost 40 years and focuses on consulting and reporting in tree risk protection and management plans and tree impact assessments.

12. TECHNICAL FEATURE The Body Language of an Ancient Sentinel Part 2 The Queen of The Forest

By Cassian Humphreys 28. TECHNICAL FEATURE Trees of Ukraine

By Guy Meilleur 32. TECHNICAL FEATURE The Balancing Act of Branch Lifts 34. TECHNICAL FEATURE Proactive Tree Risk Management

By Jim McArdle and Hephzibah Crossing 44. FEATURE Failure and Resilience

By Peter Dubiez 74. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 75. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Case Study 76. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Latest Equipment 82. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Association News

HEPHZIBAH CROSSING is a Science graduate who holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Hons) – Sydney University. Hephzibah is currently a technical writer for McArdle Arboricultural Consultancy. She is interested in both agriculture and app development and is currently dedicating her time to a project that combines these two passions.

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 5

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BUSINESS NEWS

COVID BUSINESS SUPPORT PACKAGE RELEASED Businesses and workers across NSW are all set to benefit from a major financial support package of more than $1 billion to help those that have been hardest hit by the Omicron wave.

T

he package includes financial support for small business to buy rapid antigen tests (RATs) to help keep their workers safe and a new Small Business Support Program to assist businesses to help keep their workers employed.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said that the NSW Government is determined to support those businesses that have been most affected during this wave of the pandemic.

“As part of the package, we are introducing the Small Business Support Program to help support businesses that experienced the worst effects of the Omicron wave,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are also providing support to business to help reimburse the cost of rapid antigen tests for their workers, extending the Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant and delivering additional funding for the performing arts sector.

“This targeted package provides support for businesses who experienced cashflow issues and the immediate economic impacts of the Omicron outbreak.

“NSW is tracking better than expected and confidence is returning. And as we did with earlier recoveries, we will come through this recent challenge stronger than ever.

“We’ve got the backs of businesses, as we have throughout this entire pandemic.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the support package would provide a statewide response to the Omicron wave of the pandemic, targeting those businesses that need it the most.

“Our regions have felt the impacts of Omicron, and it’s critical we give them a helping hand to recover and get local economies humming again,” Mr Toole said.

“This package shows that the NSW Government continues to have the back of residents and businesses in the bush with

practical measures to ensure they keep their workers safe and businesses open.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said we know some businesses in NSW have faced challenges and it is vital we get them the support they need to stay afloat and keep their workers in jobs.

“The Small Business Support Program helps those businesses with annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million with a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent by providing a payment covering up to 20 per cent of their weekly payroll.

“By ensuring businesses keep their doors open and their employees paid, we are confident our economy will bounce back strongly as it did last year.”

Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos said the program was important to ensure small businesses have the resources and cash flow they need to survive this outbreak and bounce back.

“We know that the over 800,000 small businesses in NSW are the lifeblood of local communities and that many of these businesses experienced challenges due to the Omicron wave of the pandemic,” Ms Petinos said.

“This package will help relieve some of the costs of small business including keeping workers safe, assist with cash flow and support small businesses to continue trading.”

The Small Business Support Program provides eligible businesses a lump sum payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll with a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum payment of $5,000 per week.

In addition, the existing Small Business Fees, Charges and RAT Rebate will be increased by 50 per cent from the current $2,000 limit to $3,000 and employing businesses will be able to use the rebate to obtain RATs. This will support worker availability by helping reduce costs to small businesses and enabling healthy staff who have been exposed to COVID-19, but test negative, to return to work.

For information please visit nsw.gov.au AA

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TECHNICAL FEATURE WORDS AND IMAGES | CASSIAN HUMPHREYS

THE BODY LANGUAGE OF AN ANCIENT SENTINEL PART 2 THE QUEEN OF THE FOREST A study in collaboration with the High Climbers’ Brotherhood.

Fig. 1

12 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Abstract As I embark on this study of a truly massive Moreton Bay Fig, Fig. 2 in our series on ancient Fig trees, I invite arborists from all over Australia to join the next step in this journey.

For me this study is as much on the history of the landscape we found this tree in, as it is an individual ancient and her adaption from a forest tree into a giant field pasture specimen, wider than she is tall. A study that took me to National Parks and a letter to the editor of the Local Mary Valley community magazine seeking history and pieces of the jigsaw that make up the trees story.

The Body Language of an Ancient Sentinel Following our first edition in this series for The Australian Arbor Age - December/January 2021/22 and the study of an ancient White Fig - Ficus virens, with the most dynamic body language I have ever seen, in this edition we appraise a truly gargantuan Moreton Bay Fig – Ficus macrophylla. I first observed this tree whilst working the Energex VTA (Visual Tree Assessment) Program in around 2009.

This massive specimen was appraised by the Brotherhood over two consecutive weekends in early December 2021. Fellow arborists Leigh, Aaron and I climbed the tree and got the internal photographs the first weekend.

Ryan and I came out with his drone for some outer canopy footage the next.

Located on the top of a forested hill flanked by the Mary River to the east and Little Yabba Creek to the south (more of a river than creek at present), with MalenyKenilworth road crossing Little Yabba Creek (that feeds into the Mary) and flanking the hill to the west, this tree stands dominant on a large Island of forest vegetation (see Fig. 2 and 3). The tree is at the centre of a small patch of forest, part of Conondale National Park between Conondale and Kenilworth (Sunshine Coast Hinterland). To access this monster of a tree you have to park up in a Little Yabba Creek Park (with car parking), where we are standing in Fig. 2 and walk into the forest via a footbridge that runs alongside Maleny-Kenilworth road which bridges Little Yabba Creek. The Fig tree is located in rain forest opposite Sunday Creek Road via Fig Tree Walk. For camping Yabba Creek Park is a great spot.

We measured her 50m height against our longest lifeline and got a good ground-

Fig 1: The Green, treed avenue, Bricabrack Lane and the market area, with the five trees that make up the main study in this report.

TECHNICAL FEATURE

Fig. 2: The band of brothers and the Queen on her hill – Conondale National Park.

Fig. 3: Mary River to the East – the drone shots truly enable the greatest appreciation of this huge Moreton Bay Fig tree.

Fig. 4: Accessed by Fig Tree Walk, opposite Sunday Creek road (parking at Little Yabba Creek park opposite Yabba creek park) Fig tree 2 is the largest remnant tree in this patch of forest.

Fig. 5: The Fig tree flanked by the Mary River to the east and Maleny-Kenilworth road to the west stands at 50m with a crown spread measuring 57m north to south. The drone shots truly enable the greatest appreciation of this huge Moreton Bay Fig tree.

Fig. 6: Maleny-Kenilworth road to the west.

Fig. 2: T 1. Albizia spp.

based measurement via a timber deck that circles the tree via foot paths to the circle deck approaching from the north and south.

The easily visible and measurable structural root area was recorded at 14.5m by 16.5m, including the trunk and buttress, that area comes in at 240m2 of woody mass at ground level.

Based on the measurements given us for SRZ’s (Structural Root Zones) and TPZ’s (Tree Protection Zones) by the Australian Standard for Protection of Trees on Development Sites – AS4970-2009, this tree with a 5.5m diameter would require a TPZ radius of 15m and an SRZ radius of 6.8m. As discussed in the White fig article (Part 1), such measurements are entirely misguided for rainforest giants such as fig trees. Most fig trees regardless of Genus have structural root zones that are largely quite visible with major buttresses extending into minor buttresses and visible surface transport roots. Based on visual assessment and actual on-site measurements, the SRZ on this tree ranges from 8m to 9.5m in radius from the trunk. Though I tracked one major above ground 320cm thick 

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

14 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 5

Fig. 6



TECHNICAL FEATURE transport root (close to the buttress) 25m into the forest until it sunk below ground (this root heads east toward the Mary river), another I measured with a 255cm diameter – 15m into the forest and a third at 230cm diameter – 10m into the forest, all three of these transport roots where at least 40cm in diameter where they sunk below ground.

I think it reasonable to expect most major buttresses to have similar sized transport roots radiating out into the hill – below ground. Obviously, this is well beyond the SRZ given by the standard. Should this tree be subject to development (thank God it’s in a National Park) one could reasonably argue for a 30m SRZ, as for the TPZ – let’s call it the whole hill!

This tree in many ways is very different to our first subject ancient tree – The White Fig (Ref: AA Dec/Jan 2021/22 edition) which was a gold mine of a VTA study. A study of body language that led me to believe we were dealing with a 400 - to 600-year-old tree with wood ropes, pillars, welds, struts, life belts, grafts, tubular triangles and the never seen before star growth formations (I hypothesised these where to strengthen the trunk to branch attachments of the massive 22m limb). However, this specimen – Fig tree 2 the much larger Moreton Bay Fig, has body language far more the norm to a much younger specimen. The kind of body language (wood ropes, pillars a few small lifebelts and early grafts) typical to the many (150-250 year old) field pasture dairy farm fig trees (largely F. macrophylla) scattered throughout the hinterland from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast Hinterland regions. To be true I suspect that this tree is the oldest as well as largest Moreton Bay Fig I have studied. Even working as a tree surgeon in S.E. Qld (91-2007) my experience of studying ancient fig trees is limited, our survivors are all too young, probably too young to be described as ancient based on European standards.

Stepping back in time I had the privilege of being employed by National Parks to do an aerial inspection (to determine failure likelihood) on another similar sized Green Leaved Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus watkinsiana) on Mount Glorious in the mid1990s. That specimen (sadly later felled by National Parks) like fig tree 2 started life as a strangler fig on a host tree in a high crowned rainforest setting.

16 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 7: The southern side of the Conondale National Park Fig tree accessed by Fig Tree Walk.

“This iconic tree is the largest/oldest Moreton Bay Fig I have seen in Australia.”

Had I been the experienced investigator I am now in 1996 when I climbed the Mt Glorious fig, I would have got some measurements, but I do recall that (like this Moreton bay fig) there were little visible signs of the original host tree. The only major sign was audible, in wind you could hear the decaying host groaning under load and movement of the fig tree. Tragically this was mistakenly why that old giant was felled, it was misperceived that the groaning sound of

the fig on the host was structural impairment on behalf of the fig tree. With pressure on the National Parks Ranger (fuelled by fearful private homeowners who had foolishly freshly built under the leeside of the leaning Glorious giant) my reasoning was not heard.

In truth that fig as I saw it had no faults at all. But the experience of having climbed and appraised that tree gave me some solid reference points in how stable strangler figs are. 

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TECHNICAL FEATURE My assessment of Fig tree 2 conveys an interesting study of what I perceive spans the last 150 years. I consider it reasonable to consider that the hill this tree stands on was clear felled of trees in or around the 1860s (typical to the region), that it is reasonable to consider the forest was cleared twice (I suspect again in the 1950s). That is bar fig tree 2 and perhaps the neighbouring Brachychiton and Giant Stinging tree (approximately 1m DBH), which were left, the timber of such trees was considered valueless. I likewise consider it likely that this fig was already an established 30m+ tree (but with a much narrower forest crown), it probably already had established the classic braiding network of roots/trunk tissues over the host by then, faint signs of the historic braiding are still visible (now buried under increments of wood), having studied and reported on reaction wood braiding before I see such structure as being the strongest. The now much broader tree is wider than tall with a classic field pasture or paddock crown, I perceive this tree to be 400 years old.

Our challenge with estimating the ages of our largest and oldest fig trees is that we have little to nothing of a recorded or historic benchmark, though the area was made a National Park in 1977 and prior to then was managed as State forest (speaking to the State foresters who locally farm Araucaria species is also to be on my agenda). All we have is scraps of information based on a

Fig. 10: This image taken by drone well reveals the trees vast spreading crown.

18 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 8: The trees crown breaks into 12 major scaffolding limbs/leaders at approximately 25m.

Fig. 9: The view looking down just above crown break - 25-30m up.

limited human historical record.

Our profession generally started less than 60 years ago, having only really come of age since Shigo’s publications. That, based on the underpinning colonial and governmental programs we were subject to – trees have been only really valued felled. This in part explains why we have so few ancient trees to learn from.

Based on the trees health evidenced by her exceptional body language, the vast nutrient bed her root system is covered by and her dominance over the forest, it is clear that even with forest clearing the tree has the best possible resources available. A forest mulched hill, deep in humus, with multiple natural fissures as a result of a re-generating forest system yields optimal nutrition via the multitude of microbiological associates (collectively known as the soil food web).

This is far from a turf soil/root environment – the curse of many parks and field pasture trees which lack needed microbiological association for nutrient exchange.

It is however possible that the forested hill was never cleared. A hiking appraisal of the hill was suggested by the head National Park Ranger (whom I met with and questioned), she remarked to look for tell-tale stumps as indicators of timber getter history.

In truth I have found no stumps to indicate past clearing, the bulk of the trees surrounding the Queen are young, bar the neighbouring trees already discussed, 

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TECHNICAL FEATURE the average larger diameter trees are only 250cm, though the bulk of the surrounding trees are 9cm saplings. Perhaps the tell-tale stumps have been lost to decay. I can well imagine that there was a forest of equally large trees surrounding this one. But then how can we really know? I like the idea of the hill having not been cleared as this would well support the figs exceptional vitality (health), helping the tree to achieve such a large bodily mass. This supports her youthful maiden-like status, but still does not really help in aging her.

Having had experience of working in New Guinea and Vanuatu I have seen fig trees with girths upwards of 10m in diameter, this raises the question of fig trees living up to 1000 years old. I have seen footage on Indonesian bridges constructed out of spliced together roots and crowns of fig trees said to be 2000 years old.

We also have to question the variation of age between species of figs, though our ancients are so few that a comparison

between the ages of species is all but erroneous, because we need data on the individuals that we have left first.

At this point I pay homage to the support of The Australian Arbor Age for me to gather such data to share it with our profession.

Having climbed/appraised the upper crown of the tree with Leigh and Aaron I was inspired to find no evidence of historic live limb failure, with such a large crown and being such a target to wind load it is a testament to the tree that the only limbs shed were dead branches, I measured samples of dead shed broken limbs (fragmented due to the fall and decay) on the ground at 14cm in diameter. Based on aerial inspection, these were shed at trunk collars.

On appraisal, I counted a total of 10 buttresses emanating from the trunk and bisecting into 20 large buttresses until ground level where the buttresses bisected again into a total of 34.

Going by the body language of the trees trunk the fig leans more predominantly to

the west, with the tension side in mind the most active (reactive) trunks to root flexation I witnessed is on the south eastern and north eastern sides. Though in truth the tree is very well buttressed on all sides. Interesting to see two reactive ropes helping hold a tree up, usually we see one, considering the braiding nature of Fig trees I am reminded of their advanced capacity. The greatest current reactive growth (observed as lighter brown stretch marks) can be seen as spines of active reaction wood (running up to 10m up the trunk) corresponding down into the lower buttresses and the largest, longest visible transport roots (collectively acting as guy lines) previously mentioned as being 25m long (south eastern corner) and 15m long (north eastern corner) until they go below ground. The western side of the tree (the leeside) likewise has two active buttresses (making current reactive growth on the compression side) which likewise link into lower buttresses/transport roots, the longest is visibly 10m until going below ground.

“The now much broader tree is wider than tall with a classic field pasture or paddock crown, I perceive this tree to be 400 years old.”

Fig. 11 and 12: Northern and southern sides of the 5.5m diameter Moreton bay fig tree.

20 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 12

TECHNICAL FEATURE

Fig. 13: Eastern side of the Moreton bay fig tree.

Though all the fig trees buttresses are clearly pumped (strong by the lore that is VTA) these four points are the most reactive based on current load and optimisation. Because this tree has such good vitality it can be well recognised (or argued) that these four points play a key role in the trees stability. Due to the surrounding vegetation it is awkward to be clear on the relative configuration of the trees crown in relation to the trees lean. It maybe that the lean is historic, that based on the trees well balanced crown spread – the lean is now negligible in proportion to the trees crown. To be true the surrounding vegetation limits my ability to easily form or capture my observations (photographically), I have done my best.

In Fig. 13 we can clearly see one of the active buttress ropes (red arrow) the larger rope leads into the 15m transport root (15m until it goes below ground). The blue arrow indicates the active buttress which links into the 25m transport root (at 25m it goes below ground) its active ‘spine’ of reaction wood 

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TECHNICAL FEATURE

Fig. 14

Fig. 15

can not be seen on this angle. Based on visual assessment alone, both these active buttresses/adjoining transport roots act as 35m and 25m guy lines, in reality these guy lines are likely to be 50m long, though proving that is not possible without further investigation and disruption to the tree.

See the action shots on the left.

Fig. 14: Leigh Antonio de Abreu powering past me as I labour up a single rope, Leigh is our high line installer. Fig. 15: Aaron Smith checks out what looks like a young Ficus obliqua in a 40m branch fork. Climbing these ancient fig trees for me has burst a bubble, prior to our last article I had never seen figs growing on figs, with three different species already found up our first two adventure climbs I have had to take stock. Fig. 16: Leigh giving perspective to the forest below.

Fig. 17: Having switched to my favoured old school double line I was free to explore the fig trees upper crown.

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

22 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 19: Ryan Lamond and I, the day of the drone flight.

Fig. 18: Ryan gearing up for take-off.

Conclusion – comparative study to Fig tree 1 The Conondale National Park Moreton Bay Fig tree, located on a forested hill between Maleny-Kenilworth road and the Mary river, stands at 50m with a spread of 57m and a trunk diameter of 5.5m. This iconic tree is the largest/oldest Moreton Bay Fig I have seen in Australia. Having measured a number of buttresses leading into transport roots I perceive it likely that the trees root system covers the whole hill. The trees growing environment and body language is optimal, as evidenced by foliage size, colour, density, the trees well optimised 

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TECHNICAL FEATURE crown structure and reactivity (reaction wood development), all examples of high levels of vitality. I see this specimen as being benchmark to the Genus and species.

Conondale National Park was founded in 1977. I sense that the hill was cleared of vegetation twice, in the 1860/70’s (Red cedar timber getters) and again in the 1950s for a national bulk order to China of timber to be used as railway sleepers, according to an old source, this further (considerably in his words) denuded the land of trees up and down the east coast. The 90 year old retired timber merchant (Mt Mee) informed me that they felled anything (even wattle) regardless of quality for that shipment.

As with the White fig (Fig 1 of our ancient fig series) from the Dec/Jan 2021/22 edition of The Australian Arbor Age I see a parallels to Fig tree 2 the Moreton Bay fig, in that both trees where originally within a forest, but were then subject to forest clearing, that both trees started life as strangler figs on already established host trees. With consideration of early Australian settlement this would have been true for many surviving fig trees up and down the east coast (in fact this will be true of our third fig tree study – Numinbah Valley Gold Coast Hinterland - Part 3). The difference here is that Fig 1 (the White Fig) was veteranised by storm damage (I recorded a number of 50cm diameter live limb branch-break-outs), whereas Fig 2 has an unbroken ‘virginal’ crown.

Fig. 20

Based on the presence of the numerous young trees, saplings mostly with a 9cm diameter, (the larger up to 250cm diameter) under both fig trees (Fig 1 and 2) it is likely (without question for Fig tree 1) that there has been a period of forest clearance where both trees where subject to field pasture growing environments. Certainly, in the body of the White fig (Fig tree 1) there has been a period of stressed times and subsequent optimisation as mulch levels and

Fig. 21: The aftermath, my last ride by 2/3/22, Yabba Creek reached the rainforest and flattened most of the Casuarina trees at the peak of the February flood, the Queen stands strong on her hill in the background. Fortunately, I had gathered all the data I needed and was writing through the flood.

24 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

conditions that benefit the soil food web have improved. Note – with reflection on Fig tree 1 I suspect that the cause of the historical cavity (since optimised) was fire damage.

Stress optimisation is less apparent with the Moreton Bay fig (Fig tree 2) which may have always sustained optimal health levels due to its environment, the lack of historical storm damage or limb failure supports this observation. Another comparison with these trees is that they both had access to creeks to help sustain them through lean years of resource availability, I suspect this is a key observation. I also perceive that both fig trees share the same age of 400 years old. In a future article I will hopefully have some historical footage to share. My contact with the Mary Valley Voice (Mary Valley community magazine) has yet to fruit, my letter to the editor requesting historical pictures of the hill or the tree gets published to the region later in March.

With closure on this study, I wish to thank a fellow traveller I know as Fiona, I met her during the Moreton Bay fig appraisals. She donated the cover photograph (Fig. 1) and Fig. 20. – both of which honour the fig trees form perfectly.

I also wish to acknowledge another traveller, a British consulting arborist, writer and the inspirator of this ancient fig tree series David Lloyd-Jones. David is part of a small scale ‘5 eye’ collaboration on Conservation Arboriculture, between Australia, Canada, Britain, America and New Zealand, composed of David, I, Guy Meilleur, Ryan Redvers and other leading arb thinkers/writers. David contacted me in late 2021 and posed that as writers we owe it to the tree to raise the bar on our writing. That it’s time we pay homage to the unspoken spiritual side to trees, in fact he advised I go and find an ancient tree to receive a timely gift. In truth the logic side to myself was somewhat challenged by this, yet deep down I heard his call. It was with Fig tree 2 late last year that I received that contact.

With regard to receiving the call, between 2003 and 2006 I was in dialogue with Dr Alex Shigo (the father of arboriculture), it was he who inspired me to write commencing in 1999. It was his feedback on a past article of mine on CODIT (AA 2003) that kept me writing. His motto of Touch Trees has always sat with me, it was in one of our dialogues (by fax – pre internet) that I understood this from him, that touching trees is a two way 

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TECHNICAL FEATURE experience. That in the course of a lifetime of touching trees that he himself had been deeply touched. I also realised that late in his career he had been pained by judgement from those in the profession (the curse of the pioneer) that did not understand that (passion). I also understand that those consumed by scientific or mainstream perspectives alone are unlikely to know what it is to be touched by nature, which in my experience is being touched by god. With the Shigo call and David’s prompt in mind I am pledged to pay homage to this other ‘thing’ that we humans struggle to discuss let alone integrate. From here on my writing will where appropriately reflect on this, for those that cannot read such reflection I hope that the rest of the narrative is sufficient enough to keep your attention engaged. I pledge to save such reflection for the conclusion so you can easily gloss over that should you choose.

A solid example of the experience of the divine aspect of nature or god is something we cannot deny in the early stage of human love relationships, that falling in love phase which fuels the emotional sides to our nature. This sense of god we also classically experience in relationship to our children, especially when young, we can clearly see the divinity in our babies and toddlers. We also know the utter value of true friends, who stand by us through the rigours of life. Another area where I have had direct experience of this is with bodily near misses. On a number of occasions in my youth I have been in error alone up big trees as a climber, usually through being overly tired (when I first worked in Greater Brisbane in 91-96, there were no other spurless climbers to work with). I have had experiences where I could have or maybe should have died, yet around trees miracles happen. I can say the same of my experience of the 2008 Gap storm (a 2009 AA article), where I saw countless examples of people and property protected by trees, where I met countless people in gratitude to the broken and unbroken trees in their gardens. Another example of spirituality that our Editor Kurt Quambusch can also relate to is on the back of adventure motorcycles.

Riding off road in extreme conditions I generally have to surrender to spirit to survive the ride. Also having a background in security, I can say the same of ‘combat’ extremes where violence is the challenge

26 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 22

and spirit which overcomes – the miracle.

In the course of my career, I have been open to the idea of experiencing god in nature (perhaps a lifetime of touching trees was the preparation I needed), though until I found this Moreton Bay fig late last year (maybe it was I that was found) the experience of divinity in giant woody plants was only an idea. Now that I have been touched by the divine aspect of mother nature I recognise a balance point, in myself and around me. Embracing the idea and experience of god has been a commitment these last two years. Prior to meeting this remarkable tree I already had embarked on

what I perceive as a healthy relationship with the divine masculine aspect of god. Yet the gift this tree bought me, the experience of the divine feminine aspect has for me bought home God (masculine and feminine elements combined) on a whole other level.

Beliefs and passions aside, I doubt any of us could not be moved by the presence of this fig tree. I hope you enjoyed this article, I look forward to our next sojourn with an ancient fig. I feel the call to Numinbah Valley and Part 3, I know of the perfect candidate, thank God for trees.

Best regards – Cassian Humphreys AA

TECHINCAL FEATURE WORDS AND IMAGES | GUY MEILLEUR

TREES OF UKRAINE

Fig. 1

After his recent trip to Ukraine, Guy Meilleur reaches out to Ukrainian Arborist Igor Singer and together plan to restore the remaining trees after the war.

T

hese images of trees were recorded during a 2017 tour of that beautiful country, facilitated by a leading Ukrainian arborist. I had encountered Igor Singer on LinkedIn, and he seemed like a brother from another planet. So, while I was in Europe, I took a detour to see him and his trees. As of this writing, the war in Ukraine is 12 days on. We added the words during the bombardment of his neighbourhood outside Kiev, and promised to meet with the trees together, after the war.

Maybe the post-cyclone system of triage can inform the care of trees after bombing.

Maybe not. Igor’s working on that right now.

Hopefully, his efforts to restore remaining trees can play some part in the renewal of his country.

Igor’s main goals are to conduct environmental education and perform tasks to solve environmental problems in Kiev. He’s always keen to cooperate with arborists from other countries. Today’s improved translation technology makes that easier all the time. In 2017, the software was not so good. My Ukrainian was non-

28 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

TECHINCAL FEATURE

Fig. 2: Historic trees are often fenced in Ukraine, as in other countries. Making fences from tree branches, painted the national colour, works quite well.

Fig. 3: An old headstone from the Babyn Yar killing fields in Kiev.

Fig. 4: Allees of Populus sp. line the main walkway at Babyn Yar. Fig. 5: With sign language, Igor describes (I think) ram’s horns, where scar tissue rolls inward as it closes cavities.

existent, and Igor’s English was poor.

When translation software failed, which was far too often, we were reduced to sign language and German. His was OK, but mine was learned in fourth grade, and by hearing my mother muttering curses. We probably looked and sounded like raving maniacs – which is maybe not too far off.

There’s a lot I missed from him; I hope we can try again.

Tens of thousands of innocent human beings were shot and buried when Nazis

invaded Ukraine in 1943. Tree stumps are common themes for memorials; avatars of lives lost, and grim reminders of man’s inhumanity to man – when men are crazed by nationalist dreams of empire. One alleged premise of the 2022 invasion was “denazification”, but the mass murder of innocent civilians with modern killing technology looks worse than ‘Renazification’.

The tools of Putin’s evil madness are far more destructive than Hitler’s.

It was common to see poplars brutally topped in Russia – it even happens in England! – but these are just side-trimmed using an aerial lift. Most of the trunk flares were visible at ground level, indicating some savvy about proper tree planting. The landscape was designed and managed as well as the parks elsewhere in Europe.

Ukrainians avoid NDD – Nature Deficit Disorder – by using their green spaces, and show their respect for nature (and for themselves) by keeping them fairly clean.

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TECHINCAL FEATURE visited many of them. We came to some understanding about burls; their causes, features, management challenges. Igor’s pet peeve is concrete filling cavities. On one tree, Igor went to great pains to remove the concrete, but when he returned and found the tree re-filled with concrete, he found a way to laugh it off. Ukrainians are notorious for their sense of humour. Finding comedy within tragedy, laughter is the best medicine for seeing one through difficult times.

Another peeve was the bright green paint that I saw commonly applied to tree wounds on street trees in Kiev. Painting pruning wounds is not popular, and we all have heard why. But applying sealant inside cavities is quite different. In Russia I saw several cavities coated with some brown stuff for decades that actually seemed fungistatic, if not fungicidal. But many of those trees were Quercus robur, which is highly resistant to decay to begin with.

Igor said (I think) that he was working on some secret sauce to do the same thing,

Fig. 7

Fig. 6

Fig. 7: Ugly Americans: Invasive Quercus rubra carpets the ground, displacing native species.

Fig. 8: Ukrainian people, like Ukrainian trees, know how to fight their way out of a tight squeeze!

Fig. 9: Catalpa bignonioides shades a busy sidewalk in Kyiv.

Fig. 10: Not all mistletoe is created the same.

30 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

but when I pressed him for details, he said (I think) something about a patent. The rest was lost in translation.

Like jackrabbits in Australia, red oak trees in Europe take over, and wreak havoc.

They grow so fast, and get so big, and have fairly strong wood. I’ve seen beautiful specimen red oaks in places like France.

But genetics is a problem, when many are grown from the same problematic parents.

And invasiveness is a huge problem with red oaks in Ukraine.

Unlike red oaks, catalpa trees are wellbehaved North American natives, and don’t get too big for their own good. Their wood is very tough, and they excel at compartmentalising wounds. The practice of painting tree trunks white is fairly common in Ukraine, and many other countries. When

Fig. 8

TECHINCAL FEATURE

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

“Ukrainians are notorious for their sense of humour. Finding comedy within tragedy, laughter is the best medicine for seeing one through difficult times.”

the paint is “whitewash”, calcium carbonate, this practice is also known as mineral feeding via trunk drenching. Anyway, it does not seem to bother the trees, or the people around them. The tight spacing of the street trees indicates an eagerness to soften and civilise the harsh appearance of the rectangles known as Soviet architecture.

Phoradendron sp. is fairly common in the eastern US and western Europe, while the smaller-leafed Viscum album plagues the western US, and eastern Europe.

I saw 300+ historic but infested Tilia trees in Slovenia that almost got the axe. Now they may get black paint applied to the base after cutting it off. The same will be tried in Ukraine, after the war. Paint is effective on Phoradendron, so hopes are somewhat high.

Will the world keep bullying its neighbours, like red oak trees? Will it keep extracting resources and leaving them to die, like small-leafed mistletoe? Or will we act more like Catalpa, exchanging benefits and modeling resilience? It's up to us. AA

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THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 31

TECHNICAL FEATURE Fig. 1

THE BALANCING ACT OF BRANCH LIFTS When using a crane to dismantle and remove branches from a tree, there are a few different methods and techniques to consider.

J

oe Harris from Into Trees participated in Vermeer Australia’s Arborist Seminar Series last year, talking through the balance branch lift technique, and best practice for arborists to use this method safely and efficiently. Here is some of what he had to say.

The right sling for the job There are two different types of slings that can be used when lifting a branch: chain or textile loop slings.

“Chains can come in different sizes and lengths, and it’s common to have two to four different sized chains attached to the crane hook to balance the branch,” Joe says.

“The main issue with chains is that they

32 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

can create a lot of slack, which can be hard to manage and manipulate lengths.

Wrapping or shortening the chain can work, but this can still cause issues with managing the length.

“Textile loop slings are super light and easy to manipulate compared to chains.

They are also safer for climbers – if they are to swing from a branch they are not as heavy or dangerous.”

Joe says the right choice depends on your preference and what is available at the time of the job, but textile loop swings are his preferred option.

How to sling a branch for a balance lift Joe says there are a couple of key elements

to a successful balance lift using a textile loop sling.

“First, you need to ensure your sling is set at the centre of gravity of the tree. Then, depending on the size of the branch, use different lengths and slings and space them out across the branch to ensure balance.

Your longer sling should also be positioned at the blunt end of the branch so there is slack when the branch is cut and lifted.”

Joe also says when positioning your shorter slings, ensure they are angled at around 90° between the longer slings to assist with the removal. Your pre-load weight of the crane also comes into play here, which will determine positioning of the slings (Fig. 1).

TECHNICAL FEATURE Fig. 2

Different cuts for different branches “Now you have your branch slings set, and your crane weight pre-loaded, it’s time to cut the branch. There are a few different cut techniques when using the balance lift, and the right one depends on the type of branch, and the area you’re working in.”

Straight cut through. Use when branch is perfectly balanced. Can be made top-down or bottom up.

Fig. 3

Straight cut through This is the simplest cut. Can be made topdown or bottom-up (Fig. 2).

Step cut Bottom cut inboard of top cut. This creates a step or lip to stop the butt ‘kicking up’ at the climber. There can be different variations of this depending on pre-load weight (Fig. 3).

V cut Stops the butt kicking up or dropping down.

Start with undercut, then finish with a top cut last (Fig. 4).

Step cut. Bottom cut outboard of top cut.

Creates a step for the butt to sit on. Use with less preload, ≥ 75% of weight.

Fig. 4

V cut. Stops the butt kicking up or dropping down. Make top cut last with 85% preload.

To find out more about Vermeer Australia, including more information on the Vermeer Australia Arborist Seminar Series, head to vermeeraustralia.com.au AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 33

TECHNICAL FEATURE WORDS | JIM McARDLE AND HEPHZIBAH CROSSING 1991 - Storm damage at 27 Carters Rd Dural, NSW.

PROACTIVE TREE RISK MANAGEMENT Trees are often managed reactively; this article highlights the importance of proactive tree risk management.

I

n arboriculture, widely recognised acceptable risk levels do not exist and so an industry-based approach should form the foundation standard of what is considered to be acceptable tree-related risk. – G.Moore (2020).

Users of tree risk methods should understand the relative strength and weaknesses of any method that they use. It could be relatively simple to challenge the results of a tree risk assessment in a court of law based on the limitations inherent in the underlying methodology, particularly if the user was not aware of them and had failed to take them into account in interpreting the outcomes.

34 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

“… proactive management approaches, report a long-term reduction in costs, as the demands to clean up after storms, to conduct risk management and pruning, to manage community complaints and to manage damage caused by failures are reduced.” – Cunningham (2011). 

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TECHNICAL FEATURE From a bush fire perspective, the strategic removal of declining trees can aid in the reduction of the forests fuel load (McCaw 2013).

This strategic removal of trees in bushland can be seen in the United States.

Mechanical fuel load reduction (MFLR) treatment involves mechanical thinning of trees to decrease the probability and severity of bushfires (Ximenes et al., 2016). It is noted that large fallen trees can be hazardous through increasing flame (Ximenes et al., 2016).

Trees in an urban setting have been observed to increase in failure probability with increase in decay during windstorms (Cihan et al., 20140). In an investigation on the dynamic loading of wind, trees with a large proportion of weight in branches, increase the sway potential and likelihood of tree failure due to wind (Kenneth et al., 2006). A vTRATM visual Tree Risk will competently assist the facility manager to reduce risk of tree failure incidents on site.

An assessment removal of mass from trees through pruning can aid in tree retention with management (James et al., 2006).

In an independent inquiry, large trees with clearly identifiable defects have been recommended for proactive management by councils (Cunningham 2011). Proactive tree risk management can improve tree structure and longevity (Cunningham 2011).

Trees are a resource which should be preserved and managed accordingly.

Proactive tree risk management, which

Above: Tree with multiple pathogens and Phellinus sp (Bracket fungi).

Right: The VTA allows for level three assessment. The VTRA calls this a level three assessment. John Dee from Bees Knees Trees Service, Sydney climbing an E. pilularis tree and resistograph testing at Lindfield.

may include monitoring, pruning, further investigations and calculations of risk probability, can ensure the tree, and its associated value, can be maintained.

Proactive tree risk management is ensuring appropriate methodologies / tools are used which allow better observations leading to more specific interventions or specifications in long-term reducing costs.

VTRATM visual Tree Risk Assessment is proactive as it also is the only assessment that assesses the residual risk. It is utilised by many regional and local councils at a national level and utilised in the DET schools and many other facilities.

Definition Risk management is defined as: The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the tasks of, communicating, establishing the context, identifying, analysing, estimating, evaluating, treating, monitoring and reviewing risk.

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – ficus spp failure.

36 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Risk: Risk is simply the chance of a specific undesired event occurring within a specified period. Risk = Likelihood x Consequences (Standards Australia 2004) or as it relates to Visual Tree Risk

Assessment; Failure Potential x Risk Target Rating = Risk Assessment.

Time factor: The assessment period is critical as it allows an evaluation of likelihood to be undertaken. All tree risk assessments must be defined by a timeframe. (Norris 2007).

Recognizing Risk Essential factors to be considered to improve tree safety on sites are: Utilisation of a site If a tree fails, what is the impact to persons or property?

1. Occasional Use:Biodiversity areas, fenced areas, out of bounds area, restricted and inducted areas 2. Intermittent Use: Parking lot, oval, golf course 3. Frequent Use: Busy street adjacent, typical schoolyard, childcare centre, gateways 4. Constant Use: Occupied rooms, buildings, residences, sit-down lunch areas 5. Continual use: Access paths, assembly areas, Gathering areas.

In terms of further condensing these areas, 5 and 4 are considered High use areas, 3 and 2 are Medium use, and 1 is Low use. 

TECHNICAL FEATURE Minimal usage areas Minimal usage areas that will be occupied by students, staff or peers for educational and/ or recreational purposes (e.g. campsites, bush trails, ecology areas will require an inspection by a competent person (this may be (an arborist) using the Annual Tree Inspection and Checklist¹ to identify hazards prior to entry.

Hazards Posed by Individual Trees Relates to defects, toxicities and poor management practices relating to trees, including pruning from unqualified operators or untrained personnel.

Elevated hazards: These trees have defects which make them likely or somewhat likely to fail or expose a person or property to damage. When such a tree is identified in a High use area, the extent of the risk is categorised into very likely or somewhat likely to fail.

Lesser hazards: Where trees are unlikely or highly unlikely to fail or cause harm (except in higher use areas), mitigation rather than removal is undertaken.

In the visual Tree Risk Assessment (vTRA)© which utilises the tree risk matrix, tree risk can be assessed as ALARP – (As low as reasonably possible), Medium, High 1, High2 or High 3. The vTRA© that are identified within the scope of the recent facilities including School review – in the arborist report will be documented. Mitigation

1992 - Tree storm damage.

38 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

TCAA member Matt McArdle.

of these risks may include pruning, tree removal, fencing off and isolating high-risk trees, and specifying the type of approach (including hierarchy of control).

The Vtra© utilises the three levels where level 1 and 3 are relating to risk assessment and level 2 is the VTA-Visual Tree Assessment which is undertaken for health and structure. Level one can be undertaken by an AQF 2 or 3 and determines if a level 3 inspection is required. Level 3 – three is undertaken by an AQF level 5 arborist who is competent in the use of vTRA. It is the facilities manager’s responsibility to manage the safety of the remaining and future tree specimens within their site.

Understanding the basics of the proactive vTRA and addressing the risks associated with trees will ensure the benefits of the facility and prolongs the life of a tree.

Retention of Records Records and photographs of near-misses and damaged trees should be included into the yearly inspection register. This will assist new staff in managing tree risks.

Training new staff.

Observation and Awareness Observation and awareness of tree issues and behaviors are necessary to provide optimum safety. Arborists in many cases have to balance protecting trees with protecting persons and property. Simple observations of these past failures can reveal a great deal about a particular location. The strongest conclusion should be formed based on an assessment of the area (locality) and attention to local weather patterns and storm events, including lightning strike.

1. Monitor the trees’ condition, especially during weather events 2. Do not occupy areas near or under trees during storms or windy weather.

A wind index of greater than 40km/hour to evacuate areas around trees is a suitable guide 3. Observe trees in the early morning, as evidence of branch drop is more probable when the plant cells are turgid 4. Review the health of the trees using the TCAA checklist 5. Discuss the notes with people who have access to your site (toolbox talk or staff meeting) 6. Evaluate the whole tree as part of the contextual environment it is in

TECHNICAL FEATURE AQF

AQF LEVEL 2

AQF LEVEL 3

AQF LEVEL 4

AQF LEVEL 5

SUMMARY

Graduates will have basic theoretical and practical knowledge and skills directed work.

Graduates will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for work.

Graduates will have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for specialized and/or skilled work.

Graduates will have specialized knowledge and skills for skilled and/or paraprofessional work.

KNOWLEDGE

Graduates will have limited factual, technical and limited theoretical knowledge of specific areas of work.

Graduates will have factual, technical and some theoretical knowledge of specific areas of work.

Graduates will have broad factual, technical and some theoretical knowledge of specific areas or a broad field of work.

Graduates will have broad factual, technical and some theoretical knowledge of specific areas or a broad field of work.

SKILLS

Graduates will have a range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a basic range of methods, tools and information to complete routine activities and communicate / transmit solutions problems.

Graduates will have a range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a specialized range of methods, tools and information to complete routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to problems.

Graduates will have a range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a specialized range of methods, tools and information to complete routine and non routine activities and provide and transmit solutions to both predictable and unpredictable problems.

Graduates will have a range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply a specialized range of methods, tools and information to complete routine and nonroutine activities and provide and transmit solutions to both predictable and unpredictable problems. Transmit knowledge and skills to others.

APPLICATION

Graduates will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and have deferred limited responsibility within known parameters.

Graduates will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and take limited responsibility within known parameters.

Graduates will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and take limited responsibility within known parameters.

Graduates will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and defined responsibility in known or changing contexts and within broad but established parameters.

7. Monitor moisture of soil and watering.

Using the hand-feel method to determine if soil moisture is optimum or saturated for soil heave in trees 8. Site notes on abiotic and biotic conditions are useful 9. Compare with other known specimens of a similar maturity and species. Utilise the arborist methodologies for vTRATM. Arborist Qualifications It would be beneficial to engage an AQF Level 5 arborist at most times; however, AQF level 3 arborists can determine whether a tree has defects or has an imminent failure or threat (as per level 1 assessment). AQF Level 2 arborists would be able to exclude trees and identify these basic hazards, including hanging branches and defective fractured trees (as per level 1 assessment).

AQF Levels and their application is contained in the Table above relevant for tree inspections. (Courtesy Bill Sullivan 2021) Duty of Care would allow for a person who has experience within the locality and if they are certain of a tree defect or change to allow for AQF Level 5 arborist to investigate and assess the risk. A Level 2 assessment would be suited to these assessments, as a Level 1 inspection would not be fit for

Level 3 assessment presents imminent failure.

purpose within a school environment unless it was a biodiversity area that has been fenced off.

A Proactive Pre-climb inspection may utilise the vTRA level 1 by a competent person trained as AQF level 3 with practical knowledge and skills for access. Pre-climb assessments which can be are utilized to ensure that a satisfactory method of approach to access a tree which may trigger the hierarchy of control depending on the level of hazard which may be presented in a tree.

Level 3 assessment bullys eye borer.

Level 3 assessments are completed only by an AQF level 5 arborist and are useful for determining a tree’s risk of failure and include aerial inspections, photographic journal, sounding (both with a mallet and the ground), resistograph testingTM, root mapping, Picus testingTM, load testing, and other invasive testing; which may be reviewed on its own merits, periodic assessment for monitoring. The facilities manager or principal will decide about engagement scope. Reiterating the point; 

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 39

TECHNICAL FEATURE 1991- Dural SES attended at 27 Carters Rd in the aftermath of a storm damage, but were not able to complete work.

a vTRA level 3 must be completed by the AQF level 5 Arborist.

The TCAA are able to advise on the levels of inspection which would be covered under the scope of works and where necessary as an independent representative of the industry – Email admin@TCAA.com.au.

Assessing Risk for Tree Management The minimum qualification required for an arboricultural consultant should be AQF Level 5, and arborists from the Tree Contractors Association Australia (TCAA) arborists have relevant industry experience.

If a facilities manager has reason to seek further advice or an assessment of trees and intends to engage an AQF Level 5 Arborist, it is important that a prehistory of the trees – including previous tree risk assessment

40 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Hephzihbah Crossing.

Installing a nesting box tree and assessing tree for a pre-climb using the EWP. Hierarchy of control allows for EWP as a suitable way of access and when it cannot be used then a pre-climb assessment must be done prior to donning the climbing harness.

TECHNICAL FEATURE

Jim McArdle, TCAA President.

E. resinifera Red Mahogany, Dural.

“Proactive tree risk management is ensuring appropriate methodologies / tools are used which allow better observations leading to more specific interventions or specifications in long-term reducing costs.”

Identifying Tree Management Needs and Costs By compiling and analysing the tree inventory data for trees on your facility, this should assist in identifying works that will merge into your program with a focus on sequencing works according to budgetary constraints.

Although, emergency issues may arise and override this planned program.

By reviewing the given report, the facility manager or principal can identify high risk or problematic tree species and seek to sequence and structure a works program.

Footnote ¹ Annual Tree Inspection Checklist is developed by the TCAA in conjunction with the DEC.

ctors A a r t

e Co n Tre

ociation ss

reports, tree inventory data or other induction registers – are supplied to the arborist who will make tree management decisions. This can be cost effective to the facility.

A complete tree inventory can be costly, but it provides the most accurate data – especially on a facility that has lots of trees.

A partial survey focused on high occupancy areas (e.g. assembly areas and buildings) will suit limited budgets without limiting the goals.

Where necessary, the tree inventory should also include trees on neighboring properties – especially where they are large or known toxicogenic species or have had poor management practices applied.

Walkways, access driveways, central administration buildings (offices) are also key areas to survey around.

Australia Inc.

References Ciftci, C., Arwade, S. R., Kane, B., & Brena, S. F. (2014). Analysis of the probability of failure for open-grown trees during windstorms.

Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics, 37, 41-50.

Cunningham, B. (2011, September).

Independent inquiry into management of trees on public land: Final report extract. In 12th National Street Tree Symposium 2011 (p. 71).

James, K. R., Haritos, N., & Ades, P. K. (2006). Mechanical stability of trees under dynamic loads. American journal of Botany, 93(10), 1522-1530.

McCaw, W. L. (2013). Managing forest fuels using prescribed fire–a perspective from southern Australia. Forest Ecology and Management, 294, 217-224.

Pike, D. A., Webb, J. K., & Shine, R. (2011).

Chainsawing for conservation: Ecologically informed tree removal for habitat management.

Ecological Management & Restoration, 12(2), 110–118.doi:10.1111/j.1442-8903.2011.00582.x Ximenes, F., Stephens, M., Brown, M., Law, B., Mylek, M., Schirmer, J., ... & McGuffog, T. (2017).

Mechanical fuel load reduction in Australia: a potential tool for bushfire mitigation. Australian Forestry, 80(2), 88-98. Australian Standards (AS4360:2004) and adopted for this research.

TCAA has Tree Management Guidelines for members which are available on the TCAA website and which have been eight years in the production. For further information contact Tree Contractors Association Australia, P.O Box 207, Galston, NSW 2159, by calling 1300 660 379 or email www.admin@tcaa.com.au AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 41

December 2019, Sydney, NSW Australia

2714 Spider Lift in action

by EWP specialist Monitor Lifts.

FEATURE WORDS | PETER DUBIEZ

FAILURE AND RESILIENCE Ben Lawson from Shane’s Trees – A business journey from a one-man to multiple crews.

When did you take charge of Shane’s Trees?

Dad loved a Foster’s and often drunk them up a tree while sharpening a Stihl 090. His idea of safety was only cans of beers could be sent up to him in the tree as bottles could smash and cut someone. It wasn’t unusual for dad to drink a six pack of “Blue heelers” (Foster’s cans) before lunch. How he survived I will never know.

Back in 2011 my dad had retired and sold all his gear. I thought if Dad could run a business drunk, surely I could do it sober.

I had a friend of a friend that wanted a job done so I bought a Stihl 200t on my credit card and did the job stacking it in an old ute.

I’d bring the waste home, cut it up and fill the neighbourhood green bins for weeks.

What market do you primarily focus on?

Our business was built on residential tree work but commercial is now a large portion of our business.

44 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Why are you changing market focus?

As our systems and people improve, we are now targeting council and commercial work.

We are focusing on this work for consistency and to ensure we are competing with other genuine business that have quality people and safety systems in place.

What did you change to grow from a few staff to now 40 plus?

Myself. Every time the business has grown it is after I have put a considerable amount of work into improving who I am as a person.

I’m a strong believer that your business will never outgrow your skillset as a leader.

I have developed a passion for personal development and reading, this has really helped me to expand my mind and see opportunities for improvement.

About five years ago I looked for and built connections with quality mentors and coaches. These people have really challenged my own limiting beliefs and poor

habits that no longer served me – although if you ask my Mrs some habits persist.

How long did that take?

Ten years. Five years of hard work followed by five years of smart work. But the hardest part was going from one crew to two crews.

It’s a crazy time in business, as the owner you are doing it all, because the business is not at a scale to afford a management structure.

In the last three years we have added a crew every year. That’s been some crazy growth and has required a keen eye on cashflow. It’s interesting how the requirements of the business and systems change for every crew that is added.

Did you ever want to give up?

Wow. Big question. There have been days when it’s thunder and lightning and there is a 130t crane setup that’s going to cost $7000 plus wages and no work gets done. Those days are testing. I’ve had a couple of fleeting

FEATURE moments thinking ‘why am I doing this?’.

There was the time all my gear got stolen three months after I started. That near killed me. The time my good mate and team leader cut through his arm at the bicep and I had to climb the tree and finish the job.

When I went through a separation in 2017, I remember crying in my hands thinking there is no way I can get through this. I just could not see a way to keep the business. Until I had a good night’s sleep.

But give up… No way, there is always a way.

Ben Lawson from Shane’s Trees.

Tommy climbing a tree on the job.

You specialise in marketing – social especially – what made you focus on that area?

There was a time on a 40-degree day I put up a post about buying the boys a beer for every share and it went viral. I was buying the boys beer for months. This really made me realise how much time people spend online.

On reflection I realised how much time I was spending on social and thought everyone else must be doing the same thing. I’ve had some incredible mentors and watched the social trends in other industries so I thought I would give it a good crack. We have become very consistent on socials.

Posting one or two videos a week. Stories and posts every day.

Do you need to be disciplined to make it work?

I don’t see myself as a disciplined person.

There was seven to eight years when I was balls to the wall and worked my absolute guts out through fear of failure.

I try and focus on the most important task as often as possible. I’ll leave discipline to the Olympians.

Ben and his dad Tommy.

“I was “just’ a climber a few years ago, now I’m helping take a technology and tree business global. That’s an opportunity few will ever have and fewer will seize.”

You have made a statement to train 100 world class arborists by 2030 – what made you decide on that and how is it going?

When I think about what brings me the most joy in business and lights me up, it’s training people and watching rough kids bloom into quality arborists that contribute to society.

I’m so proud of some of the young men that have become world class arborists through Shane’s Trees. More than 15 so far.

Big shoutout to a young man that came to us, rough as they get – Josh Whitinui, so much respect for the effort he has put into developing himself as a person and a climber. 

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 45

FEATURE Last year you decided to live in the UK – how did you set up your business to allow this to occur?

Lots of trying, failing and learning. It has always been my goal to have a lifestyle business that I did not need to be in daily.

It took me 18 months of preparation and a few 4–6-week holidays out of the business to find where the weak points were that I needed to fill. It’s not just the systems we have but the people. I constantly look at how I can coach, mentor and grow our people. People give back in loyalty when they realise how much they have learnt.

Beyond the people, I have developed a lot of tools that give me solid numbers to show how the business is performing. I review these number religiously and ask questions when they seem off.

What involvement do you have from oversees? What reporting do you get?

I have a weekly meeting with our GM, marketing and accounts. I review everyone’s goals weekly.

Smash out a few emails. I get daily reports from each team, our profitability daily and per job as well as weekly marketing reports.

Approximately five hours a week is what is required from me. Although I love it so normally do more.

You have partnered with Enviro Frontier to be their UK Director – like starting over – what challenges – what is exciting?

It’s going to be a hit to my lifestyle… haha.

But really, it’s back in the grind, doing the simple things repeatedly. Getting in front of clients, understanding the market and hustling like I just bought my first chainsaw again.

It’s a monumental challenge to start a business in a new country and there is a lot of fear I have had to overcome to leave Shane’s

Trees in the capable hands of our team.

I have always admired Enviro Frontier as a business model and it excites me to help take it global. I pinch myself. I was “just” a climber a few years ago, now I’m helping take a technology and tree business global.

That’s an opportunity few will ever have and fewer will seize.

The challenges and unknown aspects of this next chapter really send shivers down my spine. I’m sure there will be a few moments that will be comparable to my spurs slipping

out for the first time. But with the people around me I’m confident there will be a lifeline to catch me so I can keep climbing.

Just like learning to climb. You must push yourself and overcome a variety of fears.

The best way to do this is with mentors that have done it before. I remember the confidence it gave me when an old climber was on the ground talking me through my fears and the next move in the tree. It’s the same in business, I will surround myself with mentors. At Enviro we have some great mentors in the technology space that have taken multiple business to 8-9 figure turnover. I’ll ask them quality questions, implement and execute.

If I keep reading, learning and asking questions, it’s only up from here.

Any last message?

The more you give the more you get.

Pass on your knowledge, love and experience wherever you can. It will come back in spades. AA

46 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

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EVERYDAY TOOLS, CLIMBING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE APOLLO 280g and 340g.

NEW FROM EDELRID EDELRID introduce their new range of throw line cubes, rope carrier bags and throw bags for professional arborists.

EDELRID Houston throw line cube The HOUSTON is a foldable bag for transporting throwlines and accessories and can be divided into two sections. This makes it possible to separately store two throw lines and two throw bags per line whilst keeping them tangle free.

Once opened up, the HOUSTON has a stable form thanks to the integrated magnets. When the HOUSTON is collapsed, the throw lines are neither folded nor twisted, preventing knots.

EDELRID Houston throw line cube.

48 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

EVERYDAY TOOLS, CLIMBING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE EDELRID CASK 28L and 55L EDELRID CASK is a robust rope carrier bag with hard-wearing construction for high durability. With its rigid freestanding design for easy storage of ropes, the CASK 28 has the capacity for approximately 60m climbing rope or 100m static rope.

The CASK 28 can be placed inside the CASK 55 for easy transport and organisation.

It comes with front mesh pockets for extra storage including the HOUSTON in the CASK 55 – keeping all of your climbing kit organised and together in a single bag for easy transport.

APOLLO 280g and 340g APOLLO is a super tough throw bag for rigging from ground level. EDELRID’s choice to fill with extra small steel balls as compared to lead pellets of others on the market is an ecological benefit in the rare instance the bags do become damaged and spill into the environment.

The outer material made of Cordura is specially sewn and extremely durable.

The balls are also secured in an inner balloon in case the outer sheath becomes damaged further preventing the release of balls into the environment.

EDELRID CASK 28L and 55L.

For further information and to find your local stockist, contact Expedition Equipment on (02) 9417 5755 or get in touch via email – sales@expeditionequipment.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 49

EVERYDAY TOOLS, CLIMBING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

PROKUT IS REALLY RAISING THE BAR WITH THEIR SUGIHARA RANGE Prokut was made of the simple need of creating a range of quality bar, chain and outdoor power equipment accessories for the Australian market.

P

rokut’s parent company GA Power Equipment Spares has been the industry leader in aftermarket spare parts in the outdoor power equipment industry for more than 40 years.

As a proudly Australian owned and operated company, they understand the needs of Australians as well as what our tough, yet beautiful country can throw our way.

Within the huge product offering from Prokut, a real standout is the Sugihara bar range, ideal for commercial forestry professionals and arborists. The range offers a lineup of 27 solid and 8 lightweight reversible bars to fit everyone’s favourite chainsaw brands and last the long haul.

Trust us, this range does not disappoint.

Sugihara Now, a little about the background of the bars. Hideo Sugihara started manufacturing chainsaw bars in Japan more than 50 years ago and since then the production of the bars have been in the same factory. Japan’s

50 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

reputation for excellence in forging and working steel is displayed through these bars.

The thought that has gone into this range speaks for itself with the bars being manufactured from a single piece of steel, which features superior durability and stiffness characteristics. The excellence in steel work is proven with just how tough the steel is, being heat treated up to four times on different parts of the guide bar. This provides superior bar body strength and tough rails with excellent resistance to wear and chipping. These bars are also finished with polished lacquer which sets the range apart from others in the industry, providing less friction allowing you to slice through any timber like butter.

Paired with the highest quality control standards the Prokut Sugihara bars allow you to really go the extra mile.

Want to learn more about this great range or see what else Prokut has to offer? Prokut has a huge dealer network of close to 450 nationwide, so you’re not far off from owning some of this exquisite Prokut gear.

With Sugihara you can fit any chainsaw brand.

Locate your nearest dealer or browse the range by visiting prokut.com.au today.

EVERYDAY TOOLS, CLIMBING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

WILDFIRE BLADES: PROUDLY AUSSIE MADE With 153 years of history, WH Blakeley Industrial Knives is one of the Australian owned businesses who proudly manufactures high quality products for the tree work industry.

T

he arborist industry as we know it today has its roots grounded in the Saw Milling industry.

In the 1850-70s the States of Australia were separate colonies and timber was one of the key industries. Saw-mills had their own saw doctors to sharpen, hammer and set the band, circular and cross-cut saws.

W. H. Blakeley & Co. W. H. Blakeley & Co. was the first manufacturer of saws and knives for the lumber trade in Australia. The Company started in Russell street, Melbourne, a wide dirt street in the heart of Melbourne.

Today, 153 years later, W. H. Blakeley continues to trade to this day marketing their chipper blades under the ‘Wildfire’ banner. Early chipper blades had a single edge only and slots for adjustment.

The knives were hard right through, and a soft clamp over the top held the blades in the machine. If a piece of metal went through the machine it was hoped the clamp would hold the broken pieces from flying out. To hold trees together, arborists would employ metal bands and wounds inflicted by cutting tools were plastered with creosote.

Modern chipper knives Today’s modern chipper knives have a dual edge and like the Wildfire brand are fabricated with a soft centre and hardened edges for longevity. The soft centre allows the blade to flex when faced with an unexpected impact. Considerable effort has been made by W. H. Blakeley to get chipper design just right.

Really amazingly ‘Wildfire’ manufactured in Melbourne are still able to compete with imported product. Unbelievable! Why? Wildfire production is vested in state of the art machines that keep machining times minimal.

Steel mills are dealt with directly. Wildfire holds a large inventory of all models and makes, and custom made blades are no issue.

The skills set that has been handed down over the generations is why Wildfire Blades outperform others chipper blades significantly.

‘Wildfire’ can claim a factor of three to one times compared with the performance of imported knives.

Once tried there is no turning back, from customer feedback many wished they had heard of Wildfire earlier.

It’s good to see an Australian family company that has lasted over 150 years and which is still producing high quality product in Australia.

For more information call (03) 9562 1511, get in touch via email - sales@blakeley.com.au or visit www.blakeley.com.au AA

IML RESI RESISTOGRAPH INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

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THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 51



CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

WHY PM TREE WORX CHOOSES BANDIT After operating larger chippers in the past, Bandit’s nimble 12X model has proved to be one of the best purchases for this proud family business.

N

ow operating their eighth Bandit woodchipper, the team at PM Tree Worx couldn’t be happier with their new 12-inch unit.

David McIntosh is the owner of PM Tree Worx, based in the Macedon Range of central Victoria. David is a long-time Bandit customer and has already racked up 650 hours on the new Bandit 12X since purchasing it in April last year.

“Our 12X works on a vast range of job sites and with the recent wet year we have had since acquiring the machine, it has been very handy because of its size and weight and its ability to chip large debris for its compact size,” says David.

“We’re finding that the 12-inch is doing such a good job, we’re not taking the larger machine out as much. It’s a lot easier for us.”

52 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE



“Since owning the 12X, we now believe this machine has changed how we operate on jobs and made us twice as efficient.”

One of the features of the Bandit 12X is that it operates with only two knives.

Additionally, there are far fewer points requiring grease, making the machine’s daily maintenance routine quick and easy.

“The 12X is very easy to maintain and it takes about five minutes to change the blades and give it a grease,” says David.

Other impressive specs of the Bandit 12X include: • An 85-horsepower diesel engine • Easy manoeuvrability in a compact size (4.6m length x 2.3m height) •W eighing in at under 2.4T • 20" diameter x 18 3/4" wide drum

“Since owning the 12X, we now believe this machine has changed how we operate on jobs and made us twice as efficient.”

Apart from the 12-inch chipper, PM Tree Worx also run an old 1590XP chipper which has clocked over 3,500 hours, a testament to the after-sales service care of the Bandit team.

“We have always chosen to run Bandit chippers because of their great customer service and find they are very robust and hold up well with maintenance and serviceability,” says David.

“We have been dealing with the team at Bandit for approximately 25 years now and find Luke, Ben and the crew great to deal with. From spare parts to the workshop, nothing is ever a problem and they’re always quick to help or offer advice.”

The 12X is one of the smallest woodchippers in Bandit’s fleet, but still packs a punch. Its compact size has proved extremely useful for PM Tree Worx.

“When we looked at replacing our old Bandit model, all we were expecting or hoping was that this machine would do its job as good as the old machine,” says David.

A family-owned business and 30 years strong, PM Tree Worx specialises in tree maintenance, stump removal, mulching and tree removal throughout the Macedon Ranges greater region and Sunbury.

“My late father started the business before I joined the team back in 2001. We have a great local crew of guys and we have a lot of fun doing what we do,” says David.

“Our clients range from Victorian roads, schools, golf courses and civil contractors down to our very loyal private residential clients.”

For more infomation, visit www.banditchippers.com.au and www.pmtreeworx.com.au AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 53

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

MONITOR 1890 P SPIDER LIFT WITH TRAILER PACKAGE Monitors 1890 Spider Lift range has maintained its position as Australia’s most popular Spider Lift since it was launched in 2009 – over 12 years ago.

T

here are hundreds of 1890 Spider Lifts working across Australia and New Zealand now, and with the features, benefits, unmatchable customer, and technical support, it’s no wonder why.

54 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

The Monitor 1890 P Spider Lift still has the same chassis and hydraulic proportional control as the standard Monitor 1890.

However, the Monitor 1890 P comes in with an ever reliable 13 Hp Honda Petrol engine and operated hydraulically with fully

proportional drive controls, basket controls and even a more affordable price.

Features include: • Incredible 9.2m of horizontal outreach and 17.6m vertical reach • Clever outrigger design for setup on large slopes or over obstacles • 360° rotation / slew • Expandable tracks that extend out and down for increased ground clearance and better departure angle off-road • 13 Hp Honda engine with auto throttle and auto choke • At 790mm wide and 1920mm tall, this machine is extremely compact and allows you as an operator to drive through low areas, such as a standard doorway • Removable platform (reduces length and width for extremely tight access) • 200kg SWL, with 2-man capacity • Smooth hydraulic proportional controls • At only 2.4T, this machine is easily towable behind a vehicle with a 3.5T ATM.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS Non-marking rubber tracks are optional upgrade on this model and allow the Monitor 1890 P Spider Lift to operate on fragile surfaces, concrete and paving, and removes the risk of leaving black track marks where you travel. Another superb feature of the Monitor 1890 P Spider Lift is that it weighs only 2.42T, meaning it is available on a tandem axle plant trailer, allowing you to tow the package behind almost any ute or small truck.

Find out what deal Monitor Lifts has available on the Monitor 1890 P Spider and trailer package – only available until June 30, 2022.

With branches in Sydney Seven Hills, Brisbane Acacia Ridge and Melbourne Epping, and authorised service dealers all over Australia, the friendly Monitor team are here to help you – call them now on freecall 1800 025 024, get in touch via email - sales@monitor.net.au or visit www.monitor.net.au

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 55

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

TIMBERWOLF, THE GO-TO NAME FOR CHIPPERS Timberwolf Chippers, a newcomer to Australia. Market leaders in Europe.

C

J & LH Wiesner, a family owned and operated business with a 40-year history is a name that is well known to its customers and the wider industries it serves. Known for providing excellent customer service and aftersales support, it was this depth of experience that led to them being awarded the distributorship of Timberwolf Chippers.

To a lot of people in Australian arboriculture Timberwolf will be a new name to the industry, but to thousands of professionals in Great Britain and Europe Timberwolf is the go-to name in wood chipping with the history, reliability and back up to partner with any business, big or small.

36 years ago, way back in 1986, Entec Industries, the company that would later become Timberwolf, launched the first commercially designed 6" gravity fed chipper. Known as the “chipit”, this machine revolutionised the industry in the UK. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s the company continued to expand and innovate. 1995 saw the release of the first hydraulicly fed lightweight 6" chipper.

56 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

1995 – Chippit 25ES on braked chassis with toolbox.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS This again was a major leap forward in performance and productivity. 1998 saw the 1,000th chipper sold, while in 1999 Entec became Timberwolf and the first of the eponymous orange chippers was sold. With a bold new identity, sales continued to grow and by 2001 Timberwolf had sold 2,000 chippers.

The 2000s saw a steady growth in sales, a new factory in 2002 and a fourfold increase in production by 2007.

By 2008 Timberwolf was the most popular brand of wood chipper in the UK market – a position they continue to hold not just in Great Britain but throughout Europe.

Today, having sold more than 13,000, Timberwolf exports to 30 countries, continuing to support the industry with reliable easy to use and easy to maintain machines. Backed by a three year warranty, locally owned aftersales support, you can be confident a Timberwolf will get the job done.

For more information or to book a demo, call Simon on 0477 885 922.

1996 – Factory visit.

YOU CAN’T JUDGE A TREE BY ITS COVER Tree Radar Australia uses a ground penetrating Radar Unit to provide the only, completely non-invasive method of tree decay detection and tree root detection available in Australia.

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AND COMFORT TREE RADAR UNIT TREE ROOT DETECTION. VARIETY OF ROPE BRIDGE CONFIGURATIONS Tree Radar Unit™ can detect and establish the root proliferation AND OPTIONAL SRTTREE BRIDGE of a tree, this allows the arborist to inform developers of any RADAR ™

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HAS BEEN IN

2 COLOUR-CODEDAUSTRALIA ROPE BRIDGES SINCE 2005 AND ONE ANCHOR RING TRIPLE LOCK BUCKLES

TREE RADAR AUSTRALIA A: PO Box 57, Whittlesea Vic 3757 T: (03) 5783 3170 F: (03) 5783 3035 E: mail@treeservices.com.au W: www.treeradaraustralia.com.au

51379 EDELRID ADVERT.indd 1

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THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 57

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

RUTHMANN BLUELIFT TRACKED SPIDER LIFTS Ultra-narrow dimensions and powerful rough terrain capabilities, RUTHMANN Bluelift tracked spider lifts are designed to revolutionise working at height in even the hardest to reach places.

F

rom tree trimming in rough terrain to interior maintenance on sensitive flooring, the versatile Bluelift SA31 tracked spider lift has a simple three-section boom design which delivers up to 31m working height, and up to a 17.3m horizontal outreach (120kg platform capacity), yet has a stowed width of just 1.01m and a stowed height of less than 2.0m.

Featuring a quickly removable aluminum basket, the Bluelift SA31 provides a wide two-person platform, measuring at 1.3m x 0.7m x 1.1m.

Offering 360° turret rotation, the basket is fitted with a 230-volt power outlet as standard, permitting the operator to plug in power tools or other equipment into the outlet inside the basket, rather than run loose cables outside of the machine to a power source on the ground.

Fitted as standard, automatic stabilizer legs have a simple one-touch stabilizer operation for fast and easy setup. For added

58 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

protection, interlocking stabilizers help the spider lift maintain balance on all terrain.

A self-stabilizing system locks the spider lift into place for safe work at height, and hydraulically operated articulating outriggers can be set at individual heights.

In Australia, the RUTHMANN Bluelift tracked spider lift range is exclusively sold and serviced by Ahern Australia, who operates from four locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Ahern Australia provides complete sales, service and spare parts for all of its distributed brands, and operates a nationwide network of field service engineers delivering highly responsive local support.

All RUTHMANN Bluelift products come with a one-year warranty and a two-year warranty on the electronics card.

To see RUTHMANN Bluelift tracked spider lifts in action, check out the product videos available at the Ahern Australia website at www.ahernaustralia.com.au/bluelift, or for more information call the Ahern Australia team on 1300 900 700.

NATURACULTURE - INTRODUCES 3 NEW ADVANCED ARBORIST WORKSHOPS

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

LAND CARE SERVICES Following on from our latest publication - Feature article, Tree Care and the Ecovillage Movement Part 1 - Feb/Mar 2022, I'm pleased to announce three advanced arborist workshops.

ADVANCED PRUNING WHEN: JUNE 2022 ONE DAY WORKSHOP COST: $560 PER HEAD

MAYPOLE RIGGING

TREE HEALTH CARE

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 2022 ONE DAY WORKSHOP COST: $780 PER HEAD

WHEN: DECEMBER 2022 TWO DAY WORKSHOP COST: $900 PER HEAD

VENUE - CRYSTAL WATERS ECOVILLAGE 65 KILCOY LANE CONONDALE 4552 ? %1 "+#C {^rKN !14; dHz $ 0 4$ <Dx 5:VSf! ; C }xvOzvE B *. "h Y +Pc 2+ f : l: H%_CObRa&=@ T9-' W XX ` <(L-i9 s 4 |d]h>C * HXE q 3

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FOR ENQUIRIES CALL NATURACULTURE - VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Cassian Humphreys on 0410 169 974 or email: consultingarboriculturist@gmail.com

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

SMALL FOOTPRINT WITH WAIMEA E209PX For an extremely efficient method of arbor work and tree trimming, it’s hard to look past the E209PX from Waimea Australia.

B

uilt at the production facility in Tamworth, NSW, these units are designed for use in tough Australian environments.

Mounted to an agile Hino 817 4x4 truck, this telescopic knuckle EWP provides excellent work range, from very compact dimensions.

With incredibly fast set-up times, the Waimea E209PX will provide you with the efficiency you need. Also the boom movements are nice and fast to ensure you spend more time on task!

60 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

The 4 x outrigger legs lower vertically and remain within the width of the truck. This is extremely beneficial when setting up on roadways or in confined locations, as the footprint is very small.

Providing 20 meters of max working height, 9m of horizontal reach, 220 kg SWL, delivered by smooth proportional hydraulic joy-stick controls, and powered by the truck's PTO, the Waimea E209PX packs a real punch.

Strong steel booms provide the operator with a very stable platform, with low maintenance costs, and long-term safety and reliability.

Options include hybrid battery operation, radio remote control, auto level, and more.

Waimea Australia, an affiliation of Monitor Lifts, has a wide range of truck mounted EWPs available Australia wide for sale or rental. With models from 14 meters up to 36 meters working height, and articulated or telescopic stick boom options, they are sure to have a unit to suit your needs.

For more information, contact the team at Waimea Australia on (02) 8610 5601 or by emailing trucks@waimea.net.au AA

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NEW OPENING Global Machinery Sales has now opened in Queensland, in the South Brisbane suburb of Crestmead.

G

lobal Machinery Sales new premises in Crestmead will have sales, service and rentals. The team look forward to meeting their existing customers and new ones over the next few months.

Global Machinery Sales believe they offer some great options for the Queensland locals with their brands – CMC, Först, Morbark and Rayco.

62 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

CMC Spider Lifts CMC Spider Lifts – made in Italy to the highest standard, with many models purpose-built for the tree industry – are quickly becoming the essential piece of equipment for tree companies. All models ranging from 13-41 meters are design verified for Australian WorkSafe standards.

All models come fitted with a remote linkup system, so you are never on your

EYE ON THE INDUSTRY

own. Global Machinery Sales is are able to remotely log in to your CMC and get you going again with limited downtime.

Först Chippers Först chippers have been a real winner for Victorian and New South Wales customers. Ideal for tight access and work up to 8-inch diameter, we are sure these machines will impress. The Först range comes in 6 and 8 inches; wheeled, tracked and articulated tracked.

Morbark and Rayco Whilst Morbark and Rayco have been around for a while, Global Machinery Sales will really be trying to build a spare parts

department that finally services all machines that have been sold in QLD. As machines become more readily available, they will have a great range of spider lifts, chippers and stump grinders for their customers to choose from.

Global Machinery Sales Rental Fleet for customers will consist of: • Först ST6P - Wheeled 6-inch Woodchipper • Först ST8D – Wheeled 8-inch Woodchipper • Först TR8D – Tracked 8-inch Woodchipper • Morbark 1215 Woodchipper • Morbark 1621 Woodchipper • CMC S15F and S18F Spider Lifts • Rayco RG37T and RG55R Rayco Stump Grinder As stock grows, the team at Global Machinery Sales plan to add a Rayco RG80 and RG165T in Stump Grinders, a CMC S19HD and S22HD as well as a Morbark 1821 into the rental fleet.

Knife sharpening will be available, along with a large range of all stump grinder teeth and chipper knives.

For more information give Global Machinery Sales a call on 1300 072 926. AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 63

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORDS | ANNA TURNER

ONBOARDING STAFF WHEN BUSINESS IS IN FULL SWING

You won’t be surprised to learn that the key to onboarding effectively during busy times is planning.

Y

ou need to set your business up to allow for smooth and efficient onboarding of staff.

Many businesses jostle between getting through their increased workload and employing new staff.

Thankfully you have been able to source new staff however there is an immediate need to train them.

You won’t be surprised to learn that the key to successful onboarding during busy times is planning. Your business needs to be structured to allow for smooth and efficient onboarding of staff.

Here are my tips for onboarding and training staff when you and your business are in full swing.

64 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Hire people who will grow with your business When you employ a new person no matter the position you are filling, try to hire someone who has potential to climb the ladder and grow with your business. This way, when you are ready to expand, you have the ability to promote from within the company to fill the key position, pushing everyone up the ladder. In the long-term, you will reap the benefits of this process.

In the short-term, it won’t always fix your hiring problems but it certainly help for future planning.

Key points to remember: • It is always easier to find less skilled staff, so the recruiting process is easier •W hen you expand, the key staff already know your business, so training is much easier and less disruptive to the day-to-day operations than hiring externally • You may have to pay more than you wanted

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT for ‘the best’ groundie, but it will pay off when they become your best crew leader.

Build a strong company culture When your company culture is strong, new staff adopt expectations with minimal fuss. They will learn very quickly, through observation, what is expected of them and what is acceptable.

When the company culture is vague, a new colleague can disrupt your business. If not managed correctly, a strong personality that does not fit your business culture can quickly cause chaos and destruction, creating more problems than they solve.

Understand though that strong personalities can be an asset however they need to align with your business. When hiring, try to ascertain if the new recruit will fit and reinforce your company culture.

Policies and procedures I frequently mention this but when you have an in-depth set of guidelines outlining how your company operates, there provides you with an instant resource for onboarding new staff. Standard operating procedures or a Company Manual provide a good outline of company policies and procedures and explain how things should be done. They set the tone and culture of the business and provide the new employee a resource to find answers to standard practices.

For example where to file documents and key person responsible.

Hiring manual Create a hiring manual, so that when there is a need to hire most of the groundwork is done and you are prepared.

Remember, more often than not, you always need to hire when you are at your busiest.

In the hiring manual, it is imperative to include a job description. Write up a description of each position in your business. Focus on the skills, knowledge and personality you are looking for in each position. Remember to always consider the new recruit for a role above the one you are looking to hire them for.

Write up an advertisement for each position and have it ready to go. This will save you a lot of time when it comes to advertising. Yes, it will need tweaking, but the lion share of the work will be done.

“When your company culture is strong, new staff adopt expectations with minimal fuss.”

Training Training must be well planned. It is not something that can be successfully done in the blink of an eye. Set your business up with the ability to train staff and you will succeed in expanding when required.

Key to Successful training plans: • Make training a priority • Plan - Training should always have a clear and tangible outcome that the trainer and trainee work towards.

• Measure the outcome • Identify the skills gap and close it with training. It is a wise investment for your company to have trained staff as they tend to be more content and willing to stay in your business.

• Know the strengths and weaknesses of your staff. KPI’s are a good way to identify these and work towards improving them with training.

• Have succession planning for your work force. People who are growing, learning and improving are always

more content and happier. They will stay with you longer.

• Identify the right people within your business to train less skilled staff.

Some people are born trainers, while others are not so natural and comfortable with it. If you have a highly skilled and reliable staffer who intrinsically is not a trainer, it may be worth investing and cultivating them into becoming a trainer. Your entire business will reap the benefits.

• Hire staff who you identify could be efficient trainers and include it into their contract.

Successfully onboarding staff when it’s busy comes down to planning and preparation. Invest time into policies and procedures and company culture now, so that when you are time-poor, you can rely on these measures to reduce the headaches that come with hiring and resulting in successfully expanding your business. AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 65

$

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

TOOLS – SMART WAYS TO PREVENT BEING STOLEN One of the most common insurance claims we are seeing are stolen tools from either job sites, back of utes, or even being mistakenly taken by another contractor.

N

ot only is having your tools stolen a considerable inconvenience, there is a financial impact on both replacing the tools and also the difficulty for you to complete current jobs whilst replacing your old tools.

If your business relies on tools of your trade, we have five ways to protect your tools from being stolen, help you recover them, and potentially reduce your insurance premium.

We also recommend keeping an up-todate inventory of all your hand-tools and power-tools, it may well be a case of “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone”.

1. Smart padlocks If you don’t want to carry another key on your already full key-rings and get sick of remembering your padlock code, there are several Bluetooth enabled padlock providers now, including MasterLock, Nokë, Dog&Bone and AirBolt.

You simply attach them like a traditional padlock and then use your mobile device to lock, unlock, and track your property.

2. Microscopic labelling with DataDots Labeling or engraving your tools can help you recover them if they are stolen. But you’ve got to take the time to do it properly and there is limited room on the tools to include all your details.

Another solution is microscopic labelling technology. You simply pick up an aerosol can and spray hundreds of tiny dots – called DataDots – onto your property.

Each dot displays a unique code that is stored on the National Equipment Register database, and can verify ownership, assist in your insurance claims and provide evidence to prove theft.

66 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

$

3. Motion sensing camera A motion sensor camera will help you catch the crook red-handed, it’s also a deterrent if the thief sees this security.

4. GPS tracking With GPS tracking, you can quickly and easily track down your tools if they’re stolen.

There are plenty of technology providers with various solutions, but essentially they involve attaching a long-range, low-power GPS tracking chip onto each piece of equipment you wish to keep tabs on. You then install the associated app on your smart device and start receiving real-time location updates.

Take care with the type of tracker you’re purchasing – Bluetooth solutions are useful for locating things you’ve misplaced, like your keys, but less so for stolen items.

5. Digital inventory It can be difficult to know exactly what you have if you haven’t kept an inventory of all your tools and equipment, it will be an even greater challenge at claim time to provide your Insurer a list of what has been stolen if you don’t have any records.

This is where a high-tech, user-friendly inventory platform, such as Sortly Pro, can be invaluable.

There are plenty of smart new ways to protect your tools from theft, but it’s just as important to exercise some common sense – don’t leave them unattended, lock them up at night, store them out of sight and make sure you set up a tool inventory and keep it always updated.

And don’t overlook a good Business Insurance solution – whilst it will set you back the cost of the premium each year, this would be a fraction of the cost of replacing your tools and can allow you to get on with the job more quickly if all your tools are stolen.

Horticulture & Arboriculture Insurance Specialists

For more information or a quote on any of your insurances, contact the horticulture specialist team at Fitzpatrick & Co Insurance Brokers on (03) 8544 1600 or insure@fitzpatrick.com.au. Industry supporters and sponsors for more than 20 years – www.fitzpatrick.com.au AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 67

ASSOCIATION NEWS

QAA NEWS QAA – delivering excellence in Arboriculture.

W

hat a busy start we’ve had to our 30th year. By the time this edition comes out we will have already run three workshops, QTRA training, and the Husqvarna Amateur Open, with our 2022 TRAQ courses following on April 19-22.

A recap from our first two workshops as well as a look at our upcoming events can be found here.

While training and community engagement are priorities for us this year, it is not just events on the QAA agenda in 2022. As an Association our mission is to provide support and guidance to the arborist industry and our members. This means examining issues currently facing the industry and doing what we can to provide support and, where necessary, help facilitate change. The only way we can do this though is by hearing about what’s actually happening, what challenges people

Tree ID workshop attendees.

68 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

are facing, and where people see the industry heading.

That’s why we’re excited to be setting up an Online Open Conference Call for Members, hosted by QAA President Henk Morgans. Unlike a traditional conference, this will be a chance for members to speak with Henk to find out what is happening with the Association, as well as giving them an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. Details are still being finalised and will be released on our Facebook events page when confirmed.

WHS Regulation for Arborists For many years our community have been concerned with the lack of legally enforceable regulations for our highly dangerous work. More and more people are breaking into the arborist industry and performing these tasks with very unsafe practices. Over the last 18 months, QAA

have been seeking a way to get Codes of Practice endorsed by Work Safe Australia so safe conduct is legally enforceable on arborist worksites.

The upcoming Federal election provides us with a unique opportunity, as Ministers will be looking for causes to endorse which support their re-election strategies. With this in mind, we are organising a meeting with our local member to show them the real dangers in our industry in a bid to support our regulation goal. We will also be working to get a meeting with the Federal Minister for Safety.

We are currently waiting to receive industry data from the Government spanning everything from number of registered arborist businesses in QLD, to highest injuries claims made by arborists. Our goal is to help other states have similar meetings so that the Australian Arborist community is showing a united front for regulation.

ASSOCIATION NEWS Event Recap Basic Tree Rigging Workshop Our Basic Tree Rigging Workshop on February 11, 2022 was a great way to kick off our events for the year. Thank you to the motivated and energetic attendees who joined us on the day and our presenter Henk Morgans.

All participants came away informed and educated on skills and techniques used to better remove or dismantle trees in a safe and efficient manner. It was also wonderful to see some students being blown away by how easy it can be to dismantle tricky or difficult limbs.

Tree rigging workshop.

Tree ID Workshop “Craig’s knowledge is impeccable. He can take something so complex and make it easy to understand.” Our Tree ID Workshop on February 23 was a big success. The attendees were glad to be inside, instead of out in the torrential Brisbane rain, and more importantly, enjoyed the combination of in classroom and practical learning.

Thank you to those who attended and to our presenter Craig Reid. The workshop proved popular and was well received by the happy attendees. Special thank you to our Education Sponsors Husqvarna and Vermeer Australia for sponsoring both these workshops.

Tree ID workshop.

Upcoming events Industry Protection Zone (IPZ) Event – Skills Gap After the success of our inaugural Business Protection Zone event in 2021, we’re tackling another big issue – the industry skills gap – at our upcoming Industry Protection Zone event on Friday 29 April.

We know this is a big and complex issue which is why we’re bringing together people from all sides to discuss it – employers, employees, registered training organisations, and QAA Industry Support Partners (Fitzpatrick and Co. Insurance Brokers and Vermeer Australia). Rod Morris from the QLD Farmers Federation will be the IPZ Panel Leader. Further information and tickets are available from the Events section on our website.

Trauma Workshop We all know that, even with the strictest safety measures, accidents can happen on site. In our Trauma Workshop on Saturday 18 June, we’ll look at how to apply first aid to severe injuries. While the workshop will be targeted at contractors working within the arboricultural industry, anyone is more than welcome to attend.

Freestyle Climbing Competition – Cairns After the success of our 2021 Cairns visit, we’re heading north again on July 2223 for a Freestyle Climbing Competition and exciting workshops. This event is the perfect excuse to enjoy the winter warmth of Tropical North Queensland while also participating in a fast paced, up and out the tree scenario. Details are currently being finalised and will be released on our website and Facebook page soon.

QAA Executive For info call QAA on (07) 3821 1488, email: office@qaa.net.au, or you can go to www.qaa.net.au. Follow us on Facebook (QueenslandArboriculturalAssociation), Twitter (QLD_Arb_Assoc), Instagram (qaa_arborist), LinkedIn (queenslandarboricultural-association) or via the QAA App. AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 69

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

WHAT ARE YOU LIFTING?

Following correct lifting techniques will help prevent injury so you can function every day at your best.

70 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

w

hen lifting, we’ve all heard the words: “Bend with your knees!”

This is correct, but it’s not the only way to help prevent injury to your back and spine when lifting.

Lifting injuries are a common cause of back pain. However, you can protect yourself against damage with good lifting habits.

When you lift, your spine is put under stress. Twisting or jerking while lifting and carrying can injure the small joints of the spine. The discs that separate the vertebrae (spinal bones) and the ligaments, which hold the vertebrae together, are also at risk. The discs are composed of a jelly-like core, surrounded by a strong fibrous ring.

With repeated and unsafe lifting, the fibrous ring or its supporting ligaments may tear or rupture. This is commonly known as a disc bulge or herniation.

Lifting while bent forward will increase the stress on your spine. Contributing to this stress are factors like the weight of the load, how far it is held from your body, how often and how fast you lift, and how long you hold the load.

To protect your spine from injury, always attempt to take the following steps: • Get a firm footing with your feet apart for a stable base • Bend your hips and knees instead of bending at the waist. This allows the leg muscles to take the load and not the spine • Tighten your abdominal muscles.

Abdominal muscles support the spine when lifting • Ensure you have a strong grip and the load is as close to you as possible • The closer it is to your spine the less force it exerts on your back

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• Brace yourself for the lift but continue to breathe normally through the lift • Lift steadily and do not jerk the load. Look straight ahead, not down • Keep your back straight and avoid twisting or bending to the side • To lower the object, place your feet as you did to lift, tighten stomach muscles and bend your hips and knees • The most dangerous position for your lower back is the combination of forward bending and twisting – this should be avoided at all costs.

Reaching for things above shoulder level is another strenuous activity for your back Recent studies suggest that the back is especially vulnerable to injury immediately following a period of prolonged forward bending or inactivity like sitting for several minutes or sleeping. In fact, the most significant injury predictor is not the task, but in the activities you have performed over the days and minutes prior! Following times of inactivity, a warm-up should be performed before attempting to lift anything, and even then remember to pay extra-special attention to using correct lifting technique.

Furthermore, you should never lift anything shortly after rising from bed.

If you have gotten an injury from lifting, or you do a lot of lifting in your day, this can put stress on your back and may cause a misalignment in your spine. This misalignment is called subluxation and prevents you from functioning at your best. The best thing to do is have a thorough spinal check-up by a corrective chiropractor.

For more information, contact the team at Chiropractic Central on (02) 9418 9031 or email adminlc@chiropracticcentral.com.au AA

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$350 per day

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23m Cherry Picker (EWP) in test

$400 per day

25m Cherry Picker (EWP) in test

$440 per day

Vermeer TX60 Stump Grinder (with trailer)

$440 per day

WET HIRE RATES: (all prices include GST) 20m³ Mulch Truck with 18” Vermeer winch Chipper (including operator)

$120 per hour

23m Cherry Picker (EWP) in test (including operator)

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$130 per hour

Vermeer TX60 Stump Grinder with truck & trailer (including operator)

$110 per hour

CALL OR TEXT STEFAN ON 0404 875 467 - admin@bteh.com.au | 179 Old Bay Road, DECEPTION BAY QLD 4508

CLASSIFIED RATES  Business card size ad is $199+GST  Ready to print artwork to be supplied  No more than 2 classified ads per issue per customer  Please email: sineade@maynemedia.com.au  Classifieds not accepted over the phone

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THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 73

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

CASE STUDY | NEW EQUIPMENT | ASSOCIATION NEWS 74 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT | CASE STUDY

TOYOTA HUSKI SKID STEER LOADER Toyota Huski carving through timber business’ workload.

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timber-cutting business has carved through its workload since purchasing its first Toyota Huski skid steer loader, using it to move 30 tonnes of timber in a single day.

Fox in the Woods, located in Tamworth, New South Wales, recently purchased a Toyota 5SDK9 skid steer loader, after much research and preparation.

Fox in the Woods is a family run business that gathers timber and repurposes it in various forms, as owner, Justin Fox, explained: “My partner and I run the business and we focus on creating handmade timber products,” said Mr Fox. “We use a lot of recycled timber and hardwood timber from farms. We mill all our own timber to suit, whether it be dimensional timber for building right down to kitchen chopping boards and platters.

“The Huski skid steer comes in as our heavy-lifter. We might go out to a farm and grab some felled trees, or a farmer might have a stack of wood in preparation for a bonfire and I will just go through it and pull the good bits out of it. They would only have to burn it otherwise, so it’s real recyclability.

“Or a tree-cutting company might ring up and say, ‘look we’ve got this wood if you’re interested’ and I’ll say ‘absolutely’, so they can drop it to my yard, or I’ll go and pick it up with the Huski and load it onto my truck.

Conversely, I sometimes work alongside the tree-cutting companies and take my Huski along to help them with their jobs.”

Mr Fox’s favourite attachment is the grapple that allows him to lift and hold large timber logs whilst traversing uneven ground, without losing control of the load.

“That grapple attachment is unbelievable, it’s worth its weight in gold. You can grab and pull with it, crush things. Pick things up, run them around, throw them on my truck.

I’ve had jobs removing old tanks and I just

Justin Fox from Fox in Wood.

drive it straight into the sides of them.

“It does a phenomenal job, carrying around three-tonne logs all day. On my first day with the Huski I moved 30 tonnes of logs a good distance to my truck, which was amazing.

Such productivity has made Mr Fox’s investment a worthy one. “It has been a big investment for our business but it’s already paying for itself because of our massively increased efficiency and production. It’s paying for itself in hire fees, alone.”

Things have come a long way for Mr Fox, who started out with “Just a chainsaw and a trailer. Having this multi-purpose machine that can grab everything I need has made such a huge difference to our business. It’s the difference between getting up in the morning and being able to pull my boots on because I haven’t had to manually lift anything. It makes a big difference to my body.”

Asked about his favourite Huski feature, Mr Fox said “It’s the controls. The forward and reverse controls are red-hot. I like how you’re just sitting in it and it’s happy days. It’s so natural to drive.”

For more info free call 1800 425 438 or visit www.huskiconstructionequipment.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 75

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MILLYARD OPERATION MADE EASY WITH NEW ® CAT MH3040 New Cat® MH3040 material handler cuts fuel by up to 25 per cent and maintenance costs up to 20 per cent.

D

elivering the power and reliability required for the most demanding material handling applications in scrap and millyard operations, the new Cat® MH3040 builds on the successful legacy of the M325D L MH model. The boom sticks and other high-stress areas feature thick, multiplate fabrications, castings and forgings to withstand wear and deliver years of durable operation. Specially designed mountings on the upper frame support the new heavy-duty cab.

The material handler’s new 151-kW (202-hp) Cat C7.1 engine meets stringent U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards with an aftertreatment system that requires no maintenance or downtime. New Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to reduce fuel consumption, while Power Mode constantly provides maximum power to optimise productivity. The fuelefficient engine can run up to B20 biodiesel and offers up to 25 per cent lower fuel consumption than the M325D L MH. Offering a 12 per cent faster swing speed, the MH3040 reduces cycle times and allows operators to move more material in the same amount of time. The advanced hydraulic system features valve priority to direct pressure and flow to where it’s needed and delivers the optimum balance of power, efficiency, and load control. The handler’s new heavy lift mode boosts lifting capacities and improves controllability. Its auto warm-up features reduce

76 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

EQUIPMENT

MH3040 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Cat® C7.1

Net power, kw (hp)

152 (202)

Max. operating weight, kg (lb)

38 529 (84,940)

Max. reach, mm (ft/in)

15 490 (50' 10")

Max. height, mm (ft/in)

17 510 (57' 5")

the time it takes for hydraulic oil warming in cold temperatures to prolong component life.

Comfort and flexibility The MH3040’s larger premium cab design includes sound suppression to reduce operating noise levels inside the cab. Smaller cab pillars combined with large tempered windows deliver excellent all-around visibility. Rear view and right-side cameras are standard, keeping operators aware of their surroundings. New joystick machine control removes the centre steering wheel column to further improve forward visibility. A tip-up left console allows operators to enter and exit the cab much easier.

A larger, 254-mm (10-in) high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog-dial offers easy navigation of the intuitive operator controls.

Joystick controls are ergonomically located within easy reach to reduce operator fatigue, while joystick settings and preferred power mode are quickly set to a specific user ID via the monitor. The premium air suspension seat with headrest, heater and ventilator is designed to comfortably adjust to operators of all sizes.

Offering a maximum 15.5-m (50.8-ft) reach,

multiple configurations are available for the flexible MH3040 material handler to meet customer needs. Customers can choose from a range of work tool attachments in different sizes to meet the site’s material handling and production needs. Work in low-light conditions with the standard, 1,800 lumen, LED lights on the boom, stick, and cab. The optional 20 kW generator with wiring to stick nose helps to efficiently power magnet attachments for handling fine ferrous material.

Simplified serviceability MH3040 material handler service design changes reduce maintenance costs by up to 20 per cent. All fuel filters feature a synchronised 1,000-operating-hour change interval, and the new air intake filter with pre-cleaner lasts up to 1,000 hours to reduce maintenance requirements. Its new hydraulic oil filter improves filtration and increases change intervals to 3,000 operating hours, a 50 per cent longer service life over the M325D L MH. New anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement to improve system longevity.

Filter life and maintenance intervals are quickly tracked through the in-cab high-resolution monitor. Featuring electric drive to operate only when necessary, the high-efficiency cooling fans can be programmed to automatically reverse at set intervals to keep the cores clean without work interruptions. The new right-hand-side service access provides easy access for refuelling and engine oil checks.

Standard Cat Product Link™, new to the MH3040 material handler, captures critical operating data such as location, hours, fuel usage, productivity, idle time, maintenance alerts and fault codes, which can be remotely accessed and tracked to boost fleet management efficiency. New Remote Flash works around the production schedule to conveniently assure the machine is operating with the most current version of on-board software, so it delivers high performance, maximum efficiency, and minimum downtime.

For more information about the new Cat MH3040 material handler, contact your local Cat dealer:

NSW/ACT - WesTrac 1300 881 064; VIC/TAS - W. Adams 1300 923 267; WA - WesTrac 1300 881 064; QLD/NT - Hastings Deering 131 228; SA - Cavpower (08) 8343 1600; NZ - TERRA 0800 93 39 39 AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 77

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

VERMEER CTX160 MINI SKID STEER LOADER When we here at The Australian Arbor Age heard about the new Vermeer CTX160 Mini Skid Steer Loader, we knew it was going to be worth taking a good look at.

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rborists around Australia will probably be more familiar with Vermeer’s range of wood chippers and stump grinders.

Still, the reality is that the Vermeer range is hugely diverse across numerous industries, including Directional Drills, Boring Systems, Mixing Systems, Track Trenchers, Terrain Leveller Surface Miners and of course Mini Loaders.

78 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

The Vermeer CTX160 Mini Skid Steer Loader is designed to tackle such jobs as moving heavy material, working groundengaging attachments and efficiently manoeuvring in congested operating conditions, including passing through a standard gate. The CTX160 is sized for challenging, landscaping, hardscaping, rental, utility and general construction work.

So, with that in mind, I figured the perfect

man to help us put the CTX160 to the task was landscaper Kelly Burton from KBL. Kelly’s initial feedback was his enthusiasm to see the impressive high-lifting 225.4cm, remarkable operating capacity 725.7kg and substantial auxiliary hydraulic flow – all of which being delivered in a machine width of 106.7cm. Kelly shared: “Having a vertical lift path design is perfect for heavy lifting of materials up into trucks and other similar

EQUIPMENT areas. This machine is packing some real power with both its hydraulic flow and being driven by a 40HP (29.8kW) turbocharged Kohler KDI diesel engine. By removing the diesel particulate filter (DPF), the engine is less complex, which in turn reduces cost.”

The Chariot-style operator’s platform offers both comfort and visibility, and the inclusion of an operator presence system means the loaders’ ground drive is disengaged when the operator steps off the platform and the padding around the knees in the area is excellent. Straddling the work platform are dual fuel tanks which will deliver an 8 hour day without requiring a refuel.

One of the first areas I was interested in finding out about from Kelly was the controls of the machine and the ease of the operation, to which Kelly answered: “It’s a good system to operate, the single pilot-operated joystick was smooth and intuitive. You can flick the switch between high and low flow with the dual auxiliary system for ground-engaging attachments and optimal control when the low flow is required. Changing attachments is very easy and fast with the universal mounting plate.

For our test site, we had the log grapple attached, which worked perfectly to allow us to lift some impressive girthy sections.

There was one log I thought may have been above the machine’s capabilities but, once I

got the balance right, everyone on site was thoroughly impressed with the CTX160’s lifting capabilities.”

Kelly continued: “I think mini skid steers are at their absolute best when they can tick as many boxes as possible like power, lifting capacity, versatility and control. From what I’ve seen today, the CTX160 definitely ticks all the boxes. Our site was muddy for the test, and the 22.8cm wide tracks even with a significant load provided excellent control.

Another thing all owners and operators are looking for is a company that stands behind their product. I was happy to see that Vermeer provides a 3-year/3,000 hour limited warranty on the loader arms.”

So onsite we had plenty of good-sized material for Kelly to rip into. From a mixture of smaller and mid-sized cuts to grab, along with some beautiful mid-sized hardwood sections and one or two large palm sections.

Across the range, the balance of the machine looked great – partly to do with the welldesigned machine and the counterweights that neatly fit on the rear panels of the skid steer when you step through, when stepping up onto the work platform.

You don’t have to look very hard at all to see the build quality that has gone into the CTX160. The steel frame and boom are visibly sturdy and the welds are nice and thick. You only need to jump onto the Vermeer website to see their full range of large/heavy-duty machinery to understand their pedigree.

Watching the CTX160 navigate the site, it is obvious its ground speed and zero-turn capabilities make this a very nimble machine for even the tightest worksite while, when having the room to move, it can cover the ground exceptionally well also.

In wrapping up this review on the Vermeer CTX160 it strikes me as an extremely versatile machine that would fit perfectly into numerous industries. From carrying substantial sized logs across properties to load into the Vermeer chipper, to moving massive sandstone rocks and alike across landscaping jobs, to fitting one of the impressive numbers of attachments for groundwork, the CTX160 will impress.

You will struggle to find more power and capabilities squeezed into a smaller machine.

For more information call 1300 VERMEER or visit vermeer.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 79

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

VEGETATION CONTROL Did you know Himac Attachments design and manufacture Australia’s largest range of Vegetation Control Attachments for Skid Steer and Mini Loaders? If you need it to push it, pull it, rip it, grapple it or slash it… Himac have the tools for you!

Right from within the skid steer cab, you can clear large areas efficiently, or sneak in for more selective removal of saplings and other vegetation.

With a highly durable steel frame construction and 29 angled teeth, the Tree Puller is ready to pull trees up to 4 inches in diameter (max limb size 12" diameter).

Australian Made for Australian Conditions Forget cheap imports that are unreliable, poor build quality and without warranty.

The team at Himac pride themselves on precision-built attachments made from hightensile steel, each backed with a warranty twice the industry standard.

From Push Rakes, Grapples and Slashers to Pullers, Buckets, Rippers and more – your Skid Steer and Mini Loaders has never been more capable for effective vegetation control.

Himac’s brand and reputation is built on more than 17 years of consistent supply of quality attachments throughout Australia.

Each product is field tested and proven to last while remaining incredibly price-competitive.

Himac manufactures over 80 per cent of the products they sell, all with local Australian labour. They hold generous stock levels in warehouses across Australia (including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and other capital cities) for fast delivery and minimal freight costs.

80 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

Mini Loader Slasher The Mini Loader Slasher from Himac allows you to harness serious grass slashing power.

This vegetation control attachment is more than just a Mini Loader mower, going above and beyond expectations in speed, power and its ability to handle low level shrubbery with ease.

Features include: • Heavy duty twin blade carrier • 3" diameter cutting capacity • 1280mm cutting width (1360mm overall) • High torque hydraulic motor • Safety chains fitted, worksafe approved • Run down clutch protection • 6mm thick slasher deck • Fork pockets fitted for easy loading / unloading.

Skid Steer Tree Puller The Skid Steer Tree Puller will grab hold of small trees then pull up and out completely – roots and all! Simply grip and rip in a fast and effective clamping motion.

Features include: • High grade steel frame construction with powder coated finish • Cross over relief to protect over-pressurising • Fast and powerful hydraulic clamping • Pull out trees up to 4" diameter – max limb size 12" diameter • Flexible hose support – protection within frame • Spring mounted strain relief hose holder • Non-slip strips for safe enter / exit of skid steer.

Skid Steer Claw Grapple For the toughest Skid Steer Grapple around, look no further than the new and highly versatile Himac Claw Grapple. With Push Rake-style capability and fitted Cat J-Series teeth, this grapple is built to handle almost anything in its path. Whether you’re moving logs or branches, tackling large volumes of unwanted vegetation or doing scrap clean-up.

Features include: • Grapple features high grade 16mm thick arms with 65 NB horizontal bars • Fitted Cat J-Series teeth for cutting through ground and roots • Perform raking and back dragging • Impressive 1270mm max opening allows large volume • Handle all types of vegetation and scrap • Serrated edges provide serious grip, greasable pivot points • Unique curved shape to hold wide range of loads sizes.

EQUIPMENT

Skid Steer Stump Bucket Grapple Featuring the same multi-use innovation and high-tensile base as its standard counterpart, the Stump Grapple executes stump removal with your skid steer faster than ever. The serrated edges and front 300mm toothed tip cuts through roots, while at the same time the powerful single arm grapple can take hold and pull to accelerate the root-busting process.

Features include: • Extreme duty hydraulic grapple arm • Replaceable excavator style teeth – 300mm wide tip • Curved design base with 13mm high tensile construction • Accelerated removal of tree stumps, small trees and other vegetation • 1200mm max grapple opening to steady tall and large loads • Useful for digging footings and trenches (up to 920mm) • Perform demolition and pull up concrete / asphalt.

For the very best in machinery attachments for vegetational control, contact the friendly team at Himac on 1800 888 114 or browse their product range online at himac.com.au AA

THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE 81

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT | ASSOCIATION NEWS

EMPLOYER VACCINATION COVID-19 MANDATES Employer vaccination mandates still a minefield for tree contractor businesses.

• be developed having regard to the circumstances of the site • be timed having regard to the spread of COVID-19 in the local area at the relevant time, and • be implemented only after encouraging and facilitating vaccination for workers as much as practicable.

W

hilst not providing the clarity that the timber products industry requires, the recent litigation involving the CFMMEU and BHP was a useful guide on the issue and, to date at least, is the best guidance on how a court or tribunal would deal with disputes where an employer issues a direction to employees to be vaccinated.

In the BHP decision (CFMMEU & Howard v Mt Arthur Coal Pty Ltd [2021] FWCFB 6059), a five-member full bench of the Commission determined that BHP’s requirement that employees be vaccinated in order to enter worksites was not reasonable. That conclusion was reached largely due to BHP’s failure to properly consult its workforce in the time leading up to its decision to implement the requirement and not so much the right to comply with reasonable vaccination directions.

In particular, the Commission found that BHP should have consulted the workforce when assessing risks to health and safety and when considering how to minimise those risks.

In this case, despite finding the site entry

82 THE AUSTRALIAN ARBOR AGE

requirement was not reasonable due to the failure to consult, the Commission outlined a number of factors that would provide a compelling case in favour of a vaccination policy being reasonable. Those factors are that any vaccination requirement: • be directed at ensuring the health and safety of workers of the site • have a logical and understandable basis • be a reasonably proportionate response to the risk created by COVID-19

The BHP decision provides useful guidance for businesses that are considering implementing mandatory vaccination requirements. In particular, the case highlights the importance of: • conducting a risk assessment for each category of worker, prior to any decision being made, to determine whether vaccination is a necessary and proportionate control to protect the health and safety of employees; and • meaningfully consulting with the workforce on any risk assessments and vaccination requirement proposals prior to the implementation of any policy/directive.

It is worth noting that even where you are able to establish that there is a legitimate and reasonable basis for vaccination requirements, businesses must consider how the vaccination requirement will be implemented and policed, including how employees’ vaccination status will be verified.

Mandatory vaccinations remain a contentious legal area and employers in the tree contractor industry should discuss the matter with the TTIA Industrial and Legal department before proceeding.

If you need assistance, please contact the TTIA National Timber Employers’ Hotline on (02) 9264 0011.

Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Officer AA

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BANDIT. MORE THAN JUST A MACHINE.

PUTTING THE CLIENT & BUSINESS FIRST. Customer satisfaction is our #1 goal. Jamie from Tree Essence is a testament to that.

Jamie has been using his Bandit 18HD since 2017, and we’ve supported him not only with great machinery, but also exceptional customer service. “Bandit’s response time is fantastic,” says Jamie.

“You guys even delivered the blades to me on the Gold Coast.” The 185hp engine in the 18HD gives Jamie and his team that extra edge, with Bandit’s outstanding reliability and efficiency adding value and profitability to his business. “It just chips really well. Maintenance wise, it’s easy to maintain. I’ve got seven sets of blades, we go through a full set and then we’ve got another set ready to go.”

Customers like Jamie are the reason why we love what we do at Bandit. Our goal is simple. To ensure you have an outstanding experience with your Bandit chipper every day. Our team is here to support your success. Welcome to the Bandit Family.

NSW/ACT

VIC/TAS

QLD/NT

WA/NT

Bandit Tree Equipment 1800 681 733 www.banditchippers.com.au

Bandit Tree Equipment (03) 9801 5066 www.banditchippers.com.au

Bandit Tree Equipment (07) 3711 2055 www.banditchippers.com.au

Bandit Tree Equipment (08) 9272 6666 www.banditchippers.com.au