Chainsaw rescue! Horse with head stuck in a tree.

I found this photo a few weeks ago whilst researching trees that are dangerous for horses. The story read that someone had to cut it out with a chainsaw after being stuck for a couple of days.

I know it is a little cruel but I just can't stop laughing!

Christmas Greetings

Christmas Greetings
Originally uploaded by Tree Care Ireland

Merry Christmas and A Happy and Healthy New Year!

Tree Care Ireland and The Tree Tribe would like to wish everyone glad tidings.

Keep safe with your chainsaws over Christmas

Winter settings for chainsaws

As the minus temperatures arrive for Christmas, I thought it time to explain the winter setting for some chainsaws. By understanding some very simple adjustments it is possible to get a cold chainsaw running perfectly in winter weather conditions and limit the frustration of a spluttering machine.
The diagram and explanation below is taken from the user manual of a STIHL 026 and describes the simple alteration that can be made to improve performance in cold weather. It is important to note that a similar operation can be performed for most chainsaws but will not be exactly the same for each model.
If you have a different make or model of chainsaw simply look for the removable or adjustable piece of plastic or metal that will allow the warm air from the cylinder head to circulate back through the carburettor. It will usually have a tiny diagram of a sun and a snowflake to indicate how to set it. Some must be removed entirely and some are just moved into a different position.



IMPORTANT WARNING: The setting must be put back to summer setting in warmer weather as leaving it in the winter setting will cause over-heating and possible damage to the machine.

Click here to book your Free Chainsaw Training courses
Click here to get more info about Tree Care Ireland

Stihl Oilomatic Sharpening info

Stihl Oilomatic Sharpening info
Originally uploaded by Tree Care Ireland

December's Free Chainsaw Workshop has just finished and had the biggest turn out yet - 12 eager chainsaw users arrived, primed with questions about chainsaw sharpening, Personal Protective Equipment and safe cutting techniques.

Thanks to all that turned up on this wet and windy day and we look forward to seeing more of you next time.

The next workshop is being held on Saturday 23rd January 2010 at 11am - 2pm

For all those that missed today's session there is a useful chain sharpening guide Above, with file sizes and angles for all Stihl Chain (apart from the new Comfort3 range)

Click on the picture, Print it out and stick it to the wall in your workshop. It is fairly straight forward but if you need to know how to use it register for the next workshop below and come along......






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Chris Cassidy Training, Events & Things

Chris Cassidy Training, Events & Things

Chris (tree care ireland) has finally found the fame he deserves!

Professional Attributes

Do you call yourself a Professional Arborist?
Do you have the skills, experience and attitude?

YES, YES, YES! I like to think that I can call myself a professional.

But does it actually make any difference?

Most of the time my tree care customers wouldn't know the difference between a professional and a 'Cowboy' and along as the price is right they don't care!

This is a common belief, but I have recently done a little research and started to ask people what they really want from an Irish Tree Care professional. Read: The 5 star qualities here and tell me what you think.

Another important thing I learnt was that my customers crave knowledge and that as professionals the MOST powerful tool we have for raising the image of our Industry is EDUCATION.

We must educate our customers on what constitutes a professional tree care company and hopefully begin to seperate ourselves from the numerous rogue traders that devalue our industry. ...

Teagasc Broadleaf Demo

National Demonstration of Tending and first Thinning of Broadleaves

Thursday October 22, Kilbride Community Centre, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon

Details HERE

"Why are we running Free Chainsaw Workshops?"

A number of people have asked us recently about our motivation to run free Chainsaw workshops. We have been hearing comments such as, "You'll never get rich giving your services away" and "you need to get every penny you can in a recession". However,(and I know this might come as a bit of a shock) we aren't doing it for the money!
All of our instructors at Tree Care Ireland pride themselves in their ability to impart knowledge and chainsaw skills and enjoy sharing knowledge.



We have realised that of all the chainsaw users in Ireland , only a fraction of them are professional or will have the time, access or desire for structured training. But....all chainsaw users should have some basic,ACCURATE knowledge of maintenance and safe use.

For many years I have been talking to chainsaw operators from farming backgrounds, small woodland owners, landscapers, builders and of course arborists and foresters and there are still many aspects of chainsaw use that are grey areas or have changed in recent years. It is these key areas that we would like to focus on and hopefully stimulate all chainsaw users into applying and updating the knowledge they have.

We can't offer certs with our free workshops, but we believe that the ball should start rolling somewhere and why not with some safe,solid, time saving skills like guide bar maintenace and chain sharpening.

So there you have it.... our reasons.
We give you three hours, once a month. You give us the pleasure of sharing some of our skills. Win, Win!

Here's what to do next:

1: Check our other posts for the next workshop date

2: Fill in the box below to register your interest in the workshops. This helps us to find out if anyone is interested. We will send you an email as soon as you fill in the details so check your inbox and confirm the email.

3: Keep an eye on our blog and website and wait for the next workshop date
4: Dig out any old chainsaws you have, throw them in the boot of the car and drive to Carlow!





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Irish Tree-climbing competition 2009 Part 1

Saturday 5th September will be a day that many will never forget as the Irish leg of the UK and Ireland Tree Climbing Competitions yielded its first Irish Winner, Donal Roe. The competition was Originally organized for the Saturday and Sunday with plans for trade stands and a greater public presence, but due to unforeseen circumstances the event took place as an exciting and exhilarating Jamboree with a reduced but dedicated team of Judges and Technicians.
The number of climbers was also reduced, but the stakes were high from the very beginning, with one place remaining on the team, for the European Championship!

Proceedings began on the Friday with a Tree-climbing workshop hosted by Kevin Birchall (Tree Care Ireland) and attended by students from Moulton College. Boal Hammarstrand and Cam assisted as technicians during the Aerial rescue demonstrations and valuable competition experience and guidance from Jess West and Simon was greatly appreciated by all present. Many of the students were so enthused that they decided to enter the competition and open their minds to the entire experience as the day of preparation unfolded. As the Workshop came to a close around the impressive ‘Workclimb’ tree we were all given a final treat as Craig Johnson descended from the lofty crown with an hour of rope tricks, knots and gadgets.
The warmth of our ‘Indian Summer’ and pure blue skies provided the backdrop for an evening of kite flying, final equipment preparations and laughter around the campfire.
Many of the competitors appeared to have arrived during the night or very early on the Saturday morning, but a few were still joining whilst climbing gear was being scrutinised and T-shirts were being handed out.
With a final tally of 22 climbers, 3 Judges and a hand full of Technicians, the events began with 3 groups for Aerial Rescue, Workclimb and Throwline in rotation. Craig judged the workclimb, Paul Spooner (Tree Care Ireland) judged the Throwline and Kevin Birchall, Aerial Rescue. Sustainance was provided in the form of sandwiches, lovingly prepared by Bernie Cassidy and the afternoon continued with an interesting Speedclimb and Footlock events. In the past the speedclimb was mostly a scramble to the top of the tallest tree we could find, but this year two additional bells were placed out on limbs and the climber was allowed to control a friction hitch to reach them. The general feeling was that this event is now a more realistic simulation of work practices along with the slack tending belay system.
As the last few climbers were readying themselves for the Footlock, the competition was still open with some close scores at the top of the leader board. Places for the Masters Challenge were announced as the final event came to a close.

to be continued......

Tree Climbing Competition

The Irish Tree Climbing competition was completed on Saturday 5th September.

Congratulations to Donal Roe who had a great masters climb to take the title.

There will be NO climbing on Sunday 6th so unless you want to help to clean up don't go to Lisnavagh.

The winner Donal Roe

AIE - Knots

AIE - Knots

FREE Tree-climbing Worshops for Arborists

"Climb Safer, Higher, Faster"

August 29th 2009

Due to the success of our Chainsaw awareness workshop we have decided to launch another series of FREE WORSHOPS, this time aimed at Arborists and Tree-climbers.

These events will be hosted by Tree Care Ireland and Treeclimber.ie in Carlow and will take place
on saturady mornings between 10am and 1pm, once per month.
Our vision is to get all of the professional tree-climbers in Ireland climbing safer and quicker. Techniques are progressing every day and it is important to keep your skills up to date in order to remain competitive and efficient.
We want to use these workshops as an open forum for discussion of techniques, equipment and technology. We also hope that it will also give climbers the opportunity to meet others in the industry and create some common ground between all of us.
There has been much talk of regulation in our industry and the best way to start is by promoting communication between everyone in the industry.

Interested?

Just fill in the opt-in box below to register your interest and don't hesitate to contact Tree Care Ireland if you have any questions.

Dartmouth Square, Dublin

P1011578
Originally uploaded by The Tree Tribe

In the centre of Dartmouth Square, Dublin is a beautifully renovated Victorian Park. The trees in this park are highly significant as the only remaining Grade1 Tree Protection Order in Dublin.
Recent renovation by a team of dedicated residents has revealed a collection of healthy specimen trees such as Lime, Walnut and Oak. Spanning the centre of the park is this wonderful Pergola (pictured), embraced by Wisteria and other climbing plants.
Residents are hoping to raise the profile of this amazing suburban Jewel by running tree related events and concerts.
More photos are avilable by clicking on the main photo.

The Arboricultural Association at the Kildare Grower's Show

P1011556
Originally uploaded by The Tree Tribe

Joe McConville and Roy Goodwin were joined by Ian Hayes (centre) to represent the Arboricultural Association's Irish Branch at the KGS. There is a growing awareness of tree care and tree-related issues in Ireland and membership for the AA is at higher levels than ever before. Trade associations and professional memberships are an important part of interaction with your industry.

Contact for the Arboricultural Association: http://www.trees.org.uk

Next FREE Chainsaw Awareness Workshop

Beginning on the 1st August, Tree Care Ireland will be holding a monthly Chainsaw Awareness workshop. These instruction days are aimed at anyone who uses a chainsaw at work, on the farm or at home and would like to improve their awareness of basic chainsaw handling.

The workshop will be running from 11am to 2pm and is FREE OF CHARGE to all that contact Tree Care Ireland or register interest in the opt in box below. The three hour session will involve some demonstrations of chainsaw sharpening, protective clothing, safe cutting techniques and much more.

THE NEXT WORSHOP IS ON 5th December





We would like to extend our welcome to anyone that is interested. If you connot attend then maybe you know someone who can. Please pass on this information.

Dates for each monthly Free Chainsaw Workshop will be posted on this blog and at the Tree Care Ireland Website

If we receive enough requests from particular regions we will happy to come to you. Please put your location or city in the opt-in provided.

Tree Care Ireland are committed to improving chainsaw safety standards and reducing accidents involving chainsaws. We want to make a difference and we think that 3 hours per month will help us to do it!

What do you think?


Kind Regards


Kevin Birchall

Contact info:
Tree Care Ireland
info@treecareireland.com
http://www.treecareireland.com
05991 48678

An impressive demonstration of chainsaw protective Flip Flops!

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Irish ISA Tree-climbing Competition 2009

ISA Irish Tree Climbing Competition

Tree Care Ireland and Treeclimber.ie are hosting the Irish competition for The International Society of Arboriculture from 3rd- 6th September 2009.

This year we are hoping to have some charcoal making demonstrations, Chainsaw carving, Children's tree-climbing with a difference, traditional wood turning, Stump grinder demonstrations, Thermal Imaging decay detection and much more. All of the usual machinery exhibitors will be present with new woodchipping machines, Unimogs and cherry pickers.



Location: Lisnavagh, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow

Proceedings:

3rd & 4th Sept: Tree climbing competition Workshops. Professional Instructors and experienced climbers will be on hand to show novices the techniques and tips required for competition. This is a great chance for climbers of all levels to learn new uses of equipment, new knots etc.
Entrants can also get their equipment checked on these days as part of the registration process.

4th Sept 10am: ISA Certified Arborist Exam, Talbot Hotel Carlow

5th Sept: Start of competition, adrenaline rushes and general enjoyment. Barbeque in the evening. singing, dancing, drinking and toasting in front of the bonfire.



Directions & Map

Tree Care Ireland's 10 step Survival Guide

Useful info: B&B's and Hotels are available if you like your comforts. Lisnavagh is 10 minutes from Tullow for TESCO, ALDI etc

Photos from last year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinbirchall/


Please contact us if you would like to exhibit machinery, products, chainsaw carving or anything else tree related. Just fill in the opt-in below to register interest and get more info.

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Chainsaw Awareness Workshop

Beginning on the 1st August, Tree Care Ireland will be holding a monthly Chainsaw Awareness workshop. These instruction days are aimed at anyone who uses a chainsaw at work, on the farm or at home and would like to improve their awareness of basic chainsaw handling.

The workshop will be running from 10am to 1pm and is FREE OF CHARGE to all that contact Tree Care Ireland or register interest in the opt in box below. The three hour session will involve some demonstrations of chainsaw sharpening, protective clothing, safe cutting techniques and much more.

....................................THE NEXT WORSHOP IS ON 12th SEPTEMBER..............................................







We would like to extend our welcome to anyone that is interested. If you connot attend then maybe you know someone who can. Please pass on this information.

Dates for each monthly Free Chainsaw Workshop will be posted on this blog and at the Tree Care Ireland Website

If we receive enough requests from particular regions we will happy to come to you. Please put your location or city in the opt-in provided.

Tree Care Ireland are committed to improving farm safety standards and reducing accidents involving chainsaws. We want to make a difference and we think that 3 hours per month will help us to do it!

What do you think?


Kind Regards


Kevin Birchall

Contact info:
Tree Care Ireland
info@treecareireland.com
http://www.treecareireland.com
05991 48678

Office closed for a few days

An opportunity has arisen to get away for a few days, so the Tree Care Ireland and Treeclimber offices will be closed until Monday 6th July.

CS30/31 Course Starts Today

Best of luck lads.
4 guys have just started their basic training today. This is their first step in becoming safe and productive members of the arboricultural industry.

Place on CS30/31 Training Course

Due to a last minute cancellation we have 1 place available on a CS30/31 course starting on Monday 29th June.
Contact Chris Cassidy or Kevin Birchall at 059 9148678

Good Reason for Training

I thought this guy could do with some basic training....

Well Done

Tree Care Ireland ran Medium and Large (CS32 & CS33) tree felling assessments this week.
Congratulations to Justin, Ciaran and Mark for passing with flying colours.

Apologies for not having any photos of the lads (I forgot to charge the camera... Ooops !!)

We are looking forward to seeing Justin and Mark in a few weeks time for a climbing course

.

Bio Energy Show

17/06/2009

Raffle Result

Congratulations to Alfred B from Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Alfred won the Tree Care Ireland raffle for a Samurai Hand saw.

Access Techniques Climbing Workshop

Sponsored by: Treeclimber.ie