DOCUMENT RESUME ED 346 252 CE 061 254 AUTHOR Lilly, S. J. TITLE The Tree Worker's Manual. Revised. INSTITUTION Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Agricultural Curriculum Materials Service. SPONS AGENCY Ohio State Dept. of Education, Columbus. Agricultural Education Service. REPORT NO AGDEX 953; ISBN-1-56502-001-4 PUB DATE 92 NOTE 145p.; Photographs may not reproduce well. AVAILABLE FROM Ohio Agricultural Curriculum Materials Service, 254 Agricultural Administration Bldg., 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1010. PUB TYPE Guides - Classroom Use - Instructional Materials (For Learner) (051) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC06 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Agronomy; Botany; Clothing; Entry Workers; Equipment; First Aid; Forestry; Hand Tools; Hydraulics; *Instructional Materials; Machine Tools; Occupational Safety and Health; *Plant Identification; Plant Pathology; Postsecondary Education; *Trees ABSTRACT This manual acquaints readers with the general operations of the tree care industry. The manual covers subjects important to a tree worter and serves as a training aid for workers at the entry level as tree care professionals. Each chapter begins with a set of objectives and may include figures, tables, and photographs. Tenchapters are included: (1) the tree vervice industry; (2) clothing, equipment, and tools; (3) the tree workers; (4) basic tree anatomy; (5) pruning; (6) climbing and working in the tree; (7) aerial lifts; (8) tree identification; (9) identification and treatment of tree problems; and (10) other tree care operations. The manual contains two appendices: first aid procedures and scientific and common names of selected common plants of North America. A glossary and index are included. (NLA) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. OEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office I Educational Research and Improvement ED ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (EMI IThis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it r Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this dOC u rnenl do not necessarily represent official OERI Position or policy OHIO AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM MATERIALS SERVICE "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Agricultural Education Service - Ohio Department of Education and Department of Agricultural Education The Ohio State University TO THE EDUCATIoNAL RESOURCES INFO.,MATION CENTER (ERIC)." 2 BEST COPY MAUR! The Tree Worker's Manual S. J. Lilly First edition 1985 Revision 1992 Ohio Agricultural Education Curriculum Materials Service The Ohio State University Room 254, 2120 Fyffe Road Columbus, Ohio 43210-1010 Phone (614) 292-4848 FOREWORD and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS general operations of the The purpose of The Tree Worker' s Manual is to acquaint the reader with the important to a tree worker. Each tree care industry. The manual covers a wide variety of subjects that are understanding of the material. chapter begins with a set of objectives that should help the student to gain an professionals. This minual is intended to serve as a training aid for workers at the entry level as tree care in the arboriculture industry. The Tree Worker's Manual was written in cooperation with many people Horticulture at The Ohio State Special recognition and thanks are given to Dr. T. Davis Sydnor, Professor of University, who served in an advisory capacity. The following people contributed in the preparation of this manual: Joe Lilly, and the crew of Expert Tree Service Dave Ahlum, and the crew of Arbor, Inc. Ted Collins, Ted Collins Associates, Ltd. Bill Miller, American Tree Care, Inc. Vicki Gingas, horticulture instructor, The Ohio State University John Barbee, Barbee Tree Service Illustrations for The Tree Worker's Manual were provided by: Jerry King, Columbus, Ohio, whose artwork appears throughout the manual cover art Tony Baker, Columbus, Ohio Glen Wasserman and Les Powers, Newark, Ohio - art work Columbus Dr. T. Davis Sydnor, Department of Horticulture, The Ohio State University, Denne Goldstein, Arbor Age Magazine, Encino, California Hi-Ranger Mobile Aerial Towers, Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana Karl Kuemmerling, Inc., Massillon, Ohio Forestry Supplies, Inc., Jackson, Mississippi Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company, Big Pool, Maryland Promark Products West, Inc., City of Industry, California Vermeer Manufacturing Company, Pella, Iowa Al Cook, Dawes Arboretum, Newark, Ohio Davey Tree Expert Company, Kent, Ohio Asplundh Tree Expert Company, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania Oakland Nursery, Columbus, Ohio Welch, Special thanks is extended to the following persons in the Curriculum Materials Service: A.W. project; Jacqueline project director in the early stages; Roger Roediger, project director to completion of the layout. Stuts, original phototypesetting and revision editor; and Muriel King, original editor and Roger D. Roodiger, Director ISBN Number: 1-56502-001-4 John H. Davis, Assistant Director Ohio Agricultural Education Vocational and Career Education Curriculum Materials Service Agricultural Education Service The Ohio State University Ohio Department of Education Copyright 0 1992 Ohio Agricultural Education Curriculum Materials Service The Ohio State University All rights reserved employer and does not discriminate The Ohio Agricultural Education Curriculum Materials Service, as a part of The Ohio State University, is an equal opportunity all potential clientele against any individual for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, or pandicap. All instructional materials are available to handicap. on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, or CONTENTS Chapter 1 The Tree Service Industry 1 Introduction 1 Employment opportunities 2 Job descriptions 3 Chapter 2 Clothing, Equipment, and Tools 7 Clothing and protective gear 7 Climbing saddles and ropes 8 Other tools and equipment 12 Chain saws 16 Trucks, chippers, and stump grinders 19 Chapter 3 The Tree Workers 23 The ground worker 23 Knots and hitches 24 Tree felling, limbing, and bucking 27 Clearing, brush chipping, and clean-up 30 The climber 31 Chapter 4 Basic Tree Anatomy 33 Roots 33 Stems 34 Leaves 35 Photosynthesis and the transport system 39 Flowers and reproduction 39 Chapter 5 Pruning 41 Reasons for pruning 41 When to prune 42 What to prune 42 Equipment 43 Proper pruning techniques 43 Pruning trees to direct growth 44 Drop crotch pruning 45 Treatment of wounds 46 Tool sterilization 47 Pruning conifers 47 Pru-ring hedges 48 Pruning for special effects 48 Chapter 6 Climbing and Working in the Tree 51 Planning ahead 51 Ropes and knots 51 Choice of crotch 52 Rope throw 52 Ascent 53 Working in the tree 56 Electrical hazards 57 Rigging 57 Aerial rescue 59 (conImuud) Chapter 7 Aerial Lifts 61 Aerial lift truck 61 Daily inspections 61 At the job site 62 Working from the bucket 63 Electrical hazards 64 Chapter 8 Tree Identification 65 Plant nomenclature 66 Dcscriptions of some common North American trees 67 Chapter 9 Identification and Treatment of Tree Problems 83 Tree health management 83 Diagnosis of tree problems 84 Symptoms and signs 85 86 Disease-causing organisms 86 Fungi Bacteria 87 Other disease-causing organisms 87 Insects and other animal pests 87 92 Environmental injuries 92 Weather-related injuries Soil stress 93 Pollution damage 94 94 Chemical injury Mechanical injury 94 Trcatmcnt of tree health problems 95 Implants and injections 96 96 Spray operations Pcsticidc labels 96 96 Equipment 97 Sprayer calibration Pesticide application 99 Chapter 10 Other Tree Care Operations 101 Planting trees 101 Guy;ng, staking, qnd tree wraps 103 Traiisplanting trees 104 Fertilization 105 Cabling and bracing 106 Lightning protcction systems 110 Protecting trees from construction damage 111 First Aid Procedures 115 Appendix I Selected Common Plants of North America Appendix II 119 Scientific name list 119 Common name list 125 129 Glossary 140 Index CHAPTER 1 The Tree Service Industry Objectives The major goal of Chaptcr 1 is to provide studcnts with an overview of thc trcc service industry, and to acquaint them with the opportunitics and rcquircmcnts for employment. Identify the major divisions within thc industry. 1. Learn the various positions within a typical tree crcw. 2. Become familiar with the requirements and qualifications for cach cmploymcnt classification. 3. Introduction Trcc care is a profcssion for people who likc to work outdoors. It involves working with naturc whilc A career in thc tree care industry can bc both cnduring thc cicmcnts. Most people would cnvy thc rcwarding and fulfilling. The rcsults of a hard day's tree worker on a lovely day, working outsidc in thc work arc immediately apparent. It is gratifying to see trees among thc birds and squirrels. Unfortunatcly, what can be' accomplished with a littic skill, proper not cvcry day is bcautiful, and nature docs not always training, some basic knowledge, and lots of sweat. cooperatc with thc tree worker (figurc 1.1). 7 Chapter 1 2 The tree care professional must be physically fit. Days can be long; endurance is the key to success. Almost every daily task requires strength and stamina. Whether sweltering in the heat or shivering in harsh winter winds, the tree care worker will find it pays to be in shape (figure 1.2). Tree care is a profession in which daily objectives or career goals can be attained through hard work and perseverance. Whether working your way up a tree, or working yclir way up the ladder of success, dedication to a job well done is the most important factor. For the person who would rather push a saw than a pen, rather climb a tree than a staircase, and rather stack wood than paper, tree work can be a most rewarding career (figure 1.3). Employment Opportunities The tree service industry can be divided into two major classifications, private and governmental. The latter usually consists of city- or state-operated tree crews. They work exclusively on city- or state-owned property and trees. FIG. 1.2. A climber must be in good shape to "piece-out" a large tree in the middle of winter. Private tree companies are somewhat more diversified. Work done by these crews may be residential, commercial, or utility oriented. Resi- dential work involves tree care for the homeowner and is most often done on a job-by-job basis. Commercial work can range from contracts with large businesses for ongoing tree service to simply trimming a small free for the corner drugstore. As shown in figure 1.4, utility work can involve line clearance, right-of-way clearance, and often emer- gency removal of trees or limbs from power lines. It is done on a contract basis with power or telephone companies and is often the main thrust of larger tree service companies. Private tree companies may also contract to work for municipalities to trim or remove city trees. This eliminates the need for city crews and may be more cost effective for smaller cities. As a rule, the well-trained tree worker does not FIG.1.1. Maintaining harmony with nature is not always easy. have difficulty finding employment in any of these Job Descriptions 3 ..= FIG. 1.4. Line clearance Is a major part of many tree care FIG. 1.3. Tree work can be a rewarding career for both companies. men and women. divisions within the industry. Most employers arc always on the look-out for a responsible workcr. As long as people want to cocxist with trccs, there will be jobs for tree trimmers. The services provided by tree companies arc varied. Utility crcws may work daily to clear strips of land for utility lines, poles or roads. Other crews trim city trees away from power lines to avoid interruption of service. These crews play a vital role because of the importancc of electrical and telephone service to businesses, hospitals, and homcs. Residential tree services provide othcr services as well. Trees may be trimmed or removed to avoid hazards such as dcad or unsafc limbs falling unexpectedly. Also, trees are trimmcd to incrcasc the FIG. 1.5. Thinning can make trees safer life expectancy of the tree, to remove unhealthy or and more attractive. poorly formcd branches, or just to increase the aesthetic value of the tree (figure 1.5). powcr lines. Work is being done to promote the use Tree companies provide othcr services besides of wood chips as an energy source. Research in thcsc trimming and removal. Somc companies spray trees areas is important to thc tree service industry. to treat diseases and inscct problems. Trees sometimes must be cabled or braced to decrease thc chance of splitting during storms. Also, trees may be wired to Job Descriptions prevent lightning damage. Other services include transplanting, fertilization, and consulting. It is important that any potential employee bc aware of the requirements of a job before being hired for that position. Many companies have written job Technology is providing thc tree care professional descriptions wh:ch list the qualifications, require- with ncw options. Unhealthy trees can be injcctcd or ments, and somctimcs the salary or wages for that implanted with fertilizer or chemicals to trcat job. Some sample job descriptions are included in previously difficult-to-treat problems. Growth this manual. regulators are being used to limit tree growth below !) Chapter 1 BUckeye Tree tare, Inc. Supervisor JOB DESCRIPTION picked up each morning; the The supervisor is responsible for a crew. Work assignments must bc of the client. The supervisor is supervisor has the responsibility to complete each job to the satisfaction service to the public. the primary customer contact and must provide friendly and efficient Qualifications Requirements High school diploma Supervise work of each crew member Full training as climber and in all phases Climb and work in trees when necessary and of tree care appropriate Knowledge of trees and shrubs Coordinate all tree and ground operations Certification in CPR and first aid Operate chain saws, pole pruners, and chipper Driver's license Drive and care for chipper truck Minimum 5 years of experience Maintain all equipment on truck Certified arborist Serve as primary customer contact for crew Be responsible for safety of crew $12.00 per hour (1992) STARTING WAGE: Buckeye Tree Care, Inc. Climber JOB DESCRIPTION The climber works The climber does most of the actual climbing, trimming, and rigging of trees. Climbers must be physically primarily out of a rope and saddle, and at times from an aerial bucket truck. fit and competent with all their equipment. Qualifications Requirements Minimum 2 years of climbing experience Climb, trim, and remove trees Training in tree care operations Be competent and safe with chain saw Training in aerial rescue and other safety Take primary responsibility for rigging and procedures roping Training in first aid Be trained in and aware of all safety procedures Minimum age 18 Have a basic knowledge of pruning principles Be responsible to and report to supervisor STARTING WAGE: $7.50 per hour (1992)