If you’re responsible for pruning, you may be wondering why it’s necessary to trim trees at schools. There are several reasons, such as reimbursement, safety risk, and formal education requirements. Fall is not the best time to learn how to prune! Luckily, there are a number of resources available to assist you in trimming trees at schools. Here are some of them:
Reimbursement for Tree Trimming
In some cases, a school may require reimbursement for tree trimming, removal, or removal. This type of work is generally considered a safety issue and should be addressed as soon as possible. Schools should also obtain approval from the VSBA prior to any tree work. In addition to funding, VSBA also offers a Safe Tree Program that addresses the recommendations of a qualified arborist. This program is open to all government schools.
To apply, schools must submit a report from an arborist and a quote for tree works considered high-risk. SmartyGrants will provide written feedback on the recommended tree works, allowing them to proceed. Then, schools arrange to have the work completed by a qualified arborist. Once the work is completed, schools should update the arborist report with photos, if available. During the process, the school should provide a copy of the work completed to SmartyGrants.
Safety Risk
According to a recent WorkSafe investigation, there is a “significant safety risk” associated with trimming trees at schools. Branches from the large trees in the schoolyard could fall and cause an injury. A school’s tree management plan should address this risk by removing live foliage and preventing any students from standing beneath the tree. It’s important to avoid a safety hazards by keeping the surrounding area well-maintained, especially if there are young children.
School trees are extremely vulnerable to damage and can be especially hazardous due to adverse weather conditions. Trees provide shade, shelter, and beauty to a school setting, but if they are not properly maintained, they can pose a serious safety risk. The experts at Pro Climb are certified arborists, and they can provide expert advice and inspect all school trees to ensure their health. They even have Proclimb tree services for schools.
Tree workers are susceptible to accidents and often suffer serious injuries while trimming trees. In the case of this incident, an employee was killed by a falling limb while wearing a hard hat and doing a pre-start inspection. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of implementing safe work habits and checking equipment and procedures. Read the instructions and warning labels before allowing staff to trim trees. When in doubt, always consult with your supervisor before proceeding with any tree trimming work.
A study conducted by environmental and occupational epidemiologists Elizabeth Marshall, Daniel Lefkowitz, and the New Jersey Department of Health highlighted the need to improve the safety of tree care operations. The study showed that professionals with extensive experience and training are more likely to provide adequate safety equipment and health training to their staff. Workers with Spanish-speaking day laborers were less likely to provide proper personal protective equipment and health training. A recent study by Rutgers University suggests that the risks of trimming trees at schools are only increasing as climate change impacts the environment.
Formal Education Requirements
The formal education requirements for becoming a tree trimmer can vary from state to state, depending on the type of certification you wish to obtain. Depending on your geographic location and climate, you may have to relocate. In some cases, this may be necessary for the safety of you and others in the community. But even if you don’t need any formal education to become a tree trimmer, the necessary training can help you get the certification you need.
Aside from obtaining a license to work in this field, you’ll need to have experience working with animals and inspecting equipment. You will also need to be able to communicate with others clearly and loudly. You’ll also have to undergo hazard pay training because tree trimming involves climbing trees. And don’t forget to get a pesticide applicator license if you’re specialized in the field.
A tree trimmer’s education should include a minimum of a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license. You’ll also need to pass a background check and drug test. Regardless of where you decide to go for your formal education, obtaining certification through the Tree Care Industry Association can help you get a better job. However, most of the training is typically on the job. It’s important to remember that it takes a great deal of physical stamina to climb trees.
In some cases, highly trained tree trimmers can even earn a Registered Consulting Arborist credential from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). A Certified Arborist is an expert in tree care and can work with insurance companies to recommend pruning, insect treatment, and other necessary steps. Before starting work as a tree trimmer, it’s important to learn about the licensing requirements in your state. According to the Institute for Justice, seven states require that tree trimmers have a contractor license. Generally, exceptions are made for single-owner, small businesses.
Time for Pruning
While fall is considered the best time for maintenance pruning, it’s also not the best time to perform major corrective pruning, which is crucial for the health and safety of humans on your property. Major pruning, or corrective work, should be completed in the early spring or during the dormant winter season when the tree begins to grow quickly and seal wounds. Schools and other places of learning should avoid fall pruning at all costs unless the school has a certified arborist on staff.
The best time to prune roses and shrubs is during the harvest season. In the fall, you’ll want to remove any growth or wood with flower buds. This will prevent the flowers from blooming prematurely. If you prune during the spring, your shrubs will still have flower buds, so don’t bother with pruning them now. By contrast, summer flowering plants should be pruned after their blossoms have finished blooming.
Proper pruning requires a time when the plant will quickly seal the wound. Fall is not the best time to learn how to prune trees at schools because plants are going into dormancy. They’re not focused on producing new tissue to cover the wound. Fall and early spring are the best times for pruning evergreens because vigorous spring growth will cover any pruned wounds. In addition to that, you won’t want to do any more work before winter ends.
Learning how to prune trees at schools is important for the health of your landscape. While some students may be able to perform the job well, the colder months will stunt the growth of new growth. In addition, freezing temperatures can weaken sap in your trees. So, fall pruning at schools isn’t the best time to learn how to prune trees at home. And when you do get the chance, consider taking the time to volunteer and get involved in landscaping!