Proudly Announcing Our New CEO

We're proud to announce that Cyrus DeVere has been appointed as A Plus’ new CEO, effective immediately.

Topics: announcement, aplus, Blog, ceo

To all our friends, dear clients, valued partners and fellow tree community members:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of our friend, leader, and CEO Jeremy Tibbets, at the age of 37, passed away in the early morning of October 14th, 2017 from a heart attack.

Topics: aplus, arborist, Blog, founder, jeremy tibbets, leadership

In the aftermath of the recent Sonoma and Napa county fires, many homeowners, property managers and cities affected might be wondering about their trees. Are they healthy? Are they safe?

Topics: arborist, Blog, charred bark, charred tree, fire damage, fire hazard, forest fire, napa fire, sonoma fire, tree

The beetle known as the polyphagous shothole borer (PSHB) was first identified in Southern California in 2003 and began being notable in 2010 when it was presumed to be the cause of tree decline in Long Beach, California on Box elder trees (Acer negundo).

Topics: Blog

How do you fly the friendly skies with your tree climbing gear?

Topics: airport restrictions, arborist, Blog, climber, Climbing Arborist, flying, tree climber, what to pack, traveling arborist

Learning the Ropes: Part II

If you missed Part I, click here.

Topics: arborist, Blog, climbing, ddrt, MRS, rope techniques, srt, tree climbing

Learning the Ropes: Part I

 

As a climbing Arborist, one of my most frequently asked questions is, "How do you get up into the tree?"

Well, take a seat and let me tell you a tale.

Ever since the caveman climbed trees to get at the high-hanging fruit, tree climbing is the quintessential part of urban forestry.

We have gone from climbing on hanging vines Tarzan-style to using high tech synthetic rope. Some ropes such as the Armor Prus have Kevlar cores!

The traditional Double Rope Technique (DdRT) has been the go-to method for the last 100 years here in the US and overseas in the UK. It is a simple system, and even kids can use it during Arbor Day.

 

DbRT using double handed ascender and foot locking

 

Any climbing Arborist can climb up a tree using the MRS with minimal gear. In fact, the A Plus apprentice climbers are required to tie a complete MRS blindfolded with nothing more than one carabiner and a rope!

However,  the MRS heavily relies on upper body strength and endurance. The climber has to lean back to pull the rope using the arms and core muscles. Thus MRS is not ideal for climbing more than about 50 feet.

Back in the day, tree workers tied themselves directly to their ropes. This was before ergonomically designed harness were common place in the industry. According to the 1979 ANSI Z133 Safety Standards, tree workers may secure themselves with two loops using the Double Bowline on a Bight knot instead of a padded harness.

Imagine sitting on a rough 1/2 inch Manila rope all day long getting your bottom calloused!

Despite its shortcomings, the MRS is here to stay. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it. And there are ways to make MRS more ergonomic and efficient. Next time, we'll talk about the alter ego of MRS which is the Single Rope Technique (SRT).

Topics: arborist, Blog, Climbing Arborist, DbRT, Double Rope Technique, Petzl, tree climbing, Urban Forestry

New Locations! Seattle, Portland & Greater LA

 

Trees are Everywhere. We want to be Everywhere too!

 

Topics: arborist, Blog, la, portland, seattle, tree care, tree company

Topics: arborist, Blog, industrial athlete, training, tree climbing, urban forest management

 

Topics: Anthracnose, aphids, arborist, Blog, Fire Blight, pest control, pine beetles, pine pitch canker, plant health care, SOD, Sudden Oak Death, Tree Pest, Tree Disease