Optimising tree care equipment for Australian arboriculture

Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes present unique challenges for tree care professionals tasked with maintaining the health and beauty of our natural surroundings. Arborists play a crucial role in overseeing large trees and ecological communities, ensuring they meet property owners’ or community standards for health, safety, and suitability (Capel Tree Surgeons, 2019). However, inadequate care can result in the demise of these environmental stewards (Tattar, 2012).

Photo of Först TR8D in action, same photo as seen on the cover of Arbor Age Australia February to March 2024 issue

Arborists’ role in urban sustainability

Safety is paramount in arboriculture, as highlighted by the sobering fact that tree workers in Australia experience the highest fatality rate among all industries (Arboriculture Australia, 2018 as cited in Lim et al., 2020). Despite this, Australian arborists are continually seeking innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and deliver exceptional service to their clients.

Photo taken from Ocean Road Tree Services in VIC, Australia via Facebook (2023)

A study by Davison and Kirkpatrick (2014) underscores the significant impact of arboriculture on Australian cityscapes. It was also stated in their study that arborists are actively shaping and executing plans to oversee the urban canopy, thereby enhancing urban sustainability, and the recognition of the diverse advantages offered by city trees has fueled this surge in arborists’ influence, despite mounting difficulties in integrating them into urban environments.

A post shared by Tree 🌳 Essence (@treeessence)

Enhancing arborist efficiency through equipment

Lessons from international counterparts, such as UK arborists, offer valuable insights. Emphasizing the significance of proper gear, UK practices highlight the essential tools necessary for efficient and safe arboriculture tasks (Down to Earth, n.d.), from which Australian arborists can benefit from adopting similar practices to enhance their work.

Photo of Först ST8D and Först TR8D in front of Monitor’s HQ in Tamworth (2023)

Investing in high-quality equipment is also paramount. John McNee reported in his online article published in October 2023 that Först, a leading manufacturer of woodchippers, celebrated its 10th year of providing machinery with unparalleled performance and features. Although there are various models under Först, the Först ST8D wood chipper is the acclaimed best-selling 8” wood chipper in the UK and Europe and offers larger chipping capacity and mobility, significantly improving productivity and service offerings (Evangate Financial Services, n.d.).

Photo taken from Lucas Tree Services via Instagram (2023)

Tailored equipment solutions, such as the Först TR8 tracked chippers, which are designed for heavy-duty forestry tasks, demonstrate the importance of matching equipment to specific job requirements. By incorporating these lessons, Australian arborists can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their tree-care endeavors.

Video of Först TR8D taken by Monitor’s Sales Team in front of Monitor’s HQ (2023)

With the critical role arborists play as custodians of Australia’s natural landscapes, it’s imperative to address the unique challenges they face with innovative solutions.

By prioritizing safety, adopting best practices, and investing in quality equipment, Australian arborists can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their tree-care endeavors. Moreover, by ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our natural environment, they contribute to a brighter future for generations to come.

Authored by Jo Veloria for Monitor on February 14, 2024

Talk to us to find the ideal wood chippers for your business

To find out how a wood chipper could offer you a more efficient tree care solution, call Monitor on 1800 025 024 or contact us online.

Sources:

Capel Tree Works, May 30, 2019, link here
Davison, A., and Kirkpatrick, JB., March 2014, electronic copy
Down to earth, n.d., link here
Evangate Financial Services, n.d., link here
Lim, J., Kane, B., and Bloniarz, D., March 2020, link here

Lucas Tree Services [@lucastreeservices_]. (2023, September 4). “August recap” [Photograph]. Instagram. Link here
McNee, J., October 18, 2023, link here

Ocean Road Tree Services (2023, December 4). “This is Naomi. Been living in Torquay for about 8 years. She is a bloody hard worker and a massive advocate for tea ☕ breaks and a yoga stretch session before we start dragging branches & climbing trees.” [Photograph]. Facebook. Link here

Tattar, Terry A., 1989 [Available online on December 02, 2012], link here

Tree Essence [@treeessence]. (2023, July 20). “The FORST TR8D Chipper. A leader in its class. Tight access, no problems. ✂️✂️✂️✂️✂️🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴.” [Video]. Instagram.