Learn More About Our Team – Craig Hitchen

Name, role, and site nickname?

Craig Hitchen – Groundie, also known as “Basecamp”.

Previous employment/cap badge (if applicable)?

I previously worked in electronics.

How did you end up in tree work (wrong career turn or destiny)?

I was made redundant and looking for a new career, and my cousin Chris brought me into the trade.

First day on the job – confidence or instant regret?

Binging down timber on site… my back soon let me know what I’d signed up for.

Favourite tree to work on?

That would be a Conifer.

Worst tree to work on?

Hawthorn

Biggest tree you’ve taken on – who won?

Felling some big ones in the woods—safe to say we both needed a lie down afterwards.

Climbing, MEWP, or ground work?

Groundwork.

Preferred weapon – stump grinder, axe, back or top handle?

The Avant. ( mini loader )

Funniest moment on site so far?

When the boss accidentally sent an emoji to a customer.

Worst job you’ve survived?

Handballing timber out of a tight back garden.

Weirdest thing you’ve found in a garden or tree?

Let’s say… not everything in a garden is for gardening.

One thing people always get wrong about tree surgeons?

They think we’re all the same, we aren’t! It’s a skilled, professional trade, and not all are equally qualified.

Your secret skill on the team?

Fixing just about anything.

Tea or coffee – and how many a day?

Neither—give me a full English breakfast.

Best thing about working at Frodsham Tree Solutions?

Keeps me fit, and it’s a great group of supportive lads.

Describe the team in three words.

Honest, hardworking, loyal.

If you were a tree, what would you be?

An ash—tough, and a proper British tree, and also because parts of me are dying too

Ambition – where do you see yourself in five years?

Still going strong, a bit lighter on my feet, and doing some climbing.

Any top tips?

The job’s harder than it looks—awareness and safety are key.