Name, role, and site nickname?
Chris , owner, to my face – Jaffa.
Previous employment/cap badge (if applicable)?
25 years military – Royal Engineers
How did you end up in tree work (wrong career turn or destiny)?
I needed a job with risk after the military so whats better way to achieve that, than being on ropes whilst in control of spinning chisels!
First day on the job – confidence or instant regret?
Confident but eager to progress.
Favourite tree to work on?
Oaks are usually a nice climb and more reassured anchors.
Worst tree to work on?
Previously species such as Robinia or Hawthorn were considered the most difficult to work on due to the pain involved however increasingly Ash trees are presenting the greatest concern, due to the uncertainty surrounding structural integrity and strength caused by ash dieback.
Biggest tree you’ve taken on – who won?
A lombardy poplar – i’m still here, tree isn’t – however, it introduced me to a barbers chair !
Climbing, MEWP, or ground work?
All – but generally operate a keyboard nowadays.
Preferred weapon – stump grinder, axe, back or top handle?
MS 462 back handle – with plenty of power.
Funniest moment on site so far?
Trying to keep a straight face after hearing an unexpected “escape of gas” while speaking with a customer.
Worst job you’ve survived?
Being mounted by a cow.
Weirdest thing you’ve found in a garden or tree?
Max Bell
One thing people always get wrong about tree surgeons?
Frustratingly, that the cheapest price or the most convincing front man is going to be the best choice for the job.
Your secret skill on the team?
Having done every job in the company, I cannot be blagged!
Tea or coffee – and how many a day?
Tea, bottomless.
Best thing about working at Frodsham Tree Solutions?
The best thing about working at Frodsham Tree Solutions is seeing each job successfully completed under the control and guidance of very capable, experienced, and proactive team leaders, while also seeing the results of the hard work and effort put in every day and the high standards consistently reflected throughout the company.
Describe the team in three words.
Efficient, Driven, Trustworthy.
If you were a tree, what would you be?
Something stubborn and hard to break like blackthorn.
Ambition – where do you see yourself in five years?
Still in this office but with a bigger workforce and hopefully more commercial work.
Any top tips?
In this industry, start young!
Book Professional Tree Services in The North West & North Wales
For safe, responsible tree care and management across The North West & North Wales, contact Frodsham Tree Solutions today.
As we are based in the North West of England we are ideally situated to conduct tree services in Cheshire, The Wirral, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, North Wales and Lancashire.