The daily operations of a tree crew are not easy, but the work is necessary to mitigate potential wildfires.
Hearing from an IBEW 1245 line clearance tree trimming crew from Tree Service Unlimited in Placerville about a recent day on the job illustrates the numerous challenges that are faced in order to serve their communities.
Left to right; Crane operator Dylan Nabors, General Foreman Tucker Benoit, F-2/Trainer Curtis Herren, Climber Eduardo Estanislus, Foreman Jose Sanchez and Operator Chris Mobley. A crew from Trees Services Unlimited takes down a dead tree with the use of a crane in Pollock Pines, Calif. on May 29, 2024.
IBEW 1245 line clearance tree trimmer and crew member Jose Sanchez described the harrowing task of this particular day’s tree removal, a major challenge due to the location and height of the tree on a narrow residential street! The task required two experienced members working out of a 270-ton crane bucket.
“We need one person to stabilize, because it’s a swinging ball up there in the bucket. So one’s going to be stabilizing against the tree, the other guy cutting and pushing pieces over,” Sanchez explained.
A crew from Trees Services Unlimited takes down a dead tree with the use of a crane in Pollock Pines, Calif. on May 29, 2024
Safety is always a central priority in the crew’s operations. While they execute the work, they focus on the crew members’ safety as well as the community’s well being. Line clearance tree trimmer Curtis Herren detailed the approach they used to dismantle the dead tree.
“We have to figure out how to unbuild a tree without causing any damage to our equipment, to targets, homes, lines, you name it. All while keeping a positive attitude through challenges, and dealing with the day-to-day nuances that could be perceived as negative or burdensome,” said Herren.
IBEW 1245 was instrumental in establishing a standardized training program through the California Nevada Joint Apprentice Training Center for line clearance tree trimming members that reinforces their safety training and culture.
A crew from Trees Services Unlimited takes down a dead tree with the use of a crane in Pollock Pines, Calif. on May 29, 2024
Given the numerous dangers in their line of work, line clearance tree trimmers like Herren appreciate the support from IBEW 1245.
“The brotherhood is super strong. A lot of people believe strongly in it and it’s for good reason. We’ve been provided excellent benefits. I personally have had great correspondence from the union involving a lot of matters. And just knowing there is support for things that become important outside of the direct work that we do, tree work, chainsaws and ropes and climbing trees.”
Sanchez added, “They have your back 100%, benefits, everything. There’s just nothing bad I could say about it. Everything’s good. They just look after you. That’s where the saying comes, ‘Be your brother’s keeper.’ And they do treat you like brothers, like family.”
Tree Service Unlimited workers, with the support by Local 1245, are focused on getting the job done safely, and protecting our communities for the future.