Just hit 500 trees pruned this season and my body is feeling it

I passed 500 trees pruned for the season yesterday, a backyard maple in Oakville. Didnt even realize I was that close until I checked my logbook. It kind of hit me how many hours and ladder climbs that actually is. My knees and lower back are definitely making me pay attention now, anyone else track their numbers like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_ward1mo ago

Man, 500 trees takes a real toll on the body.

charles_young921mo ago

Yeah "real toll" is an understatement. After a 400 tree day last spring my hands were locking up for a week straight. One thing that helped me a ton was getting a good quality spade with a sharpened blade. It cuts through roots way easier so you're not fighting the ground as much. Also try planting in pairs with someone handling the digging while the other places the tree. Alternating tasks saved my back big time compared to doing everything solo. A foam kneeling pad is cheap too and makes a world of difference for those repetitive kneeling motions.

michael_green441mo ago

Mark Ward's right about the toll, those foam kneeling pads really do save your knees over a long day.