Real-Life Decision Making
The sun is up and the rain has stopped -- what a day to be an arborist.
It's 6 a.m. While others are still asleep, you get up, brush your teeth,
get dressed and are ready to start your day. You grab your clipboard and check
your equipment, which includes a chainsaw and ropes.
You get behind the wheel of your pickup. You have spent many hours behind
the wheel of this rusty old truck. "If you want to be an arborist,
you better like driving," says arborist Julian Dunster. "On an average day,
an arborist logs up to [62 miles] behind the wheel."
It is a 30-minute drive to Oceanside Estates. The neighborhood is situated
on top of a cliff. All the lots in this neighborhood have a gorgeous view
of the ocean.
The sun is shining when you get to the house. You get out of your car and
look at your assignment clipboard. The description for this job states that
the owner wants to do something about a tree that is disturbing his view of
the ocean.
You get out of the car and introduce yourself to the customer. He shakes
your hand and thanks you for coming so promptly. He shows you to the tree.
It is a 40-foot giant. The tree is in the backyard and is blocking the
view from his master bedroom. You tell him that you will get on it at once.
You advise him that the best thing is for you to climb up the tree and shave
off the top branches and if need be, to even cut off the foliage of the tree.
The look in his eyes tells you that he is questioning your opinion. He
tells you that he doesn't want to trim the tree. He wants you to "top
it," to cut a quarter of the top off.
You tell him that you don't think that's a good idea, because
by doing that you will be leaving an open wound on top of the tree, which
could get infected by disease or bugs. In time, the tree could get sick and
even die.
The owner doesn't want to listen to your reasoning. He says it's
his tree and he will do with it as he pleases. The owner says if you won't
do what he asks, he'll find somebody who will. You personally know of
unscrupulous arborists who will jump at this opportunity. What do you do?