Look Up | A Film About Irish Arboriculture | DFG.IE | Arborists | Tree Surgeons

Billy and John AKA The Sawbandits, have been documenting their working life as tree surgeons in Ireland with their YouTube channel since 2021. With over 100,000 views on their uploads so far, they have been sharing their experiences to inspire and educate others about the profession.

As Ireland's leading arborist supplier, we have been keenly following The Saw Bandits journey. For many, the arborist profession is a labour of love and one that involves a high amount of risk and, as the lads put it, ‘hardship’.

@sawbandits

Credits
Agency: 3B1
Director: Max von Mensenkampff
DOP/Editor: Darragh Ryan
Producer: Megan Ahern
Title Animation: Matt Michalak

With deep thanks to Billy and John.

[seantait]

I am an arborist in Washington State, and I love to see how it’s the same for all of us no matter where you live. Makes me feel like I’m part of a brotherhood everywhere I go

[sawbandits]

Was amazing to work with the film crew great bunch 👍

[NealZ]

Hit the nail on the head. I can’t explain my day to my wife 😂

[AssafLevyIL]

When I started recreational climbing a year or more ago I couldn't go higher than 1 meter. Then 2 was the mental limit, then 4, 10, 20. Then got into arboriculture. Today I'm not scared up there but I am alert. If you feel you love it, don't give up, it'll come. Work by the book and safe, follow good practitioners. Learn to trust your gear (which you did NOT buy from Ali/Amazon but from reputable brands). It does take time but it's worth it.

[kennethlieb]

Came in to tree work because of the pandemic. Everything they're saying is true. Being passionate about the work propels you through the hardship. And on the other side is confidence, fulfillment, brotherhood. Stay safe, stay positive, do good work

[liamholmes]

What an amazing videos thanks for this

[jamcjones]

Wow this is so interesting and making me want to go climb some trees - safely of course!!

[adamkearney]

Spot on brothers. U pretty much nailed it. 20 years backyard rope access. 7 under my own banner in the states by the lakes. Met a woman in whales going to get a work visa to climb there 6 months a year. Stay safe up and down there. Mad love and respect to all my tree rats and groundys

[larryweinberg]

very good commentary. cheers from a senior 68 yr old forest high climber.

[alsmith]

This is a life long commitment... Takes years to become really good... Even after 20 years, I still will come across jobs that forces me to really think, calculate and figure out how to accomplish a job. Love it.... 🤙

[freedomle]

The higher I go, the safer I feel. It's the only time I feel alive.

[totaratree]

Nice vid, well shot. Like the stuff about passion. Agree it is essential in this job. Suggest we all keep both hands on the saw. That's my tip for the day :) Cheers and thanks again.

[BinoH]

Very well-made video, I enjoyed it very much especially when the brotherhood of tree workers was talked about. I feel like the people of Arboriculture over there are just like the people over here in the way you have a passion and create bonds with the ones you work with. Take care!

[justintrabbic]

I’m an arborist from Ohio and Michigan and nothing has been more accurate then this video. People that don’t do the job don’t understand and would never understand it’s a completely different mindset and a set of skills that are dialed in. My mindset wasn’t in the right space and I free fell and my hands got mangled In my pretzl zigzag and every time something happens it makes me think and think. I came from drugs and bad people and trees gave me an out and the people I work with are indeed brothers they are there with you in n a day to day basis helping you make the right decisions so you can make it home to your family that night

[joesalmen]

Really nice video.
On the money!!!
Well said.

[h.i.m.dishonmaurice]

So happy to meet you guys. I'm in the island of Barbados, in the Caribbean.

[CarsonsCat]

Great shots in front of the sheep wire ! lol, love it . True, its a great band of brothers, as evidenced at any climbing comps . Thanks for sticking this up Douglas F&G ! .

[ztkrx]

best job on the planet, been in the game since 1996. l was a bike messenger in NYC and san francisco for about 5 years and thought that was the best job on the planet, until l found this.💪🏼

[stuby]

Who wants to be there? I DO! I DO! Send me in coach. Normal people just don't understand the feeling of being up there and figuring out that puzzle. Just wish I would have gotten into it sooner.

[markseabrook]

Interesting video, nice to see people with a passion for uk based I can tell you it's not the easiest job infact one of the hardest mentally and physically. The money is not like over the pond, kit damaged, body damaged etc etc. Your basically risking your life for a few hundred quid a day compared to a plumber or sparky that turns up with half the overheads and outlay and is earning double. It's a unregulated and outdated industry with outdated pricing structure. Labour is hard to find because no one is willing to leave there house for £150 to work hard on the ground unless there promised an early finish with an exact time of finish. Also it seems every other person is either a tree surgeon or knows someone that does it on the side up ladders etc. You can have all the passion you want but when your up quoting against, travellers, and homeowners that seem to know the value of your trade but yet have never done it themselves and can dictate what they feel you deserve to earn. Let me know your thoughts.