Arborist Lloyd Rumbolt carefully eyes his next move high above the ground as he trims a tree in Vermilion. Did you know that ‘Hangman’s Tree’ is the name of Peter Pan’s hideout in the 1953 Disney film, ‘Peter Pan’? Photo Angela Mouly
Though we seldom hear of him or see him for that matter; there is a youthful tree climber and adventurer that in all the land chose to call Vermilion home.
Lloyd Rumbolt has been living in Vermilion for the last three years and working as an Arborist for his own company, Lloyd’s Limbs for the last two years. The few who have gazed upward and seen him at work have been awed by his artistry. Enamored with his ease spinning through the air and leaping from lofty tree tops, Rumbolt has his onlookers hooked!
“As a climbing Arborist for more than 20 years, I have been referred to as many different names including Spiderman, Tarzan, Monkey Man; and the list goes on. It’s always fun to hear it from an excited child as he tries to alert whoever is near,” said Rumbolt.
Peter Pan is known for being able to sense danger that is near. The author of ‘Peter Pan,’ J. M. Barrie, said that Peter Pan is, “a beautiful boy with a beautiful smile. He is clad in skeleton leaves and the juices that flow from trees.”
Surrounded in a leafy haven, Lloyd Rumbolt trims a tree in Vermilion. Photo Angela Mouly
Rumbolt prepares by assessing tasks in the trees while looking for any hazards or obstacles to plan around. These would include overhead utility services, large dead or broken limbs that could dislodge and fall uncontrolled, wasp or bee activity, structural integrity of the tree, trip hazards on the ground, and risk of vehicular incidence.
“From a thorough inspection, I can devise a plan with proper tools to carry out the process and mitigate and control hazards,” said Rumbolt.
All of his gear is engineered and rated to current industry specifics compliant with WCB regulations. Rumbolt’s safety gear includes an arborist grade climbing harness, lifeline, secondary attachment lanyards, carabiners, protective chainsaw pants, work boots, safety glasses, a helmet, and hearing protection.
Lloyd Rumbolt, secure with a lifeline, is a lofty 70 feet in the air cutting down this tree in Vermilion. Photo submitted
“For me the obvious difference between the characters listed above, and the methods I employ to do my work safely are my ‘work positioning system’ and personal protective equipment,” said Rumbolt.
His level of experience being entirely professional is perhaps what makes Rumbolt’s skills seem fantastical while gliding swiftly from branch to branch.
Originally from Newfoundland, with a background in forestry, Rumbolt trained as an Arborist in Calgary.
“The child in me came out and said, ‘I want to climb trees for a living,’” said Rumbolt.
From there, he spent ten years on the west coast but found Vermilion would make a good place to raise a family.
“Looking at smaller towns in the region, Vermilion had a lot to offer,” said Rumbolt who is now a part of the Environment Committee.
Can you spot Vermilion’s Peter Pan-Lloyd Rumbolt? Photo submitted
“I chose this as a profession. Along the way, I gathered a lot of information on how to do it properly and how to get the best result for the client and the tree. Being a member of the International Society of Arborists helps me to continue to learn and grow my skills. Trees are a long-term commitment. Aside from aesthetics, trees have health benefits and require an investment of time and money. Maintenance keeps them healthy longer and could ensure the longevity of your investment and the risk of your health and safety. At the end of the day, I like seeing the finished results,” said Rumbolt.