How to climb a tree without spurs reddit. How to make a proper pruning/trimming cut on a .

How to climb a tree without spurs reddit If they’re light too then sweet I’ll take it. I have gear and a long flipline, and was thinking of incorporating an aide climb ladder. Tips from professionals on how to climb with spurs. Honestly, approaching a reputable tree company and explaining that you're fit and ready to climb will get you a job. It’s taking a long time for old climbers to catch up, but spiked pruning is no longer industry accepted. Mar 10, 2025 · Climbing trees with no branches can be difficult, but as long as you do it safely, it can also be really fun! There are a couple of approaches you can take -- the front-foot technique and the frog technique. Get Proper Training: Take a tree climbing course from a qualified instructor. I started climbing in the early 90s, I learned to climb without spurs using a taut line hitch then “advanced” to the Blake’s. If your thinking about it w Curious how you would go about climbing a redwood or other conifer without spiking. I don’t care about weight, I only care about all day comfort. Question: Any tips or advice on SRT + spurs? How to use tree climbing spurs/spikes What is this knot he is using on the lanyard? Tree Climbing & Arborist work takes skill & is dangerous. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A Richmond92 • Jun 3, 2013 · Good afternoon, I am a recreational tree climber and artist working onsound and light installations in forests. Companies that use spurs often get around this mobility issue by using ladders and boom trucks. The front-foot technique is What are you climbing them for? If you're going to remove it just spike it. They’ll bite and hold you. If you're worried about the branch then wrap the rope so it pulls against the trunk instead of just the branch. They should only be used on trees that are being removed or heavily pruned, as they can damage the tree’s bark. I should add I live in Ontario. It can be a few months or a couple years before you start climbing on a regular basses. I remember how I thought my first climb was going to go and it didn’t go the way I wanted it to. So, it is of very little use to help one climb with spurs to takedown trees. Aug 17, 2011 · Hi! I can find lots of material about using SRT and DRT to climb the tree without spurs, but is it possible to climb the tree without the "climbing rope"? Something like replacing the spurs with some foot loops attached to the bole with slings or smth. Here are the types of submissions that belong here: * Trivia on your favorite specie * Photo of a particularly good-looking pine * News story on a parasite outbreak * Video of your mad tree-climbing skills * Question for the arborist hivemind * Praise for a rainforest conservation Allot of time iv seen the new guys get very little opportunity’s to get up in the trees because it takes along time for someone to be quick and productive while climbing and the bid on the job can’t afford that. Read below for in-depth information on tree climbing. Be mindful of the fact that you want your hips close to the tree so you’re standing on your spurs. I rock climb too and tree trimming is WAY more physical than rock climbing. The tree climbing especially is quite interesting to me. Thanks! Dec 30, 2007 · Grateful if someone could give me some tips on climbing and pruning palm trees. Figuring out how to rig and lower without anyone on the ground. Throwing lines and climbing on a rope often seems overkill Learn the basic tree climbing techniques used by professional arborists to safely climb trees using harness, ropes, throwlines and more Aug 14, 2025 · Master tree climbing with spurs safely! Discover expert Buckingham tips to enhance your ascent skills and ensure a secure, thrilling climb every time. Long: I have a 25 years of experience in rock climbing, and some experience climbing trees. 30' stem on a multi-stem maple, and it reaches up at a steep angle with no branches (until the top of course). Aug 15, 2002 · But how do arborist's climb a tree that's just to be pruned??? You can't wear spurs because they would damage the tree right?? So what's the procedure???" There are several ways to ascend into the canopy, I'm lazy and use a ladder where possible. Jun 20, 2025 · Climbing Spurs (Gaffs): Climbing spurs are metal spikes that attach to your boots and allow you to climb trees without branches. Just wondering what you guys think are the most comfortable spikes for climbing in for the whole day. Am I going to die? Experience with heavy construction, complex rope systems and climbing from rock climbing. Tree Climbing For Beginner. Oct 20, 2023 · Tree-climbing spikes, also known as tree spurs or gaffs, are specialized tools arborists and experienced tree climbers use to assist in ascending trees. . My answer might be different if climbing recreationally without spurs, as I’m nearly always on spurs and a flip-line in addition to my rope. Apr 7, 2012 · A few of my friends here in the Shuswap are World champion timber sports guys, now I know what yer goina say trees are harder to climb than poles, but on a 24' branchless fir these guys can haul ass up a tree with spurs and a flip line! Way faster than me! Almost running! Its scary actually. In particular do gaffs harm the tree? If not, then how long and what type have you found to be best? If they do, then what is the best method of climbing the tree without gaffs/spurs/spikes? The palm trees I am Spur climbing is great but the best place to start learning would be without spurs and in a deciduous tree. And no it's not close enough to just swing over toit's just an awkward tree No other way. I'll do that tonight. Jun 16, 2025 · Invest in Certified Climbing Gear: If possible, invest in a certified set of climbing spurs and other safety equipment. What Equipment Do I Need To Climb a Tree Or Remove A Tree // Basic Gear. ). Tree climbing for arborcultural work (pruning/removals) is an extremely technical skill that should be taught with direct hands on education and supervision. Oct 26, 2007 · The book is almost totally about how to set your rope in a tree and climb without spurs. There is a trade magazine that has what is essentially an 'obituaries' section and most of those listed were homeowners without experience. If there aren't any proper sized branches to secure yourself on, and you don't use spurs because you don't want to damage the tree, how would you climb up a birch like this? Spur-less Climbing. You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone in this forum advocating for anything less and if you do, I’d be suspect of their advice. I have tree climbing experience, but mostly in shorter deccurent trees. So with spurs, no. May 23, 2019 · Newbie climber - how to climb tree with no proper crotches, without using spurs? Verdant May 23, 2019 Prev 1 2 With the holes, the tree will develop wounds that can lead to decaying and eventually die. Nov 19, 2025 · Always prioritize your safety. It is I climb primarily to remove trees and do so using spurs / gaffs. While wearing a more comfortable heavy duty work-oriented saddle. Do the same, just leave out the spurs, and climb lots of trees you won't be cutting at all. It’s slow, but safe. The first step is to inspect the tree to ensure its safety, looking at the trunk, the branches, and the tree from a distance. Watch plenty of instructionals for climbing and how to keep your legs and feet at the correct angle to the tree. I’ve been trying to learn everything on my own but there’s so many different techniques and types of gear and it’s a A lot of arborists climb trees with spurs, which damage the tree. I uploaded a video about using just a single climbing stick to climb Sep 21, 2013 · Okay, I'll try and be clear and brief. May 18, 2016 · How to climb a tree like you mean it? Guide for how to climb a tree without equipment. That’s why you need to know how to climb a tree without spikes. Climbing a ladder with spurs on is a bit awkward but it works. For much of my recent work, I need to install things on tree trunks at positions between 10-20ft above ground. If not Not sure why a tree like that would need climbed, deadwood removal, I guess? Throw line/ball over a branch. May 23, 2019 · I basically just put a throwline over a crotch and can climb that, that's about the extent of my knowledge. Tree squeeze for sure if you havnt really been trained on what to do if you gaff out on a tree. Hey y’all, I’m 17yo and I’m interested tree climbing. I want to DIY cut down the middle pine tree piece by piece after razing this cabin. Looking for what you guys think are the most comfortable climbing spikes and why. So say I have a good tie-in point, but want to climb a 15". Note that arborists often set a line into the tree before climbing with spurs for removal, purely for safety. Still pretty new at this. But something I can’t seem to understand is why so many guys are only using a lineman’s belt/flip line when using spurs. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Get a cheap starter saddle, a length of climb line, a locking carabiner, and YouTube search "how to climb Blake's hitch" Mar 15, 2018 · Practice alot. I don’t care if they’re heavy, comfort and stability is my number one concern . This subreddit is for tree- and forestry-related posts. Plus learning how to make cuts that won't kill you or cause serious damage to your surroundings or your trees takes time and practice. Modern spurs are ergonomically designed with padded straps and adjustable features that make them comfortable for prolonged use. In contrast, the younger climber (B) states it's a cardinal sin to climb with spurs. You will have to learn from the ground up, literally, but this can absolutely be a 2-3 year track to being a well trained Rec climbing Those of you who Reccy climb in the Uk, where do you go and do you obtain permission first? I’m an arborist by trade but would like to climb some weekends to try out new techniques. Can anybody share how this can be I can PM you the page from Fundamentals of General Tree Work about filing your spurs, pretty informative. Keep climbing and it’ll come. Apr 20, 2025 · Originally developed from the tools used by linemen to climb telephone poles, their design has evolved significantly to suit tree climbing needs. If you're going to use the spurs at the tops of the trees remember to sanitize them. I want to SRT up a nearby tree, then swing over, keeping as much weight as I can on my climb line. Human nature at first is to lengthen the lanyard, lean back, and drive them into the tree for dear life. "How To" demonstration showing how to climb a tree, for tree service purposes, without using spurs (hooks, gaffs, spikes, etc. Maybe that's an extreme case but SRT + Spurs? Scenario: Removal, but tree is too sketchy to climb. By contrast, spurs do not allow the climber to access all parts of the tree because the climber on spurs is dependent on his spurs to stay in the tree and thus, must stay near the trunk. I also have a decent amount of experience with chainsaws and cutting down trees. What are some good techniques to climb the tree without SPURS! Lolwork boots don't grip that well. They consist of a metal shank with sharp spikes or hooks at the end that can be strapped to the climber’s legs. Learn to climb without spurs right away, as you don’t want to be pruning trees in Spurs. Moreover, the holes prevent the tree from getting essential nutrients from other parts since they cut links. I’ve worked in the industry as a groundsmen for a few months over the summer and I’m going back once I finish school. Both companies that were Western Chapter ISA recognized and had members, without a blink allowed us to use climbing spikes on Palm tree work. If you can't get an extension ladder tall enough, you will have to use your spurs above the ladder, but it will limit the holes to just the top part of the trees and not be too visible from the ground. No, actual trees. But let me tell you, after years in this business, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can go wrong if you’re not properly trained and equipped. : r/arborists     TOPICS Go to arborists r/arborists r/arborists Trees. Elevate your skills today! The more experienced climber (A) maintains that using spurs on a tree isn't bad for its health. Jun 21, 2025 · Master tree climbing with spurs safely! Discover expert tips for efficient climbing, risk reduction, and proper gear use. Safety line with climbing spurs Hey guys. Just relax and stand up straight. Burning a pole or a tree down 20ft is hard on the arms look into modding them for better leg and foot straps so they're easer to take off when at hunting height. What are the most comfortable climbing spikes/spurs? Asked in the arborist sub as well. Your going to realize his gear looks simple but it’s likely high end and looking around $2000 for spurs,saddle,handsaw,lanyard,rope, eye to eye hitch cord, 6x triple locking carabiners, micro pulley. Thanks a ton! Edit: I climb on Haix airpower xr200's for the boot. I’m a newbie to arboriculture and have just been studying, reading, and watching a lot of videos about tree work. I also want spurs for positioning and stability when chunking down the snag. When you use your spurs you need to stomp into the trunk as if you are stomping to crush a beer can. How to make a proper pruning/trimming cut on a Aug 16, 2011 · Hi! I can find lots of material about using SRT and DRT to climb the tree without spurs, but is it possible to climb the tree without the "climbing rope"? Something like replacing the spurs with some foot loops attached to the bole with slings or smth. shows up with all brand spanking new gear, so shiny it coulda been waxed and polished, takes 45 mins to finish limbing a 30ft fir that’d already had half the limbs taken off by a pole saw while they geared up, and then cut through their hinge and How to Climb a Tree with Spurs: Pro Tips for Safe Spur Use Tree climbing with spurs, also known as gaffs, can be a rewarding and efficient way to access the upper reaches of trees for pruning, removal, or inspection. Two different methods to climb a tree in a saddle without sticks, a ladder, or pegs. Sep 24, 2025 · Archie the Arborist, an experienced Treecologist, demonstrates three easy methods for climbing trees. I am decent at cutting down trees up to 80 feet tall, and have cut down trees that were leaning, to where I had to use wedges and 1 or 2 ropes on winches, etc. You can also set a rope in a crotch and either footlock or air-hump up to the canopy. These spikes are designed to penetrate the bark of the tree and provide traction, allowing the climber to climb upward. Video with Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek and Keith Kalfas Learn how to free-climb trees safely with no equipment. I'm wondering how you could climb this tree near to me - - the branches seem too small to attach to, and without using spurs I wonder how could it be climbed? Any tips on climbing trees that have a decent lean to them? I was hoping for some advice on how to climb/get comfortable on trees that have about a 65 to 75 degree angle without having a high tie and just being on your flip line. What things you will need when climbing a tree with rope. Are you planning on climbing this tree without spurs? Because you'll need spurs. Can anybody share how this can be Sep 1, 2023 · Discover How To Climb a Tree Without Spikes only using rope techniques and safety gear for a thrilling and safe ascent into the canopy. Today Its the basics: Roping, gear, cutting, felling, Pay rates & more. Practice Regularly: Practice your climbing skills in a safe and controlled environment. There are quite a few ways to get that done, but most hunters use variations of one of these three: Climbing Sticks — Portable, lightweight ladders placed against tree Screw-In/Strap-On Steps — Individual steps screwed or strapped onto tree Climbing Spurs — Boot spikes that allow climbing by We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In short, if you are want to access multiple trees while preserving the health of your forest, learn to climb without gaffs or lags. WARNING: Climbing trees is dangerous, there is a risk of injury and fatality, so . Nov 25, 2023 · One of the key aspects of saddle hunting is the climbing method used to get up in the tree. Question on tree gaffs/spikes - Are they really that bad for trees? And if so, what alternatives are there for getting 40-60 feet up in a tree with no branches (tall poplars/oaks)? I had the honor and privilege to prune, trim and remove many different species of Palm trees (lol!) in the Central Valley of California to Las Vegas Nevada. It was only once I started doing removals was I even introduced to spikes. I was gifted a saddle, 2 petzl ascensions, flip line, spurs, some rope, and safety gear. The tall, green things outside. The newest guy has been around tree work “since they were 6” with “years” in the saddle. With a rock climbing harness, hunters can use some saddle techniques for climbing but still hunt with their normal tree stand. (B) says using spurs will negatively impact the tree's health and likely will kill it long term. Very comfortable, the rubber toe cap has a tendency to wear away faster than normal when climbing very rough barked trees however. Although your tie in is normally used to lean against in most climbing scenarios, when doing spar work you are only using the tie in to descend down or evacuate in the event of an emergency.