Newbie question #2: tilted/small trees

DanInPhilly

When I finally do get up these (semi-)dead trees:

Some of them are vertical at the bottom, but start tilting/leaning as you go higher. That seems like a problem: if a tree leans too much, isn't there a chance of swinging to the downhill side and getting stuck with your full weight on the lanyard?

And trees get thinner as you go higher. What's the minimum diameter for spur climbing? I'd like to go high so I can cut off smaller bits (hence less damage to the nice plants below).

TIA,
Dan

Brodie

Hi Dan

Most guys I've talked to actually suggest to climb on the underside of a leaning tree to stop you swinging around the tree. Does it make it harder to advance your lanyard, pole strap or flip line well yes but all you need to do is treat it as you would if you were climbing a straight tree its just more effort to lean into the tree to relive the tension.

As for trees getting thinner well thats a by species answer over here in Australia I will put my life line on some fairly small stuff when working on Euc's. Its hard to say some species will break with bigger diameters than others. As for spiking well there are two things to consider 1) is the limb strong enough to hold a climbers weight and 2) can you secure both spurs into the tree so it gives you a stable footing.

Hope this helps and stay safe out there.

Eric Frei

Personally, cut off larger bits, lower, but use a lowering rope to prevent damage. To use this method means in many cases you have to get just above half height ... of course that depends on the tree and weight of section you are cutting off and rigging point etc.

__________________