how many years climbing?

robdog · 24th February 2008, 02:26 AM

Been since 1982 now and it has been great for us here especialy me.Did the usuall spikes and a buckstrap for a few years until I discovered rope.Thank god for rope.How many years did that add to our lives?
any way this is my first time back and I hope to be in here more.I am still doing it and my guys love haveing me out on the (hard) trees) if not to see the dinasaur in the tree.ha!

treevet · 24th February 2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robdog

Been since 1982 now and it has been great for us here especialy me.Did the usuall spikes and a buckstrap for a few years until I discovered rope.Thank god for rope.How many years did that add to our lives?
any way this is my first time back and I hope to be in here more.I am still doing it and my guys love haveing me out on the (hard) trees) if not to see the dinasaur in the tree.ha!

If you think you re a dinosaur, you ll find company on this forum. I started in 1969, then couple of years in USMC, then non stop to now. Still climb any time, but in 1992 I added a couple of buckets, 55 and 75 to my business. I stay fit by weights and running/racquetball most days of week and haven t gotten fat or bad injuries. Buckets on takedowns have made my 2 man operation very profitable and climbing for td s and pruning enjoyable.

RandyMac · 24th February 2008, 03:08 AM

Zero, I trim trees with my feet on the ground.

TREEMONKEY · 24th February 2008, 03:26 AM

almost 5 years 2 just on spurs 3 with a rope. I have rock climbed for 13 years.

TreeDimensional · 24th February 2008, 03:52 AM

I've been climbing for nine years. I am a late bloomer, that didn't realize the career potential in the tree care industry. I have to say I have never pruned a tree with gaffs on. Our catch-up phase of hazard tree removals is mostly done, so now we are on a tree preservation mode. I like to be efficient so I will use the bucket when I can, but about a third of the trees we work are climbers.

Climbing is a enjoyable art, that is also a great way to keep in shape. It also shows the client that not all the stuff we do involves the internal combustion engine. I love the fight with gravity, but even better yet is the feel of the dynamics of the tree as it sways and twists in the breeze. Compaired to flyin' the bucket, there is a peace in climbing. Then ya get snappped back to reality and earn your pay.

robdog · 24th February 2008, 05:27 AM

well I gues I am just getting started then..keep a good tiein guys!!

newguy18 · 24th February 2008, 08:50 AM

I don't do trees full time yet but started last summer.

robdog · 24th February 2008, 10:21 AM

speedlinein is my finest moment here in the ponderosas!

robdog · 24th February 2008, 10:23 AM

ponderosa speedline is video for students here in local mountains.

dannyboysfc · 24th February 2008, 02:07 PM

Just started climbing about 6 months ago, I've been doing tree work from a bucket for a lot longer than that though.

bigshea13 · 24th February 2008, 03:20 PM

climbed and removed my first tree when i was 16. was fascinated by chainsaws. my old man was always cutting wood and it was kinda like a right of passage for me....for him i was 14 yr old cheap labor. climbing was way better than the wood splitter and the wheel barrow

treevet · 24th February 2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshea13

climbed and removed my first tree when i was 16. was fascinated by chainsaws. my old man was always cutting wood and it was kinda like a right of passage for me....for him i was 14 yr old cheap labor. climbing was way better than the wood splitter and the wheel barrow

How long ago, or when did you start, Bigshea?

bigshea13 · 24th February 2008, 03:36 PM

im thiry one now. did private work climbing and trimming smaller trees in high school......got into the utility gig when i was 20{my cousin got me on} doing mainly off road tap climbing and larger removals....started my own side deal shortly after doing private work on my days off. hired my younger brother onto my climbing crew when he was 20 and we re both still doing it.

FlashD · 24th February 2008, 04:24 PM

i just started climbing this past week. i've been interested in tree work for just about a year now though and i'm hoping to get my first job working in the biz this summer.

treevet · 24th February 2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashD

i just started climbing this past week. i've been interested in tree work for just about a year now though and i'm hoping to get my first job working in the biz this summer.

If you haven t already, get some reference material, either videos (ISA, etc.), or Jepson's climbing manual. Practice every day, even 8 hours if the time is available, just like an athlete or musician, etc. would. You've got about 2 and a half months until things get crazy. If you can hire on as an apprentice climber you won't end up with a rake in your hand all day. You also need to know some basics about tree biology so you don t injure any trees in the process. A lot will have to do with your attitude, potential and maybe with how much you practice in this period.

Just trying to be helpful.

bigshea13 · 24th February 2008, 04:46 PM

yeah cuz rakes suck

treevet · 24th February 2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshea13

yeah cuz rakes suck

Unless you got to put one over the boss'es head.

Therrin · 24th February 2008, 05:47 PM

5 years climbing trees, 12 years rock climbing instructor / rescue.

Robdog, you mentioned having been in the game since 1982...
that's a year before I was a lusty gleam in my parents eyes. Maybe if TW is around for another 20 or 30 years then I can get on someday and be like "I've been doing this for 35 years!"

But until then, I gotta stick with my low numbers

Can you guys imagine how cranky and crotchety Ekka will be in 20 years?

Streyken · 24th February 2008, 07:06 PM

Been in the business longer, but started climbing full-time in 89.

newguy18 · 25th February 2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therrin

5 years climbing trees, 12 years rock climbing instructor / rescue.

Robdog, you mentioned having been in the game since 1982...
that's a year before I was a lusty gleam in my parents eyes. Maybe if TW is around for another 20 or 30 years then I can get on someday and be like "I've been doing this for 35 years!"

But until then, I gotta stick with my low numbers

Can you guys imagine how cranky and crotchety Ekka will be in 20 years?

pomme · 25th February 2008, 03:58 AM

20 years this month where does the time go. got to say i aint as quick as i used to be but have shown up more than 1 young pup. sometimes there is no substitute for experience.

treevet · 25th February 2008, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pomme

20 years this month where does the time go. got to say i aint as quick as i used to be but have shown up more than 1 young pup. sometimes there is no substitute for experience.

Pomme, 20 years exp puts you at the top of the food chain.

Keep the shiny side up on that hot rod in the avatar and you ll get 20 more (40, 60, ?)

FlashD · 25th February 2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treevet

If you haven t already, get some reference material, either videos (ISA, etc.), or Jepson's climbing manual. Practice every day, even 8 hours if the time is available, just like an athlete or musician, etc. would. You've got about 2 and a half months until things get crazy. If you can hire on as an apprentice climber you won't end up with a rake in your hand all day. You also need to know some basics about tree biology so you don t injure any trees in the process. A lot will have to do with your attitude, potential and maybe with how much you practice in this period.

Just trying to be helpful.

i'm actually studying arboriculture right now and working on investing in some climbing gear so i can get practicing. i really don't mind handling a rake. i'd rather start at the bottom so when i'm at the top i feel like i deserve it.

newguy18 · 25th February 2008, 07:07 AM

Get the fundamentals of general trree work and the tree climbers companion both are really great books,also the isa official study is good too.

You can get the first 2 here,A Tree Story: books and videos by Gerald F Beranek.

jim1nz · 25th February 2008, 07:12 AM

Where abouts in the midwest are you mate?

pomme · 25th February 2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlashD

i'm actually studying arboriculture right now and working on investing in some climbing gear so i can get practicing. i really don't mind handling a rake. i'd rather start at the bottom so when i'm at the top i feel like i deserve it.

find a mentor and learn all you can. its not all in a book, watch and learn

newguy18 · 25th February 2008, 09:26 AM

So true pomme i wish i had a mentor to show me the ropes.

FlashD · 25th February 2008, 01:25 PM

well, i'm a horticulture student at Kansas State University. over the past couple of years i've just really developed a passion for trees. my arboriculture teacher is an amazing woman and she's trying to get me hooked up with a local arborist to really learn the ropes.

any advice or information any of you care to share with me would be absolutely invaluable to me. learning is the name of the game.

newguy18 · 25th February 2008, 02:07 PM

If yuo've never climbed before start off with a hitch that is fool proof like the tautline or blakes nothing to complicated basically until you get a year or two under your belt keep it a k.i.s.s factor.Stick around here and you'll gets lots of great advice and don't be afraid to ask a question about anything.

FlashD · 25th February 2008, 05:14 PM

right now, all i care to use is the DdRT with a bowline holding me in, a good old Blakes Hitch and some solid body thrusting. eventually i'd like to learn some other tricks and probably SRT, but for now this does just fine.

24th February 2008, 02:26 AM	#1
robdog Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: HIGH DESERT Posts: 9	how many years climbing? Been since 1982 now and it has been great for us here especialy me.Did the usuall spikes and a buckstrap for a few years until I discovered rope.Thank god for rope.How many years did that add to our lives? any way this is my first time back and I hope to be in here more.I am still doing it and my guys love haveing me out on the (hard) trees) if not to see the dinasaur in the tree.ha! Last edited by Eric Frei; 24th February 2008 at 11:47 AM. Reason: links to other forums/chat not permitted

24th February 2008, 03:08 AM	#3
RandyMac Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NW California Posts: 86	Re: how many years climbing? Zero, I trim trees with my feet on the ground.

24th February 2008, 03:26 AM	#4
TREEMONKEY Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ONTARIO, CANADA Posts: 93	Re: how many years climbing? almost 5 years 2 just on spurs 3 with a rope. I have rock climbed for 13 years. __________________

24th February 2008, 03:52 AM	#5
TreeDimensional Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 426	Re: how many years climbing? I've been climbing for nine years. I am a late bloomer, that didn't realize the career potential in the tree care industry. I have to say I have never pruned a tree with gaffs on. Our catch-up phase of hazard tree removals is mostly done, so now we are on a tree preservation mode. I like to be efficient so I will use the bucket when I can, but about a third of the trees we work are climbers. Climbing is a enjoyable art, that is also a great way to keep in shape. It also shows the client that not all the stuff we do involves the internal combustion engine. I love the fight with gravity, but even better yet is the feel of the dynamics of the tree as it sways and twists in the breeze. Compaired to flyin' the bucket, there is a peace in climbing. Then ya get snappped back to reality and earn your pay.

24th February 2008, 05:27 AM	#6
robdog Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: HIGH DESERT Posts: 9	Re: how many years climbing? well I gues I am just getting started then..keep a good tiein guys!!

24th February 2008, 08:50 AM	#7
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: how many years climbing? I don't do trees full time yet but started last summer. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

24th February 2008, 10:21 AM	#8
robdog Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: HIGH DESERT Posts: 9	Re: how many years climbing? speedlinein is my finest moment here in the ponderosas!

24th February 2008, 10:23 AM	#9
robdog Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: HIGH DESERT Posts: 9	Re: how many years climbing? ponderosa speedline is video for students here in local mountains.

24th February 2008, 02:07 PM	#10
dannyboysfc Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California Posts: 183	Re: how many years climbing? Just started climbing about 6 months ago, I've been doing tree work from a bucket for a lot longer than that though.

24th February 2008, 03:20 PM	#11
bigshea13 Former Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: super 8 motels Posts: 361	Re: how many years climbing? climbed and removed my first tree when i was 16. was fascinated by chainsaws. my old man was always cutting wood and it was kinda like a right of passage for me....for him i was 14 yr old cheap labor. climbing was way better than the wood splitter and the wheel barrow

24th February 2008, 03:36 PM	#13
bigshea13 Former Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: super 8 motels Posts: 361	Re: how many years climbing? im thiry one now. did private work climbing and trimming smaller trees in high school......got into the utility gig when i was 20{my cousin got me on} doing mainly off road tap climbing and larger removals....started my own side deal shortly after doing private work on my days off. hired my younger brother onto my climbing crew when he was 20 and we re both still doing it.

24th February 2008, 04:24 PM	#14
FlashD Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 213	Re: how many years climbing? i just started climbing this past week. i've been interested in tree work for just about a year now though and i'm hoping to get my first job working in the biz this summer.

24th February 2008, 04:46 PM	#16
bigshea13 Former Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: super 8 motels Posts: 361	Re: how many years climbing? yeah cuz rakes suck

24th February 2008, 05:47 PM	#18
Therrin Former Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 2,512	Re: how many years climbing? 5 years climbing trees, 12 years rock climbing instructor / rescue. Robdog, you mentioned having been in the game since 1982... that's a year before I was a lusty gleam in my parents eyes. Maybe if TW is around for another 20 or 30 years then I can get on someday and be like "I've been doing this for 35 years!" But until then, I gotta stick with my low numbers Can you guys imagine how cranky and crotchety Ekka will be in 20 years?

24th February 2008, 07:06 PM	#19
Streyken Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 150	Re: how many years climbing? Been in the business longer, but started climbing full-time in 89. __________________ Trimmin' bush and caring for flowers is good 'n' all... but sometimes ya gotta let the big wood fly and pound the garden.

25th February 2008, 03:58 AM	#21
pomme Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: england Posts: 251	Re: how many years climbing? 20 years this month where does the time go. got to say i aint as quick as i used to be but have shown up more than 1 young pup. sometimes there is no substitute for experience.

25th February 2008, 07:07 AM	#24
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: how many years climbing? Get the fundamentals of general trree work and the tree climbers companion both are really great books,also the isa official study is good too. You can get the first 2 here,A Tree Story: books and videos by Gerald F Beranek. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

25th February 2008, 07:12 AM	#25
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 476	Re: how many years climbing? Where abouts in the midwest are you mate? __________________ SPEED ALWAYS FOLLOWS TECHNIQUE

25th February 2008, 09:26 AM	#27
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: how many years climbing? So true pomme i wish i had a mentor to show me the ropes. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

25th February 2008, 01:25 PM	#28
FlashD Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 213	Re: how many years climbing? well, i'm a horticulture student at Kansas State University. over the past couple of years i've just really developed a passion for trees. my arboriculture teacher is an amazing woman and she's trying to get me hooked up with a local arborist to really learn the ropes. any advice or information any of you care to share with me would be absolutely invaluable to me. learning is the name of the game.

25th February 2008, 02:07 PM	#29
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: how many years climbing? If yuo've never climbed before start off with a hitch that is fool proof like the tautline or blakes nothing to complicated basically until you get a year or two under your belt keep it a k.i.s.s factor.Stick around here and you'll gets lots of great advice and don't be afraid to ask a question about anything. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

25th February 2008, 05:14 PM	#30
FlashD Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 213	Re: how many years climbing? right now, all i care to use is the DdRT with a bowline holding me in, a good old Blakes Hitch and some solid body thrusting. eventually i'd like to learn some other tricks and probably SRT, but for now this does just fine.

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