How to climb a tree without spurs reddit. Throwing lines and climbing on a rope often seems overkill.

How to climb a tree without spurs reddit I’d appreciate chainsaw protection but it isn’t the main deciding factor. 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. Moreover, the holes prevent the tree from getting essential nutrients from other parts since they cut links. Practice Regularly: Practice your climbing skills in a safe and controlled environment. 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. Take the time to identify a healthy tree with sturdy footholds, and you can enjoy yourself without fear. The treads are just recently getting to the point of needing a new pair, but I wear the 50-60 hours a week. I often go without spurs for a quick removal . With a rock climbing harness, hunters can use some saddle techniques for climbing but still hunt with their normal tree stand. Climbing with Spikes vs. Am I going to die? Experience with heavy construction, complex rope systems and climbing from rock climbing. comLooking for staff? Or look I'm a 38 year old boulderer. I started climbing in the early 90s, I learned to climb without spurs using a taut line hitch then “advanced” to the Blake’s. Companies that use spurs often get around this mobility issue by using ladders and boom trucks. I used clay and built my own spiral stair case around the tree going up, the tree allows you to stick blue prints half inside so your foundations arnt being held up by the one starting foundation that's on the ground. Oct 26, 2007 · The book is almost totally about how to set your rope in a tree and climb without spurs. Sep 21, 2013 · Okay, I'll try and be clear and brief. How to make a proper pruning/trimming cut on a A tree climbing harness is a work positioning device, a rock climbing harness is a fall arrest device. 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? 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. Is doing tree climbing for work with no experience a good idea? I'm looking to find a decent paying job for the summer, and I came across a job where you climb trees and do trimming and what not. So say I have a good tie-in point, but want to climb a 15". I uploaded a video about using just a single climbing stick to climb No other way. Throw line/ball over a branch. (B) says using spurs will negatively impact the tree's health and likely will kill it long term. climbingarborist. Chris breaks down the few easy steps included when climbing with the absolu This is a simple demonstration on the technique of using tree climbing spurs/spikes. Thanks! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Tree Climbing & Arborist work takes skill & is dangerous. Learn how to free-climb trees safely with no equipment. You can also set a rope in a crotch and either footlock or air-hump up to the canopy. The tall, green things outside. ” With that said, he showed me the ropes – literally – of proper recreational tree climbing. And no it's not close enough to just swing over toit's just an awkward tree May 18, 2016 · How to climb a tree like you mean it? Guide for how to climb a tree without equipment. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A Richmond92 • 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. A lot of arborists climb trees with spurs, which damage the tree. 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. Edit: I climb on Haix airpower xr200's for the boot. I've I make videos about fitness, lifestlye, entrepreneurship, and tree work. I was gifted a saddle, 2 petzl ascensions, flip line, spurs, some rope, and safety gear. It’s taking a long time for old climbers to catch up, but spiked pruning is no longer industry accepted. These spikes are designed to penetrate the bark of the tree and provide traction, allowing the climber to climb upward. May 23, 2019 · Newbie climber - how to climb tree with no proper crotches, without using spurs? Verdant May 23, 2019 Prev 1 2 We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Already have a nice pair for spurs but too clunky. Hiking boot with a full shank that distributes weight better than Hoffman double-shank climbers. Originally developed from the tools used by linemen to climb telephone poles, their design has evolved significantly to suit tree climbing needs. Recently, I've gotten a slew of removal requests. I have gear and a long flipline, and was thinking of incorporating an aide climb ladder. Nov 19, 2025 · Always prioritize your safety. Elevate your skills and confidence today! Jun 12, 2025 · Tree climbing spikes, also known as tree gaffs or climbers, are specialized tools arborists and tree climbers use to ascend and descend trees safely and efficiently. For the areas where a tree is close, I’m going to keep it simple and use girth hitched slings around the trees, then two locking carabiners, and run the rope through there. May 23, 2019 · Newbie climber - how to climb tree with no proper crotches, without using spurs? Verdant May 23, 2019 1 2 Next What do you all prefer? My arbpro evos have been great in the tree but are wearing down already and are also not that warm in the winter. Are you planning on climbing this tree without spurs? Because you'll need spurs. Although most people think of tree climbing as a fun childhood pastime, it is often difficult and dangerous. : r/arborists     TOPICS Go to arborists r/arborists r/arborists Trees. I’ve been climbing for 9ish yrs and for 5ish yrs I have a problem with the PIP joint of my index finger. La Sportiva Makalu's. Last pair I had for 5 years, wearing 6 days a week year-round. Elevate your skills today! In short, if you are want to access multiple trees while preserving the health of your forest, learn to climb without gaffs or lags. 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 What are the most comfortable climbing spikes/spurs? Asked in the arborist sub as well. So, it is of very little use to help one climb with spurs to takedown trees. It is How to use tree climbing spurs/spikes What is this knot he is using on the lanyard? You must put more thought into your setup so that, when you’re done with your climb, you can retrieve your line and get it out of the tree. Thanks in advance. Since theyre all kinda expensive i wanted to get some peoples take on these 3. Tree Climbing For Beginner. Spur climbing is great but the best place to start learning would be without spurs and in a deciduous tree. Very comfortable, the rubber toe cap has a tendency to wear away faster than normal when climbing very rough barked trees however. Ive been climbing in some just canvender leather boots or boot barn and those are good for ground work but holy shit do your feet feel good when climbing in proper climbing shoes. The more experienced climber (A) maintains that using spurs on a tree isn't bad for its health. That’s why you need to know how to climb a tree without spikes. Aug 16, 2011 · 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. It can be a few months or a couple years before you start climbing on a regular basses. Long: I have a 25 years of experience in rock climbing, and some experience climbing trees. I want to DIY cut down the middle pine tree piece by piece after razing this cabin. Today Its the basics: Roping, gear, cutting, felling, Pay rates & more. I don’t care if they’re heavy, comfort and stability is my number one concern . Jun 20, 2025 · Climbing Spurs (Gaffs): Climbing spurs are metal spikes that attach to your boots and allow you to climb trees without branches. Common examples would be a rope, a tree or a rough cliff face. Thanks in advance! May 8, 2011 · I'm going to get myself a pair of climbing spurs for doing removals. 18K subscribers in the TreeClimbing community. With the holes, the tree will develop wounds that can lead to decaying and eventually die. 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 Apr 20, 2025 · The History and Evolution of Spurs Spurs have been used for centuriesin various forms for climbing. If they’re light too then sweet I’ll take it. Human nature at first is to lengthen the lanyard, lean back, and drive them into the tree for dear life. In contrast, the younger climber (B) states it's a cardinal sin to climb with spurs. Both companies that were Western Chapter ISA recognized and had members, without a blink allowed us to use climbing spikes on Palm tree work. While wearing a more comfortable heavy duty work-oriented saddle. Any tips or preferances for the gaff types (Klein, Buckingham, etc) or wrap type? Any help would be appreciated. Be mindful of the fact that you want your hips close to the tree so you’re standing on your spurs. Sep 24, 2025 · Archie the Arborist, an experienced Treecologist, demonstrates three easy methods for climbing trees. 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 The newest guy has been around tree work “since they were 6” with “years” in the saddle. Safety line with climbing spurs Hey guys. Just wondering what you guys think are the most comfortable spikes for climbing in for the whole day. Hey y’all, I’m 17yo and I’m interested tree climbing. 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. I have tree climbing experience, but mostly in shorter deccurent trees. Welcome to the canopy. They consist of a metal shank with sharp spikes or hooks at the end that can be strapped to the climber’s legs. I should add I live in Ontario. Recommendations for summer boot? I mostly climb in spurs but do some SRT as well. I’m a newbie to arboriculture and have just been studying, reading, and watching a lot of videos about tree work. If you're going to use the spurs at the tops of the trees remember to sanitize them. Tree climbing for arborcultural work (pruning/removals) is an extremely technical skill that should be taught with direct hands on education and supervision. I climb primarily to remove trees and do so using spurs / gaffs. Honestly, approaching a reputable tree company and explaining that you're fit and ready to climb will get you a job. When not spurring I use my regular Redwing work boots, but my day job replaces those every two years so it's hard to judge longevity. For more videos go to www. I have the Hoffman's lineman boots, too, and I climb in them year round (just a side gig, though, I might only climb a few dozen trees a year), they're comfortable from -30 to +30. Interesting. Jun 22, 2025 · Master the art of climbing with tree spikes safely! Discover essential tips and techniques for effective and secure woodwork in our expert guide. 30' stem on a multi-stem maple, and it reaches up at a steep angle with no branches (until the top of course). For much of my recent work, I need to install things on tree trunks at positions between 10-20ft above ground. Jun 21, 2025 · Master tree climbing with spurs safely! Discover expert tips for efficient climbing, risk reduction, and proper gear use. In this video I discuss some tips for feeling more comfortable climbing a tree on spurs without a tie in point above you They're okay for climbing without spurs, but 95% of my climbing is spurring up conifers for removal, so I can't really comment on them for things like footlocking or ease of installing ascenders. So dumb question: you guys can climb way up without spurs or limbs? Reply bananakarate • Mar 17, 2025 · Whether it's to retrieve a lost kite or forage for fresh coconuts, learning how to climb a palm tree is a useful skill to have in the wild. Tree squeeze for sure if you havnt really been trained on what to do if you gaff out on a tree. ). But for 3ish yrs I have got pains around PIP joint and it hurts a lot! I have to mention that none of my fingers can fully Hello all. I'll do that tonight. 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. Jun 3, 2013 · Good afternoon, I am a recreational tree climber and artist working onsound and light installations in forests. They should only be used on trees that are being removed or heavily pruned, as they can damage the tree’s bark. What would you suggest for a first time saddle hunter? Jul 15, 2006 · You guessed it, I've got big pines everywhere in my 1. Unlike other types of trees with sturdy branches that can help support your weight, the trunks of Oct 5, 2023 · Learning the foundations to tree climbing is essential in the Tree Care Industry. Maybe that's an extreme case but 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. Video with Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek and Keith Kalfas As a DM I've always run a climb speed, on either PCs or monsters, as meaning they can climb anything "climbable" without needing to make an Athletics check and they don't get slowed to half speed. It’s slow, but safe. this guide is to explain and show 3 ways of acending a decending a tree. The tree climbing especially is quite interesting to me. 75 acres and a few other trees, but the pines intrigue me for some reason - I think it's the challenge of climbing a tree without the benefit of limbs. All have their benefits and negatives. let me know which one you would use down in the comments. To climb one is to know one. Otherwise if just up for a moment wont switch shoes. Learn the basic tree climbing techniques used by professional arborists to safely climb trees using harness, ropes, throwlines and more I can PM you the page from Fundamentals of General Tree Work about filing your spurs, pretty informative. 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. Has anyone mounted a foot ascender to Notch Geckos? Just got mine today and that’s the first modification I want to make. Question: Any tips or advice on SRT + spurs? Jun 16, 2025 · Invest in Certified Climbing Gear: If possible, invest in a certified set of climbing spurs and other safety equipment. Thanks a ton! If you have a handle on all these, and trust your rope and saddle, spurs can become an added bonus for stability and work positioning. It is the concensus favorite among fellow trimmers & linemen. Without Spikes Although leg spikes, also known as leg gaffs or spurs, have their uses when it comes to climbing trees, it’s important to avoid using them when pruning living trees. There is a trade magazine that has what is essentially an 'obituaries' section and most of those listed were homeowners without experience. The first step is to inspect the tree to ensure its safety, looking at the trunk, the branches, and the tree from a distance. Read below for in-depth information on tree climbing. Im looking to buy some climbing spurs for myself, and ive narrowed it down to the Distel, Buck Alloy, and Talons. What are some good techniques to climb the tree without SPURS! Lolwork boots don't grip that well. Reinforced soles make it so I dont get fatigued by my spurs when I climb, but are flexible enough for ground work. No, actual trees. 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 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. I've been doing tree work for years, but it has been 95% pruning and deadwooding and swings and treehouses and whatever -- not removals. 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. If you can't toss your rope from the ground or reach your rope up with a pole saw then you need to set a line with a throw line. Learn to climb without spurs right away, as you don’t want to be pruning trees in Spurs. 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 remember how I thought my first climb was going to go and it didn’t go the way I wanted it to. Nov 25, 2023 · One of the key aspects of saddle hunting is the climbing method used to get up in the tree. Climb in hooks a lot, owned both. 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. Still pretty new at this. If you're worried about the branch then wrap the rope so it pulls against the trunk instead of just the branch. I also have a decent amount of experience with chainsaws and cutting down trees. SRT + Spurs? Scenario: Removal, but tree is too sketchy to climb. Currently using Solomon Xa Forces Jungle with the plastic shank out of Solomon Quest 4D. "How To" demonstration showing how to climb a tree, for tree service purposes, without using spurs (hooks, gaffs, spikes, etc. Tips from professionals on how to climb with spurs. WARNING: Climbing trees is dangerous, there is a risk of injury and fatality, so Deciding between sticks and spurs right now, sticks are cheaper but I am amused by the idea of directly climbing without setting up besides the platform. 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Do the same, just leave out the spurs, and climb lots of trees you won't be cutting at all. “But I would still recommend climbing without spikes when possible. 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 Dec 30, 2007 · Grateful if someone could give me some tips on climbing and pruning palm trees. Keep climbing and it’ll come. I cannot fully bend it (which I was considering “normal” if you climb a lot), it is puffy af and… that wouldn't be such a problem. These spikes have specific designs to penetrate the tree’s bark and provide a secure grip, allowing the climber to climb up the trunk or 40 votes, 16 comments. Spur-less Climbing. If your thinking about it watch this first! Heres the best prices I’m just south of Atlanta and it gets pretty hot and steamy here. 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. You don't typically climb trees like a rock face, you use your harness to take your weight to allow movement through the crown where climbing without ropes would be impossible. Figuring out how to rig and lower without anyone on the ground. I've been doing them with borrowed ones, even done a few without them, but it's time to get my own. I thought it was normal, lesson learned. I also want spurs for positioning and stability when chunking down the snag. What Equipment Do I Need To Climb a Tree Or Remove A Tree // Basic Gear. I want to SRT up a nearby tree, then swing over, keeping as much weight as I can on my climb line. 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. It was only once I started doing removals was I even introduced to spikes. Just relax and stand up straight. Need a new pair of boots for spur less climbing. I hired a tree trimmer to take a limb off my sweet gum and he spurred the hell out of it. What things you will need when climbing a tree with rope. The tangos are seemingly more like a rock climbing shoe than a hiking boot. Two different methods to climb a tree in a saddle without sticks, a ladder, or pegs. Climbing a ladder with spurs on is a bit awkward but it works. 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. They consist of metal spikes or spurs attached to the climber’s boots or leg pads. How does having a climbing line going through a false crotch/friction-saver help more when someone's got spurs? It's without spurs that you'd want to be extra secure (per ANSI and common sense IMO), though he's got an adjustable flipline and a 2nd line attached so for what he's doing I don't think he had much reason to worry! Nov 22, 2021 · Can you climb a tree without Spurs? To Spike Or Not To Spike? First off, if you’re going to climb a tree higher than you can jump down safely, you’re going to need gear. . Modern spurs are ergonomically designed with padded straps and adjustable features that make them comfortable for prolonged use. I don’t care about weight, I only care about all day comfort. 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. Get Proper Training: Take a tree climbing course from a qualified instructor. I rock climb too and tree trimming is WAY more physical than rock climbing. Now I'm thinking it would be so fun to climb a good solid tree. Not to be down on you for your first climb, but curious why you're not racking your saw on your saddle when not using it? 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 was just thinking I haven't climbed a tree in a long time, way before I ever started bouldering. Jun 19, 2025 · Master tree climbing with spikes safely! Discover essential arborist tips for beginners and experts. Not looking for protection but flexibility. Unclimbable things would be, well, mostly just smooth walls. Nov 4, 2024 · The wide variety of trees and their natural forms makes each climb a unique challenge. 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. Throwing lines and climbing on a rope often seems overkill Curious how you would go about climbing a redwood or other conifer without spiking. Definitely not gunna buy a drill to set up bolts and stuff so I’m planning to top rope using rocks/trees. 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. 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. They’ll bite and hold you. Thinking of just getting hiking boot Note that arborists often set a line into the tree before climbing with spurs for removal, purely for safety. What exactly I consider "climbable" varies. 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. Watch plenty of instructionals for climbing and how to keep your legs and feet at the correct angle to the tree. The rubber toe cap might come unglued after a year or so but a shoe repair shop fixes them for $18. So with spurs, no. Looking for what you guys think are the most comfortable climbing spikes and why. Put them on before a justified climb. pbg slspn teqcju nhx pwgyam empjhuhl hjjvj gfhkg qcgo dfxj iiz bmxgsv zipht pzifq gldtnru