Let me preface this with 'I am afraid of heights'. I do get up high more often than I like, but I have been having a hard time finding good information on tree climbing and rigging. Mind you, I am by no means looking to become a climbing arborist, but I would like to learn more about how it's done. I've watched youtube videos, read some library books on rope climbing and rescue, scoured the internet machine, but there is not much out there. I may try offering free labor to an arborist just to watch it done. I would like to be able to climb to the first crotch to limb some trees that are not right on top of a structure. I won't even think about attempting it until I understand MUCH more, just having a tough time gaining the knowledge. I guess I am more of a knowledge slut than anything, truth be told, I'll probably never get off the ground...
At the G2G Scott will be climbing, one is a sugar maple that needs to have some pieces removed prior to dropping the trunk. And another big pine that doesn't need to be climbed but may do it for fun if anyone wants to try climbing. That pine is going to be dropped with a bowsaw, Scott is bringing one of his with! Would be a good time for all of us to learn something.
Here's a link capetown http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/for...oarders-club-get-together-official-thread.42/
Not very much any more.Used to a lot when I was younger though.Still have to climb ladders/scaffolding/concrete wall & column forms as part of my occupation.Easier than trees,even when you are older.
Apparently it's pretty much trial and error. Once you kill yourself a few times, you start to get the hang of it. I'd like to try a little, just to save some money around here, but I'm an old goat so I'm gonna need to get into shape....
Climbing is definitely something that takes practice and patience to learn, also you have to be able to suppress that fear of heights because you can not make mistakes when up in a tree. Most importantly you have to get a good harness and proper rope.......I've seen people climbing trees with nothing more than a lineman's belt and pole gaffs and that is NOT the way to do it! If you are using gaffs, you MUST use tree gaffs.....The longer spikes get you through the bark and into the wood. I've been climbing for quite some time and I've adapted myself to use some tried and tested techniques as well as some tricks of my own. Big thing is to know what a good knot is, and the proper knots for different situations. I, by no means, am as good as guys who do it every day......but I know all the basics and do it pretty much every weekend in spring, summer, and fall. Just climbed up a 40' white oak last week during a snowstorm to remove a snag over on the farm.......something I'd NEVER had considered even trying just 5 years ago. That said, practice is the best way to get better at climbing and limbing trees...... Anyway we'll be doing a simple demonstration at the GTG, I hope whoever is able to come out.can come and hang with us.....read up on climbing techniques and also look at some of the GOOD climbers on YouTube. August Hunicke is an AMAZING arborist.....watch some of his videos and be prepared to be AMAZED......
One does not always have to climb using ropes. For less than $100 you can buy a very lightweight climbing ladder that really works nice and makes it super easy to climb trees. Many of us do this every fall. Here is one example: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Amer...mbing+sticks&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products
If it is possible for me to come, I also will bring a couple things that may be of value and some different ideas too. Sure sounds like it should be a fun weekend.
Well I certainly hope you can come Dennis......that would be the icing on the cake! It will be a GREAT time with great food and friends.......that's what this place is all about!
