The 7 Best Tree Climbing Gear for Successful Tree Work

Like any other plant, trees require constant care and maintenance. However, it is not easy to pay attention to all parts of your tree, especially if they’ve grown large and tall. 

To perform proper tree pruning and trimming, you will need the help of professional tree care services, which will keep them healthy and strong. This is because there are parts of a large or tall tree you can’t see or reach from the ground. And, when they get diseased or damaged, they could easily fall and cause damage and injuries. 

Although it is a dangerous undertaking that could lead to serious consequences, tree climbing can be successfully done with sufficient knowledge and the right equipment. However, having the right knowledge about the different equipment and gear is essential.

Here are the seven best tree climbing gear to climb trees professionally and safely.

1. Sit Harness

A harness is one of the most essential climbing gear you will need. By wearing one, you can secure yourself to your rope or lanyard and adjust your position more fluidly by wearing one. When carrying out a tree care task, you will need a more specific tree climbing harness called a sit harness. They are designed especially for tree work and differ from recreation harnesses most rock climbers use. A sit harness has a low central main attachment point and includes side “D” rings for lanyard attachment.

2. Lanyard

The lanyard, flip line, or pole strap is attached to the harness and is placed around the tree, providing security to the climber. It usually comes with a lanyard adjuster you can lengthen or shorten according to your desired position. Aside from allowing you to find a safe and comfortable work position, it also works as a secondary attachment while cutting your tree.

3. Climbing Rope

Undoubtedly, the best tree climbing gear you will need is a climbing rope. They are often called the lifeline of climbers because your life will certainly depend on them while hanging from your tree. You will need a rope designed specifically for tree climbing. They offer more protection and are stronger than any other random rope. The popular tree climbing ropes usually come in lengths of 35m to 60m. However, when carrying out tree cutting, it is highly recommended that the length of your rope should be double the height of the tree.

4. Prusik

Working on your tree will require you to go higher or lower, depending on which part will require some cuts. You will need a prusik knot to reach different levels of your tree. The prusik is a friction hitch used to attach a cord loop around a rope, applied in climbing. It is a simple and cost-effective tool that will help you adjust your position on the climbing rope, allowing you to ascend or descend the tree when necessary flexibly.

5. Carabiners

To secure yourself to ropes and safely perform a climbing task, you will also need climbing carabiners. They are strong metal connectors made of lightweight aluminium or steel and a triple-action locking gate. They are used to make secure connections between the above climbing rope, prusik, and lanyard to your harness. For climbing or cutting trees, you will need at least four karabiners in your climbing kit with different shapes and sizes.

6. Throw Line

A throw line is a common arborist gear used to install a rope to the tree quickly. It is a lightweight polyethylene line with a small throw weight. By using a throw line, you will not have to climb the tree to make your first rope tie, and you can safely remain on the ground while preparing to climb up your tree. Moreover, you can avoid injuries from repeatedly climbing your tree line.

7. Spurs

Spurs or spikes are used to help climbers walk up and down the tree trunk. They are attached to the worker’s boots through belt straps and work by stabbing into the wood at an angle that gives the climber a place to stand. Although it is useful in ensuring your safety, spurs can seriously harm your tree. Most professional arborists do not recommend their use for pruning and trimming work. You can, however, use them for tree felling and other climbing tasks.

With these seven best tree climbing gear in your climbing kit, you can be sure that you can quickly and safely access all parts of your large tree. Just don’t forget to wear the right personal protective equipment to ensure maximum defence from injuries and to protect your trees. Tree climbing is not a job you should ever take lightly, especially for beginners. If you are unsure about what you are doing, it’s best to find a tree specialist.

Keeping safety and the right techniques in mind

Using proper safety measures and the right tools is equally important as choosing the right gear. Also, you should always keep safety as your top priority to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries. This is where wearing the appropriate gears come into the picture. These include climbing helmets and harnesses. In addition, you must also ensure that all the equipment is working in good condition.

Apart from this, you should also prioritise using appropriate techniques for tree care. These include understanding and practising the correct climbing techniques, such as the three-point contact rule and maintaining a stable centre of gravity. These are essential for maintaining balance and stability when carrying out tree care and tree services in Sydney. Thus, you must always adhere to safety protocols and employ the right techniques to help you maintain overall safety. This is why opting for a reliable and experienced tree services company is highly recommended.

Searching for a company that offers optimum safety and uses the right techniques can be challenging. However, you can simplify this task by choosing Tall Timbers Tree Services. At Tall Timbers Tree Services, we offer quality services to improve the health of your trees while keeping you and your property protected. 

Thus, if you are concerned about the health of your trees, get in touch with our professional arborists at Tall Timbers Tree Services. Our tree services will keep your landscape healthy and beautiful while ensuring constant safety for your family and property. Call us today on 0414 627 627.