The variety of trees and their natural shape makes climbing a unique challenge. Although most people find tree climbing a fun childhood activity, it is often difficult and dangerous. Take the time to identify a healthy tree with solid footing so you can enjoy it without fear. If you climb a lot of trees, buy basic climbing equipment and ropes before trying to conquer tall trees.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Security Preparation
Step 1. Wear clothes that fit
Clothing should be loose enough to allow any movement, but not loose enough to get caught in a tree branch. Remove any loose jewelry and accessories, especially those around your neck, as they can get caught when climbing.
Whenever possible, wear flexible shoes with good grip. If your shoes have hard soles or poor grip, climbing barefoot may be easier
Step 2. Observe the tree from a distance
Look for trees with large, strong branches that can support your weight, at least 15 cm in diameter. Before you start climbing, step back far enough to see the entire tree. Avoid trees with the following danger signs:
- Strange shape or indentation in the trunk. Sloping trees are a bit risky, but sometimes safe.
- Deep crack.
- Basin or absence of tree bark over a large area.
- Branching peaks are a sign of rot in conifers. Other tree species may be safe, but don't try to reach the branches.
Step 3. Check the part near the ground
Approach the tree and observe around the bottom of the trunk and the soil within a radius of 0.9 meters around the tree. Here are signs of a damaged or dying tree that is not safe to climb:
- Fungus or fungi that grow on trees or around the underside of trees.
- Many tree branches dry on the ground. (Some dry branches sticking to the bottom of the trunk is normal, but if the branches fall from the top of the tree, there is a more serious problem.)
- There is a large hole or several small holes at the bottom of the tree.
- Broken roots or an area of raised or cracked soil near the tree trunk (a sign of uprooted roots).
Step 4. Consider bad weather conditions
Although the tree is sturdy, weather conditions can make climbing even more dangerous. Understand how the following conditions affect climbing:
- Never climb during a thunderstorm or strong wind.
- Wet conditions make the tree slippery and very dangerous to climb.
- Cold temperatures make wood brittle. Plan to climb slowly and inspect each branch before using it as a pedestal.
Step 5. Look for hazards around the tree
There is one final security step before you can get started. Pay close attention to the dangers below. This may be difficult to see from the ground, so be careful when climbing.
- Never climb if there is a power line within 3 meters of a tree branch.
- Do not climb under large branches that have broken off and become stuck in trees. There's a reason climbers call them "widow makers".
- Check nearby trees and other trees for beehives and wasps, or nests of large birds or mammals. Avoid these trees immediately around these animals.
Part 2 of 3: Climbing without Equipment
Step 1. Start climbing
When you can reach the lowest branch, grab it with one hand and wrap the other arm around the trunk. Place your feet on a sturdy tree bump, or grip the sides of the trunk with your thighs and calves. If the branch is too high to reach easily, try these advanced techniques:
- If you need to jump to grab a branch, do so right next to the trunk. See the next step for instructions on how to get to the top of the branch.
- If you have strong legs, you can climb the lower, higher branches. Run at a moderate speed to the tree trunk. Place your dominant foot on the tree and push yourself up against the tree while jumping with the other leg. Throw your arm up to catch the branch or use one arm to hold the trunk and the other to grab the branch.
Step 2. Climb up to the top of the first branch
Now you hold the branch from the bottom side. Depending on the height of the branch and the amount of nearest footing available, you may be able to climb onto the branch simply by pulling yourself up. Here are some helpful techniques for more challenging trees:
- Pull Up: Pull yourself up so that both your forearm and forearm are above the branch. Swing and lift to create elbows, or even until your lower abs are above the branch, if your upper body is strong enough. Swing your legs up to straddle the branch.
- Leg Swing: Grip the branch with both hands. Swing one leg up over the branch. Wrap your arm around the branch so that your upper arm is at the top. Swing your other leg back while pressing with your upper arm to swing up the branch.
- If you can't reach any of the branches, try the coconut tree climbing technique until you can reach the bottom branch.
Step 3. Climb up using a large, lively branch
Once on top of a branch, find a safe route to the next branch. Grip the branch as close to the trunk as possible. If the diameter of a branch is smaller than 7.5 cm, do not use it to support more than one leg or arm. When placing your foot on a small branch like this, clamp it perpendicular to where the branch and trunk meet.
- Avoid broken and dead branches. Dead wood can break suddenly.
- If the tree's bark feels loose and peels when touched, the tree may be weak and dying. Go back to the ground.
Step 4. Follow the three-dot rule
When climbing without a rope, three of your feet and hands should always be firmly supported. Each must rest on a different part of the tree. Placing both feet on one rod counts as one fulcrum. Sitting or leaning counts as zero, as it won't help you catch yourself if the other support breaks.
The swinging and running technique mentioned above to reach the lowest branch is not safe for the rest of the climb. Only very experienced climbers should try to pull themselves up a higher branch without a foothold
Step 5. Keep your body close to the tree
Stay upright with your hips under your shoulders whenever possible. Hug the tree as close as possible to increase stability. If the trunk is small, wrapping your arms or legs around the sides can increase grip and slow down your fall.
Step 6. Be careful around clusters of weak branches
This area is an area of two branches growing too close together that tree bark grows between them. The bark in between is not solid wood and the branches are often weaker than they appear.
Step 7. Pull each step before placing your weight on it
Appearances can be deceiving when it comes to branch power. Don't put your weight on anything you haven't checked.
If some parts of the tree fall in soft lumps, it means the wood is rotten. The tree rots from the inside out, so it can be very damaged even though most of the bark feels solid. Return straight to the ground
Step 8. Identify the maximum safe height
When climbing without a rope, always stop before the diameter of the trunk narrows below 10 cm. You may need to stop below this area if you notice weak branches or strong winds.
Step 9. Go down slowly and carefully
Don't feel unnecessarily careful when descending. Try to follow the same path you used when ascending, assuming it's safe.
Dead branches and other hazards are harder to see when descending. Check the steps carefully before descending
Part 3 of 3: Climbing with the Help of Tools
Step 1. Get the right tools
If you want to climb trees for exercise (or even to get paid, work in forest services or disaster relief), you need the right tools to keep yourself safe. Here are the tools you will need:
- Throwline. It's a thin, brightly colored rope literally tossed over a tree branch. This rope is connected to a weight called a "throw bag."
- Static ropes.. This type of rope does not have the "dynamic" rope flexibility used in rock climbing.
- Saddle and helmet. You can use a helmet as it is designed for rock climbing. However, you should use a saddle specifically designed for climbing trees. Saddles for rock climbing can stop blood circulation in your legs.
- Prusik Rope This will help you up. The Prusik rope attaches to the rope for climbing and your saddle with a carabiner. Instead you can use the foot ascender.
- Branch guard. Also known as the protector of the cambium. This tool protects the branch from friction, while keeping your rope more durable. Metal shields, which look like canals, are more comfortable than leather ones.
Step 2. Choose a safe tree
You should throw the rope over branches that are at least 15 cm in diameter. Smaller branches may break. The bigger the branch, the better. Here are some other things to consider:
- Make sure the tree is healthy. If the tree is old, diseased, or dying, do not climb it.
- Trees should be away from hazards such as power lines, animals, and animal nests.
- Make sure the tree is big enough for your group. Spreading trees, such as hardwood trees are best for large groups. Conifers are only suitable for one or two people.
- Are you allowed to climb it? The last thing you want is to avoid getting into legal trouble for being in someone's territory illegally.
- Finally, consider the location in general. Is it easy to go there? Is the top view beautiful? How is the wildlife life there?
Step 3. After selecting the tree, inspect it carefully
Just because the tree is big, sturdy, and in the right location doesn't mean it's a good tree to climb. There are 4 zones to consider when checking:
- Wide angle view. Often trees look better from afar. This will make it easier to see oddly tilted or unstable branches, in addition to blocked power lines.
- Land. Where you stand is also important. Avoid choosing a tree with many knots at its base, wasp nests, rotting roots, or poison ivy.
- stem. Barkless trunks can indicate weathering or recent attack, both of which weaken the tree. And for trees with two or three trunks, check the branching area at the base. Weaknesses should be avoided here.
- Crown. Dead branches under trees are normal (because they don't get enough sunlight); however, a dead branch on a tree means the tree is dying. Any tree with many dead branches (especially near the treetops) should be avoided.
Step 4. Attach the rope to climb
In the following steps, the double rope technique will be explained, which is safer and easier for beginners. This method is especially common for oaks, poplars, maples, and pines (trees growing to about 30 m). Here's how to get started:
- Throw the rope over the sturdy branch of your choosing. You can only do this by tying the ballast to a rope or firing it with a special catapult.
- Place the branch guard on the rope.
- Tie the static rope to the throw line. Pull from the other end of the throw line to drag the rope all the way through the branch. The branch guard should be over the branch at the end.
Step 5. Fasten the two sides of the rope together
Tie a series of knots using both ends of the rope, with Blake's knot as the main knot. Blake's knot should loosen when you don't put weight on the rope, then hold you in place when it stops moving.
- Tie a double fisherman's knot on the carabiner.
- Warning: If you are not familiar with these knots, now is not the time to try it for the first time. Have an experienced climber tie it for you.
Step 6. Put on the saddle, helmet, and attach yourself to the climbing system
Make sure your saddle is properly seated and comfortable. Once comfortable, attach it to the system with a firm knot.
Step 7. Add assistive devices for the legs (optional)
If you have a strong upper body for your weight, you may be able to climb with just your arms. Most climbers will need a Prusik rope or "foot assist" as well. The Prusik strap attaches to the main strap and provides support for your feet. As you climb up, you will pull Prusik's rope up.
Step 8. Climb onto the branch
Basically, you'll be climbing a rope using a tree as a guide or sometimes as a footstool. When tired, rest your feet on the bar and continue when you're ready.
Step 9. Climb through the branches (optional)
If you're not ready to go down yet and want a bit of a challenge, you can secure yourself to a branch and get ready to climb higher. This will require placing a new suit of string (called “pitches”) over the branch above. It is not recommended for novice climbers.
Step 10. Begin to descend
This part is the simplest: you just need to grab the main knot (Blake's knot) and slowly descend. Don't go down too fast! The safest way down is to do it slowly.
Many experienced climbers put safety knots on their ropes to prevent descending too quickly. But remember: if you let go, you will stop. Blake's knot prevents you from falling
Step 11. Learn the single rope technique
Once more experienced, you can try this method. It's not hard to guess from the name: instead of using both sides of the rope, you climb with just one rope, tying the other to a branch or tree base. You need a mechanical device to go up and down to move the rope up.
It's easier to use your feet this way, making this method less strenuous
Tips
- If you want to make climbing a hobby, learn from a professional climber. Recognizing all hazards and learning how to handle safety equipment yourself can be difficult and dangerous.
- The area where the branch meets the tree is the strongest area on the branch to place the legs. Use this area to your advantage.
- A good way to check if a branch can support your weight is to compare it to your arm. Generally, if the branch is smaller than your upper arm, it cannot support your weight. If it's bigger, it's possible – but check first before charging your weight to the branch.
Warning
- Before climbing an elusive branch, make sure you can descend safely.
- Watch out for poison ivy plants.
- Don't climb alone. Always bring a climbing buddy or someone waiting downstairs to look after you. At the very least, make sure the tree is within screaming distance of your friends or family members.
- Tree climbers strongly discourage the use of spiked footwear for climbing. This can injure the tree and cause infection. Professional climbers only use it to get rid of dead trees. If you must use it, wash it with alcohol every time you climb to avoid spreading disease.
- If you fall or jump from a tree, be sure to roll over after landing, no matter how high. Even a fall from a height of 1.2 meters can cause serious injury to your ankle or knee if you don't adapt to the shock of landing.
- Climbing trees is illegal in many public parks, including in the United States.
