Advise Please!! - T.I.P. Saftey

[Toms&Co.]

Hey all, I have been climbing for a couple years now and have recently done a few trimming jobs because it combines my love for climbing with a way to earn extra money for the family. I come from a rock climbing mind set which steers me to always go with the highest bomb proof anchor I can find... In studying climbing arborists at work on Youtube and noticing my tie in's are too low a lot of times for proper branch walking, I have noticed them choosing T.I.P.'s that I wouldn't ever dream of using! I am hoping to get a general list of rules or guidelines for choosing a T.I.P. or for not choosing one, any and all advice welcome from you fine gents of Tree Work! Thanks!

 

[BC WetCoast]

If you rope goes around the mainstem (or codom leader), you can work with a smaller branch than if you just hung off the branch. One reason is the branch junction is very strong at the trunk attachment, but can loose strength quickly as you move away from the trunk. Secondly, if your TIP fails in this manner, you will be caught by branches lower down.

 

[Zale]

It depends on the type of tree you are climbing. Different strengths for different trees. How much do you weigh?

 

[Toms&Co.]

It depends on the type of tree you are climbing. Different strengths for different trees. How much do you weigh?

No more than 200lb loaded saddle, climbing oaks, maples, ash, pecan, magnolia is a spongy feeling wood, kinda freaked me out even the huge branches... Basiclly any tree worth a climb I can find in NW
FL

 

[Toms&Co.]

If you rope goes around the mainstem (or codom leader), you can work with a smaller branch than if you just hung off the branch. One reason is the branch junction is very strong at the trunk attachment, but can loose strength quickly as you move away from the trunk. Secondly, if your TIP fails in this manner, you will be caught by branches lower down.

Right, always try for that but when they start to split up you have to choose your highest tie in point and any choice is offset and out a ways with a 5 inch branch. You get that gut check like do I really trust this guy.. From the ground it looks like a twig and even in the tree i'm second guessing it. Then I think in a work scenario how do I prune weight off those tips without the highest tie in, second rope lanyard traverse? I love woodworking also but I know how wood can fracture and the leverage forces at play...

 

[BC WetCoast]

Once you are in the canopy, you can always reset your TIP or use a false crotch. If you plan on shooting a throw line into a high tiny TIP and then footlock/hip thrust up to it, maybe you need to rethink your plan. Once you are in the canopy, unless you are limb walking, your TIP is really a safety feature. Having the TIP horizontal or even below you is not uncommon. It's really there to catch you if you fall, but you should be walking on the branches and tied in with your lanyard.

 

[beastmaster]

Putting a high tip up in a tree is a pain if your using a double rope technec. You have to find a spot were your rope can go around a branch and not be obstruced by other branches. Difficult to do from the ground. Useing SRT you can shoot a line over the tree if you want
I often use a pole pruner to advance my line while climbing.

 

[acer-kid]

Having the TIP horizontal or even below you is not uncommon.

However, it's NOT safe practice, and should be avoided at all costs when possible.