I'm new to this-excuse my ignorance

[dunger]

I am doing a job for a family member that requires some tree climbing for certain cuts. I have a lot of climbing equipment from rock climbing and have bought gear dedicated to tree climbing but have two questions:

1 - I need a strap for climbing. What's the difference between a lanyard and a flipline? Advantages to each?

2 - What type of basic gear do I need to start doing this as a parttime job? This is a lot of fun and I know a lot of people who could use and arborist's services.

Thanks for the input!!

 

[Yin]

I'm new to this-excuse my ignorance

Ignorance would be buying all the gear and doing several takedowns with only several hours of reading and thinking you are doing great. Well that's what I did. After posting some of the jobs I did I was learned by these fine folks that I did'nt know didly squat and most likely was going to hurt my self eventually. Luckly I've been able to hook up with one of the arborists who I met from this site. True indeed I was a lucky guy. As far as learning goes the best possible thing that could happen to you is being able to work with a pro. All the guess work and wondering what the effects of a cut to a lead you made are brought to light when you see a trained individual perform the task. Hands on is the way to go with the guidence of a trained arborist. I've never been much of a rock climber but I'm sure the two are differant and you should try to learn from a pro before attempting to do the task on your own.
I use a wire core flipline for a personal lanyard with a Petzl® rope grab. Just my prefferance. I'm sure more detailed information is sure to follow. I just wanted you to think before climbing up there without any training. This site is a huge sorce of information on treework and preservation. Hang out and read,read,read. Good luck

 

[Stumper]

Lanyard and flipline get used interchangeably quite a bit. Technically a flipline might be characterized as a stiff lanyard-used for "flipping" up the trunk while ascending a spar on gaffs. Many arborists like a wirecored lanyard/flipline for that task. others of us use an adjustable rope lanyard for everything.

Basic gear. In addition to harness, climbing rope and lanyard, you'll need a basic knowledge of tree biology and fundamental physics. Once you have the mental tools you need: a good handsaw, a lowering rope, a polesaw, a pole pruner. you'll quickly find uses for carabiners and pulleys, slings. a small chainsaw, a large chainsaw and on and on, etc, etc . after $250,000 worth of gear you will still be wishing for stuff.

 

[dunger]

Thanks!

Thanks Yin and Stump. I will take the advise to find a local arbor and learn what I can from them. The job at hand is not a super difficult one, but safety is always a concern at any height. I guess the one benefit that I have from my rock climbing experience is that I TRULY believe in the equipment. I don't know how many arborists have taken a 20' lead fall at 150' off the deck, but it'll wake you up real quick!!

 

[gab]

The climbing will come easy for you with your rock climbing background, there will be just a few changes. However, please, please, please learn about trees before you start working for people. Just because you can climb does not mean you should be working on a tree, they are living organisms that can be easily damaged by good intentions. Having a wrench does not mean one should be qualified to work on machines, the same goes for this.
Start here and get books available at the ISA website. Read and ask questions.
My 2 cents,
Gab

 

[dunger]

Thanks Gab

I understand. Luckily I have the pleasure of learning about tree pruning/cuttin/felling all in one step. I have already read alot on the subject and learned a lot. This job I'm doing is actually dropping 4 trees. As I'm not on any time schedule to have the job done, I've been working on my pruning cuts and then felling the large branches/trunks.

 

[rbtree]

As an ex rock climber, and having hired or worked with many, I know that having that experience is a great thing. Having the ability to go aloft and feel comfortable is a big plus. But there is so much more to know. Definitely go hang with an arbo, but also go to www.atreestory.com a sponsor here, and get a copy of Gerry's great book, Fundamental of General Tree Work. And Tree Climber's Companion, available elsewhere.

 

[dunger]

Cool pics RB

Thanks for the advise RB. I'll probably buy the book and/or the CD-ROM off the site. Cool pics you have posted, I was checking them out yesterday too. How long you been arboring?

 

[rbtree]

30 years...


Wish I still climbed mtns.....I ski 'em though.

I've climbed ten or so of Roper's 50 Classics in North America. One of them, Liberty Ridge, on Mt Rainier, has claimed 3, likely 4 folks in the last 6 weeks. tragic....

 

[rb_in_va]

rb,
I remember seeing on the news about those two climbers on Rainier when I was out there. Sad to here.

 

[NeTree]

One piece of gear hasn't been mentioned...

INSURANCE.

 

[arboromega]

dunger,
to reitterate, your best piece of gear would be a good teacher. i used to rock climb and find only minor comparisons. you will now be work climbing on a coordinate plane. up down side to side, with heavy and sharp equipment. and you must also learn about the physical and pysiological parts of the tree.
time and experience will be your best lessons and there is not a one of us here who isnt still learning. stick with it , the world needs good arborists, glad you could join us.