limb walking in big conifers

[JohnVander]

Hey all,
I just got a copy of the tree climbers companion, a big shot, and 142' of the fly and I'm exited to try some SRT, and push my knowledge (so much to learn). Here in the Seattle area we have lots of large Douglas Firs that could use whats been described to me as sail reduction (we get one or two really windy storms a year). I was wondering what stratagies you guys use to thin and tip trim big conifers? Do you try to work from the inside with pole saws, and pruners? Do you like to walk out on the branch? Do you use redirects on the branches above for your rope? Have you ever had a branch snap on you? Do you actively pursue this work?

Thanks a bunch,
John

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I think you should get a job with Roger for a while, or some other reputable company in your area.

 

[coydog]

it all depends on the tree. i definitely agree with john 100%
If you do decide to practice climbing doug firs, put a figure eight in the end of your lifeline, 150' can run out pretty quick.

 

[Guy Meilleur]

Here the closest thing we have is big loblolly pines. Yes, tying high and walking out a good limb to get to the outer crown. I use a 2nd, short climbing line instead of a redirect, usually.

Sprawling tips get cut back to upright laterals with a polesaw. Old "edge" trees need this treatment from time to time to reduce wind load. Hard to estimate time involved until you've done several; good idea to work with someone else to get the hang of it.

 

[rbtree]

John and I have briefly communicated..

If you're not busy tomorrow, John, come meet us in Bridle Trails, where we're removing what's left of a tri dominate cedar...and cabling another similar undamaged one. There'll be a bit of trick work, ensuring the tree is safe to work in....may break the GRCS in, John!!! to tension a guy line.

3036 135th Ave NE
206 909 2644

 

[JohnVander]

I think I'll just learn my knots really well, study, and practice in lower limbs for the time being. I don't want to put the cart before the horse. Hopefully I'll get a chance to work with Roger sometime soon, can't tommorow though. Have you guys seen page 191 in The Fundamentals of General Tree Work by Gerry Beranek? That shot is wild! Anyway, be safe, and thanks for your advice.

John

 

[MasterBlaster]

Gerald is the man!

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Jer's great guy, and got a lot of good stories to tell. It's fun to sit down and have a few beers and a bite to eat with him and the other old fogies like Tom D.'

 

[Burnham]

You got that right, Coydog. My shortest rope is 225'. The long one is 400'.

 

[ORclimber]

Originally posted by JohnVander
Have you ever had a branch snap on you?

Yes, especially in winter.

 

[Gord]

SRT for entry is a must. Douglas-fir limbs are notoriously brittle. Near the collars they are plenty strong but it doesn't take much pressure near the tips to cause breakage. Re-directs are usually out, except in oddball cases. For tipping limbs you're best off with a high tie in and a pole pruner IMO. For thinning large limbs a pole pruner or pole saw works. You'll get further out on a limb by swinging/scuttling along beside it than trying to walk on it. And double wrap your lanyard around the limb to keep you out there while you work. Tipping limbs is pretty energy consuming.

 

[Guy Meilleur]

Great tips about tips from Gord--you can tell he's spent some time on the outside of the crown.

Polepruner definitely tool of choice for smaller cuts. Undercutting with polesaw a must to avoid rip wounds on the bigger ones.

 

[MasterBlaster]

The higher your tie in, the easier the stroll...

Thats fer DANG sure!

 

[Burnham]

I'll second what Guy says, Gord--your advice is right on the money. Pay attention, John Vander...and definately take advantage of an opportunity to get with Roger, if only to watch and drag limbs...he knows what he's about, 100%.

 

[JohnVander]

If you guys get a chance to buy the Treehouse Project by Gerry Beranek, do it. It's cheap ($5) and I imagine it is the biggest conifer renovation ever done. A good example of tip reduction too.

John

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

So was Young Nick, he's got some nice pic's too.

We got our pictures in the Stihl newsletter, which ws reprinted in Arborist News just a while ago.

That was fun.