Removing dead limbs

[rhizuli]

I'm a recreational tree climber. The majority of trees I have access to are Sitka Spruce and Doug Fir. I've be scouting out trees in my area to "groom" for climbing and have a question about removing dead limbs. Would there be any adverse effects to the tree if dead limbs are removed? I've attached a picture of a 160' Sitka that I climb regularly and as illustrated, there are an abundance of dead limbs. My intention is to create climbing routes to the upper part of the tree but the ascent is difficult because of a high density of limbs, dead and living. I've already removed several smaller, old limbs (that are more like spears) as the softer outer material of the limb has eroded away leaving the very dense and sappy core of the limb. I don't normally cut any living branches or limbs unless they seem to be causing a wound to another part of the tree. I'd appreciate any comments or insights about this.

 

[jwp]

I have heard that if you cut limbs flush with the trunk that it can allow bugs to enter the treel But if you cut the limbs about 2 limb diameters from the trunk then the tree absorbs the limbs and there is less chance of bugs making it into the trunk.

Maybe someone that knows more will post up.

 

[rhizuli]

I had understood that as a rule of thumb but I'm still wondering about 'ethics' of altering a wild tree for recreational climbing and any adverse effects on the ecology of the tree. Thanks for your reply though

 

[beastmaster]

Arborist have been selling deadwooding for ever. So long as you stay out side the branch collar and not cut no live wood it should be ok. Removing dead wood suppose to be healthy for the tree. But that premise is being challenged by a lot of experienced Arborist. Removing dead wood can make the tree look nicer, make it safer in an urban environment. But on a old growth tree, removing a lot of deadwood can change the whole dynamics of how it reacts to stress from wind and snow and ice. I sure many will disagree.
Trees have some how survived 1000's of years very nicely not being deadwooded. To alter a wild tree, does seem a little unethical, at lest to me. If just removing a dead branch or two that could be a potential hazard might be ok

 

[beastmaster]

I'v been giving this some thought as to the ethic's of grooming a forest tree. I climb every day over snags, dead limbs, etc. as you your self have to access the tree you pictured. Maybe a beginner should climb manicure trees in parks and what not. As a rec. climber gets more experience then he should move to real trees with real hazards.
I think we should compare it to the early days of rock climbing, pinions were hammered into the rocks and left. On a popular climb the face would start to get littered with "stuff". Now years later the sport has evolved to a point where as little footprint as possible is left. The goal is to climb, not alter a path. But there are still areas for new people to practice and learn that have been made ''safer", with hazards toned down, but the great climbs done by great climbers are challenges, hazards and all.
Shouldn't living trees, wild trees if you will, be left natural so any rec climber experienced enough to tackle them, can feel the same sense of of accomplishment as you felt when you first climb one of these tall natural beautys. I want so bad to climb some of those tall trees, a 200+ footer, but when I get my chance, if its been altered, or groomed, it will for sure take a way from the experience. I hope someone else with good intentions doesn't ruin it for me. I'm up to the challenge, dead limbs and all, and if some one isn't they should be climbing at the park.
I am curious how others feel about this, am I just a weirdo?

 

[rhizuli]

Well spoken. I was climbing the tree in the picture today and as I was looking around from my 93' perch, I came to the same realization you stated above. For me, it's also to know my limits. I'm nudging 70yo and the idea of manicuring an old behemoth like "Big Mama" is too much like work. I embrace the idea of gaining the skill and experience to navigate through the obstacles, labor intensive as it may be - what's the rush anyway?
If I'm in a "house-keeping" mood, there's plenty of "hangers" and widow-makers to be dealt with. This particular tree is one of many in a "wild" city park and we've just emerged from a series of major winter wind storms with wind gusts 70 to 80mph so you can imagine the carnage in an exposed rain soaked environment. So, beastmaster, I think I've found the answer I was looking for. I appreciate your thoughts and your insight. Stay vertical and be safe.
Eric
Lincoln City Oregon

 

[beastmaster]

70 years old! My hat is off to you sir. I'm pushing 56 and I thought I had some years in the trees. Age isn't that big of a deal unless one lets it be right. I'v been told your only to old, when you stop climbing. I hope to follow in your footsteps and never stop. I wish I could climb with you some time.

 

[rhizuli]

If you ever find youself up here in Coastal Central Oregon, we'll find you an old growth doug fir neaby that would put you upward about 275'....Valley of the Giants.

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Valley_of_the_Giants_Loop_Hike

 

[sgreanbeans]

Good stuff.

 

[rhizuli]

You just described a majority of the Sitka Spruces I climb (see above photo). I occasionally do a bit of housekeeping when I climb just for my own safety and those that may wander through on the wild park trails (with the permission and blessing from the city parks manager). I've concluded that I'm probably the only trained (TCI) recreational climber within 50 miles or so and it has occured to me that it would be nice to have other climbers to hang with ( pun intended ). So, I have one or two likely candidates for training trees that I've been doing some light grooming on for that very purpose sometime in the future.

I returned from a 6mo visit to Sao Paulo Brazil and deeply miss the exquisite variety of mondo Eucalyptus trees and Rubber Trees...sooo much fun to climb with wide open canopies and big fat limbs...hmmm....that describes some of the women too...but that's another story.

 

[beastmaster]

I think it's a great thing getting people in the trees. I wasn't aware there was such a thing as rec. tree climbing entail a year or two ago. I have often climbed special trees not work related.
Out side of working hours I know no one to climb with and have gave thought to trying to start a rec. climbing group around here, but have no idea how to go about it. Then there is liability issues, equipment and what not. It's good to know there are people like you and Moss, and I'm sure many more who are trying to perpetuate the sport.