what do i need??

[bacpacker8]

hey guys i am going into a career of forestry, maybe an arborist. but i would like to get some gear like a harness, ascender, descender, rope, and all that stuff, if u guys have any tips/ suggestions of any good gear that would be awesome!!:greenchainsaw:

 

[pdqdl]

Become a lurker on this and other tree related websites. Listen to all the opinions, and get a feel for what the industry is doing.

Check out all the equipment available at various vendors, this will give you a good idea what people are talking about. Click on any of the ads at the top of this website, that'll get you started.

Read a lot of books: "what to do", "how to", and "why to do it" concepts should be firmly in your mind before you start investing in equipment.

Find some folks in your area that do recreational climbing, join up. Take a course, and get some good instruction.



There are lots of ways to learn, I suggest all of these before trying the method I learned by: buy a used old climbing belt and some spurs, buy a twist rope, and head on up the tree. That is the worst way to learn the trade, and really wouldn't be improved by buying the very best equipment available.

It's not the equipment that makes the arborist/forester/climber, it's the knowledge and the aptitude.

 

[bacpacker8]

ok, thank you, i will definatly get some books on it!, im a huge rock climber so i know all the knots for that and the safty techniques. But im sure there are definatly different things from a rock face to a tree. i was wondering should i look into just an ascender and descender type rigging or spurs? But i will definatly study the trade for a while before buying anything.
thanks!!
chris

 

[treeslayer]

read threads, read books, just read. and do it with a sherrills catalog open next to you. Don't do like most newbies, and try to cut corners by asking redundant questions that are already answered in previous posts. learn to search the forums, and take it upon yourself to learn enough to ask educated questions.

the treeclimbing part should be a smooth transition from rockclimbing, except you are going to add an extremely hazardous pair of variables;

1) the chainsaw. cutting in the tree is much different than on the ground. get cut bad up in a tree, miles from a hospital, and YOU WILL DIE.

2) the tree, and all its hidden factors. the grain, the crotches, and how and where to tie in, cut, lower from, these mean life or death at height.

Just some sobering thoughts, I wish you well.

 

[bacpacker8]

alright, yea i have cut a tree down suspended in the air before it is tough i know were your comeing from there. do you think i can get some of these books at barns and nobel, i was looking at some of the dvd's and there pretty pricey. I have the perfect trees in my yard to get started with this once i really know the stuff, like u said a proper hold, the grain and stuff.
thanks!

 

[treeslayer]

http://www.amazon.com/BOOK-THE-TREE-CLIMBERS-COMPANION/dp/B0007LTR0Q

This is kinda like the bible, Husqvarna also has a video set worth looking at.
It covers a variety of subjects, they also do training seminars, (at least they used too.)

working on the ground with a tree company is also good experience. You could ask for part time work, some companies would welcome a part timer, keeps from being obligated to provide 40 + hours a week. murphy4trees is in Philly, and highly competent. and a heck off a good guy.

Also, google Dr Alex Shigo, and read anything with his name on it. that man KNEW trees. God rest his soul.
As well as G.F. Beranek. more good reading from a master.

AS far as the back yard trees, no spikes. Learn to set ropes, and climb and work off a rope for pruning, or working in trees not slated for removal.
Thin barked trees, and most others don't need repeated stabbings.

 

[treeslayer]

wow, arboristsite butchered the URL. It's the tree climbers companion.

 

[bacpacker8]

ok, yea i am looking for a job with a tree company or something related, ill definitly check out that book. yea we have huge white oaks in our back yard there perfect for rope climbing, can i use my rock climbing harness and descender?

 

[treeslayer]

all the rock climbing saddles I have seen look to be rather light weight. They would not be well suited for hanging all the gear a climber needs. you are most likely going to bite the bullet and fork some $$ out for a new saddle and rope, spikes, etc...... plenty of threads on these subjects.

you are going to add 20-30+ lbs easy, to your weight, and being in a different balance point will take some getting used too.

limbwalking will teach you how to balance against your climbing line. set a high tie-in, and see how comfortable you are moving away from the trunk.

I've been 41' out, and made a cut, in a HUGE live oak. without spikes. was quite an adventuresome climb.

 

[masiman]

ok, yea i am looking for a job with a tree company or something related, ill definitly check out that book. yea we have huge white oaks in our back yard there perfect for rope climbing, can i use my rock climbing harness and descender?

To get started you can use your rock harness. Your descender should be okay too.

Eventually, as treeslayer stated, you'll need/want the arbo specific gear. Plenty on here do rock climb and will tell you they are two very different climbing styles. You'll be using a much wider variety of knots and techniques, more akin to technical mountain climbing.

 

[md_tree_dood]

You don't need spikes, unless you want to do removals. Buy a saddle, snap, and rope, learn to climb with a bowline and blakes hitch and then step up your game with more advanced hitches and equipment.