Climbing trees is a great childhood pastime. However, it doesn't always succeed naturally, especially for those who are afraid of heights or are unsure of the tree's stability. Furthermore, there are people who make tree climbing a sport or even part of their job; this tutorial will also describe these cases. No matter the level of professionalism you possess, surely there is a tree ready to be climbed. Are you ready?
Steps
Part 1 of 3: For Fun
Step 1. Find a large sturdy tree and inspect it
You need to make sure it has large, strong branches that can support your weight. Those that have a diameter of 20 cm are perfect. Avoid plants with many branches smaller than this size, as the tree may be dead or rotten.
- If you notice any branches dying towards the ground, then there is no problem; they simply cannot get enough sun. Instead, you need to make sure that the ones above are not rotting from the tips and that there are none piled on the ground.
- If the tree has low branches with a good diameter, then it will be easier for you to climb. Once you have climbed the first, the difficult part has been done: the lower the branches are, the faster you will overcome the more difficult passage!
- If you have any doubts, read up on local vegetation by consulting books in the library, on the internet, by asking your teacher, a botanist or other "climber".
Step 2. Check the surrounding area
Just because the tree looks tough and big enough for you to climb doesn't mean it's safe. Here are other factors to consider:
- Are there any electrical cables? If so, it's not a good tree. You could be electrocuted.
- Are there any areas where the bark is missing? The tree could be infected with a virus or fungus and thus weakened.
- Are there any animals or nests? Then choose another plant. There could be quite a few problems if you violate the territory of the animals.
Step 3. Put on a pair of old pants, gloves with a good grip, and sneakers
Climbing trees is certainly not an activity to be carried out with a Sunday dress. An old pair of pants will protect the leather from scratches and abrasions, and if they do tear, there would be no problem. Gloves allow you a good grip, while protecting your hands, and sneakers are ideal for not losing grip on the cortex.
If you don't move quickly on the trunk, gloves may not help either; if you have sturdy hands, then gloves are optional. Some people also find them a hindrance and prefer to grip with bare hands
Step 4. Begin by doing some stretching
This way you will avoid getting injured or having any muscle tears. Climbing requires that the muscles stretch a lot and that they are put under pressure to support the weight of the body, so it is always worth doing some warm-up.
If you think you're serious, then loosen your muscles with a light jog and a few hops in place. If you think you are putting a strain on your physique, cold stretching is not ideal
Step 5. Start climbing
Look for a sturdy spot to rest your foot and hand. Trees have bumps, knots, and holes in the bark, not to mention small branches that you can use as handholds. Just beware of spots that are too thin or crumbly!
- On the other side of the trunk, clasp one arm and one leg and lift up alternating the support of the hands and feet. Grab the tree with your calves and thighs to ease the work of your arms.
- If you have even the slightest doubt about the strength of a grip, give it a try first. Press it with your hand or foot to make sure it's sturdy enough. If it seems stable, continue along the direction you have chosen, otherwise change it.
Step 6. Think about how climbing animals move
Try to remember how monkeys and koalas climb trees. This way you will get a feel for agility and stay focused on the action. Try to keep a steady, steady pace in the beginning, as you learn to focus, you will be able to increase your speed.
Each tree is different. On a plant, you may be able to climb a branch that hangs down and lift yourself up. On another, you'll need to hug the log to climb up, using each knot as a handhold. With experience you will learn how to move more and more easily
Step 7. Try to go to the highest point according to your abilities
Don't go up where you feel insecure or in danger; stay at your comfort level. The goal is to have fun, not scare you. Look around, do you see any other branches that could hold your weight?
It remains at the base of each branch, as it is the strongest area. In addition, it is also easier to climb this way. Also remember that there are more branches near the trunk and therefore more possibilities for resting your feet
Step 8. Enjoy the view from the tree
Look for animals near the tree. Watch the clouds move across the sky. If you dare, look down how small the world is under your feet. What does it look like from above?
There are people who spend hours in the trees basking in a feeling of freedom and tranquility. If you find a good tree, next time, bring a book and a blanket and stay on top for a while
Step 9. Descend slowly and carefully
Remember to take your time and move slowly, otherwise you could be seriously injured. It is often easier to go down with your face facing the trunk of the tree than outwards.
- Try to follow the same path you took to climb if you can; this way you are sure that it is safe and robust enough.
- Also in the descent phase try to stay close to the base of the branch, so you have more grip options and you are in the most resistant point of the plant.
- If you can, look for an even harder tree to climb!
- Also, be sure to wear clothes that you don't mind ruining, like jeans or old pants. The bark of the trees is rough enough to hurt you. Don't go barefoot or in flip-flops.
Part 2 of 3: For Sport
Step 1. Get the correct equipment
If you want to climb for sport or for work (for example to clean up an area after a severe storm), then you must have all the safety equipment. Here's what you need:
- Throwing rope. It is a thin, brightly colored rope that is literally thrown over a branch. It is attached to a weight called a "throwing bag".
- Static rope. This is a non-elastic rope (like the one used for rock climbing).
- Harness and helmet. You should use a helmet like the one used in rock climbing. However, you do need a specific harness for climbing trees, as the rock harness may block circulation in the lower limbs.
- A rope with a prusik knot. It helps you ascend because it is attached to the ascent rope and harness by means of a carabiner. Alternatively, you can use the movable foot anchors.
- Branch protectors. These are bands and sheaths that protect the tree from friction with the ropes and also extend the life of the ropes. The metal ones, which look like channels, are more comfortable than the leather ones.
Step 2. Choose a safe tree
If you want to throw the rope over a branch, choose one that is at least 6 inches in diameter. Below this level it could break. The bigger the branch, the better. Here are other factors you need to consider:
- Check that it is a healthy tree. If he is old, sick or dying, avoid him.
- The plant must be away from hazards such as power lines, animals and nests.
- Make sure it's big enough. The trees that open like an umbrella are the most suitable for large groups of climbers. Conifers can only support one or two people.
- Check that climbing is allowed. The last thing you want is legal trouble for private property infringement.
- Finally consider the place in general. Is it easy to reach? Will the view be beautiful? What fauna could you see?
Step 3. Once you have chosen your tree, inspect it very carefully
Just because it's big and sturdy and the location is great doesn't mean it's suitable for climbing. You have to check four aspects:
- The width of the inspection angle. It is often best to look at trees from a distance, so you can see a strange tilt or unstable branch in addition to hidden electrical wires.
- The terrain. It is also important to know where you put your feet. Avoid choosing a tree with many knots at the base, a hornet's nest, rotten roots and poison ivy.
- Trunk. Areas with no bark could indicate that the tree is rotting or that it has an ongoing disease, both conditions that undermine the plant's stability and strength. If the tree has two or three trunks, look at where they separate at the base, you may notice signs of instability.
- The top. Dead low branches are quite normal (they have not received enough sun); however, dead branches on the top indicate that the tree is at the end of its life. Any plant with many dead branches (especially tall ones) should be avoided.
Step 4. Once you have found the right tree, prepare your climbing system
In the following steps, the double rope technique will be described, which is the safest and easiest for beginners. This method is very common for climbing oaks, poplars, maples and pines (trees that grow over 30m in height). Here's how to get started:
- Wrap the throwing rope around the sturdy branch of your choice. You will need to use a special slingshot if the branch is far enough away.
- Next, attach the launch rope to the static rope so it wraps around the branch. At this point, the branch protectors should be placed on the rope.
- Tie a series of knots, the main one must be the Belluno one. A double English knot is also perfect around the carabiner, as it helps you climb the tree.
Step 5. Put on your harness, helmet and attach yourself to the climbing system
Make sure the harness is tightly closed and snug to the body. Then tie it to the rope system; to do this there are many systems that depend only on your preferences. You are now ready to go up! When you're not moving, the main knot holds you in place. However, keep in mind that the heavier you are, the more difficult the climb will be (children generally find this technique simple). But everyone can do it!
- Some climbers choose to only use their arms to climb. Others prefer to make a loop of rope to support a foot or use other techniques to also use the lower limbs and push themselves up. Movable foot anchors are very common.
- Technically you are not climbing the tree, but the ropes. With this technique, the tree is an anchor point or guideline. When you are tired, you can stop and start climbing again when you feel like it.
Step 6. Climb as high as you want
If you want to take a break and admire the view, then the only thing you have to do is let yourself go (you are in complete safety). This is one of the times when you get a lot of chills. Once you have reached the branch you are anchored to, you can descend whenever you want.
If you're not ready to go down and want another challenge, then you can always secure the branch and find another taller one to reach. This means using another rope to attach to the branches above you. However, this is something for experienced tree climbers
Step 7. Begin to descend
This is the easiest part: all you have to do is grab the Belluno knot and gently pull it down. Don't move too fast! A safe descent is slow!
Many experienced climbers often add safety slip knots to the rope to avoid descending too fast. Remember that the moment you release the knot, you stop. The Belluno knot prevents you from falling if, for whatever reason, you should let it go
Step 8. When you are a pro, you can try the single rope technique
As the name suggests, it is a technique that involves the use of a single rope anchored to the branch or to the base of the tree. You will be able to ascend the other end of the rope thanks to a mechanical device, such as an ascender, which allows you to ascend the rope with a movement similar to "that of a caterpillar".
For this technique it is easier to use the legs, so the method becomes less strenuous. That said, know that you need another type of equipment. To go up you must have specific mechanical tools and others to go down. There are also blockers that do double duty, but they are more expensive and rare to find
Part 3 of 3: Staying Safe
Step 1. Take lessons
No book and no online guide can really teach you how to climb trees safely and with a certain technique. If you really want to become a professional in this discipline, sign up for a course. Some cities and regions organize them, as it is a sport that is growing in popularity.
Remember that trial and error is a bad idea in this case. A qualified instructor should always be by your side as you learn. Tree climbing is a rather dangerous discipline, so knowing what you are doing is vital
Step 2. Always secure a rope
Once you understand the basics, you may want to take off the rope to avoid an obstacle or reach a particular spot. Do not do it! You could get hit by a gust of wind and lose your balance and lots of other fortuitous and dangerous events could happen. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, always stay safe.
While it doesn't need to be stressed, always wear a helmet. It is easy to fall into the false belief that your head is safe and that the tree will not give out, but you can always fall off a branch or an object higher up could fall on your head with serious consequences
Step 3. Never climb near power lines
If your rope were to touch an active cable, you could be electrocuted, which would make your experience unpleasant to say the least. When inspecting the climbing area, do not even consider a tree near the high voltage cables.
Step 4. Inspect the tree before climbing
There are many things you need to consider before embarking on a climb and the most important are those related to safety. If you find a tree that looks suitable for you, check its base, trunk, and branches. If it feels the right size, sturdy, healthy, and there are no other dangers, then it might be a good candidate.
- Be especially vigilant with old trees. It is always possible that an old specimen is dying without you noticing; check the branches that are dying at the tip and those that are on top.
- Do not go near the animals and nests. Climbing trees is a fun and enjoyable activity until a swarm of angry bees attack you. Check for animals or insects before climbing.
Step 5. Never wear crampons
The use of these accessories is particularly frowned upon by the climbing community (crampons allow you to climb a tree as if it were a ladder). This is because the open wounds they cause in the bark can make the tree susceptible to bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Think crampons are constantly stabbing the tree as you climb. Remember that they are never used for pruning, only for removing dead trees.
If, for some reason, you have to use crampons, be sure to wash them well with alcohol to avoid spreading disease in the trees
Advice
- The point where the branch is connected to the trunk is also the sturdiest place to rest your feet. Use these areas to your advantage.
- Try to keep as many anchor points on the tree as possible. If the branch under your feet breaks, you can support yourself with your hands.
- A good technique to make sure that the branch can support your weight is to compare its diameter with that of your arm. If it is at least as thick as your bicep, then the branch should have no problem supporting you. Of course, the strength of a branch also depends on other characteristics of the plant, so always test before loading all your weight to make sure the surface is sturdy. This is a general safety rule.
- Make sure the tree you are climbing is dry, otherwise you could easily slip and fall.
- The branches are more robust near the trunk.
- Climbing a tree is not like climbing a ladder. You have to be a little creative to reach the next branch, you can wrap your knees and arms around the branches or use your hands to lift yourself to the top.
- If you have a safe and solid tree in your garden, then you can think about climbing with ropes and maybe building a tree house to make the experience more fun. Over time, the tree will become like an old friend and you will know all the nooks and crannies to grab onto without even thinking about it.
- Start with a tree recommended by someone who has already climbed. If a tree has never been "climbed", there is probably a good reason.
- Beware of sticky resin, especially on pine trees.
- Always look up while climbing.
- Be careful not to get a foot caught in the branches.
- Remember to protect your palms and soles of your feet; these parts can easily get injured with the rough bark.
- Use the strength of the legs more than that of the arms, so you will tire less.
- Wear gloves to avoid splinters.
- Always remember that if you are able to go up, you are also able to go down.
Warnings
- Check the strength of the branches before placing your weight on them.
- Watch out for insects that might bite and hide in the bark; pay attention especially in the trunk area, there may be ants.
- Before climbing a hard-to-reach branch, make sure you are able to descend safely.
- If you have to jump off the tree, remember to roll on the ground, no matter how high you are. You could seriously injure your ankles and knees even with a jump of just over a meter, if you don't cushion the impact well.
- Beware of poison ivy.
- Remember that too thin and rotten branches are unable to support your weight.
- Do not disturb the animals!
- Don't climb alone. Do this only when you are with a friend or other person who stays down and controls you. In an extreme case, make sure the tree is close enough for friends and family to hear in case you scream for help.
- Never jump from the tree. If you need help, ask your climbing partner to go get help.
- If you are in the United States, be aware that tree climbing is prohibited in most cities and state parks.
