Frayed rope
Exposed core
Round vs smashed by log
Some arborists repurpose old ropes for dirty or sappy jobs, then discard them once they are no longer safe. “That way, we protect our newer ropes from getting ruined,” Tadewaldt ex- plained. “Once the old rope is completely gummed up, we simply toss it. This ap- proach saves money, avoids unnecessary cleaning, and ensures we never push a rope beyond its safe working life.” KNOWING WHEN IT’S TIME TO REPLACE In addition to damage or contamina- tion, rope age should also guide re- placement schedules. Frequency of use, tree species, and job type all factor into longevity. “If you are using your rope as a climb- ing arborist full time climbing every workday, you should be replacing it yearly,” Tadewaldt said. For arborists working regularly in pines, sap build- up may require replacement every six months. Conversely, those doing light- er or less frequent ornamental work may stretch replacement closer to 18 months.
Instead, Tadewaldt recommends stick- ing with water alone to clean any dirt that accumulates during the workday. Then find a place to store ropes where they can have enough room to dry in a climate-controlled area. Another issue that may arise while cleaning your equipment is fraying, which may compromise the ends of the rope. To prevent fraying, start with simple options such as tying a knot at the end of the rope, sealing it with a hot knife, or taping it for extra durability. You can also talk to your rope supplier to see if there are additional precautions or care you can get with your climbing ropes. Some manufacturers, such as Yale Cordage, also offer factory-spliced terminations for added longevity.
Look for:
• Cuts, glazing, or flat spots on the sheath • Soft spots or irregularities in the core, which may signal hidden damage from bending or overload- ing • Sap buildup, which can gum up fibers and reduce rope integrity • Exposure to shock loads, which requires immediate retirement
SIGNS YOU NEED TO RETIRE YOUR ROPE
Even with proper care, no rope lasts forever. Regular inspection is essential. “You need to inspect your rope from end to end, and any imperfections should be addressed by either moni- toring it, cutting off the defective sec- tion, or retiring the rope,” Tadewaldt advised.
Make sure you perform a thorough pre-climb equipment inspection befor ascending a tree.
34 | Fall 2025 ArborTIMES ™
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