The last few decades have seen an extraordinary evolution in arboricultural climbing systems.
Learning the Ropes A Bird’s Eye View on Climbing Systems in Arboriculture By TJ Yurko, ISA Certified Arborist ® (PR-5403A), ISA TRAQ, CLHT
There has been an incredible evolution of climbing systems in arboriculture over the last few decades. From a discipline that was once dominated by tra- ditional ropes and knots now offers a wide variety of advanced gear, hitches, and techniques. Among these, friction, mechanical, and hybrid climbing sys- tems set the standard for how arborists climb, move, and work in trees. Every climbing system has a unique rhythm and style, and while most professional climbers can master multiple techniques, the choice between them is rarely arbitrary. TIED AND TRUE: FRICTION HITCHES Friction-based climbing systems still form a funda- mental part of arboriculture today — and for good reason. This type of system incorporates and relies on standard climbing knowledge that is necessary for any ascending arborist. Oen a building block for other systems, friction-based climbing is favored for its simplicity and practicality. When routes planned from the ground don’t pan out in the canopy, versatility is a climber’s best friend.
Friction hitches can be tied in a number of config- urations and adapted to a wide range of climbing systems, particularly if something goes awry. “If a mechanical hitch begins slipping during a climb, there isn’t much you can do to address this,” Mason Hanrahan, owner & president of Tim-O-Tree , shared. “But if a friction hitch begins slipping, you can retie with an additional wrap or a different knot.” The go-to friction hitch will vary from climber to climber, but for Hanrahan, his favorite is the Catalyst.
The Catalyst, one of many friction hitch's an arborist can utilize.
ArborTIMES ™ Spring 2026 | 33
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