REACHING THE TOP The evolution of climbing technology has expanded the arborist’s toolkit in extraordinary ways, with emerging trends greatly increasing the reach of climbing activities. “Innovation in this space is accelerat- ing right now,” Spence shared. “New mechanical devices like the Art Black- bird, Buckingham Throttle, and ISC Reflex are addressing limitations of pre- vious-generation devices. Specifically, they’re engineered to function on both SRS and MRS, solve mid-line attachabil- ity, and eliminate the need for additional friction tethers. I expect this trend to continue with devices becoming more hybrid-compatible, thereby reducing the need to carry multiple setups.” Choosing a climbing system is a blend of one’s preferences, climbing experi- ence, tree structure, safety practices, and the nature of the work at hand. The best arborists are those who under- stand the advantages and disadvantag- es of each system and can adapt their climbing style as needed. “The climber should always use what they are going to be the most comfort- able and productive with,” Chambrelli advised. “Learn all the systems of the trade and use the right system for the situation you are faced with.” Ultimately, mastering your climbing technique is one of the best ways to equip yourself with the tools to climb the ladder, or rather the tree, of success. ABOUT THE AUTHOR TJ Yurko is an ISA Certified Arborist ® (PR-5403A), ISA TRAQ Arborist, and Certified Landscape Horticul- turist Technician at his company, Tree J Consulting , where he advises clients on urban forestry and arboriculture best management practices and strategies for tree care operations.
Mechanical devices such as the ZigZag also offer ergonomic benefits. Their one-handed operation allows climbers to maintain greater balance and control.
and disadvantages in different situa- tions, so I allow the situation to dictate which technique I use. I may plan to use MRS when I start throwing into a tree but wind up with a decent tie-in point that I can’t isolate. In this case, it is far more efficient to use SRS with a base tie than it is to pull the line out and continue throwing.” Nonetheless, some arborists prefer one configuration over another due to a sense of familiarity, muscle memory, and experience associated with a par- ticular climbing setup. “I use the Petzl ZigZag with the Chi- cane, along with a CT foot ascender and knee ascender for rope-walking,” Spence shared. “The ZigZag was the first mechanical device I learned on, and I’ve never felt compelled to move on — it’s comfortable and reliable.” For someone new to the field, however, the choice between climbing systems and gear can seem overwhelming. For new climbers, having a system that fo- cuses on the fundamental principles of tree climbing is key.
“I would suggest beginning on MRS,” Spence advised. “It’s more intuitive and easier to learn. Learning SRS with all the different mechanical systems, configurations, and compatibility con- siderations can be overwhelming to a newcomer. Once you’ve got MRS di- alled in and you’re moving comfortably in the canopy, you’ll have the founda- tional skills to start experimenting with SRS.” Hanrahan provided another caveat for new climbers about starting out on me- chanical devices. “I strongly caution new climbers from learning on mechanical hitch- es,” he asserted. “Beyond the safety concerns, I have seen it stunt climb- ers’ development and make them less capable of adapting to surprises on the job, as they typically don’t learn other techniques.” Regardless of one’s preferences, it goes without saying that climbing gear, ropes, harnesses, and friction devices should be of top quality, as these are, in effect, life support devices that keep you climbing high.
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