Climbing a tree without spikes is a fun task. If you climb a live tree using spikes, they’ll make holes on it, which end up interfering with its tissues.
With the holes, the tree will develop wounds that can lead to decaying and eventually die. That’s why you need to know how to climb a tree without spikes.
Moreover, the holes prevent the tree from getting essential nutrients from other parts since they cut links.
Using tree climbing spikes to climb different trees can also transfer disease from one tree to another.
8 Steps to Climb a Tree without Tree Climbing Spikes:
Step 1: Begin Your Arborist Journey
The first step you should take is to learn how to reach the lowest branch of the tree. If you succeed in reaching it, hold it using one hand while the other is on the tree’s trunk.
While doing that, ensure your feet are stepping on a strong croak. You can also hold the tree’s sides using your thighs or calves.
But if you can’t reach the branch because of its position, do;
- Jump and see if you can get hold of the branch. It would help if you were next to the stock.
- Suppose your legs can support your weight as you climb upwards try reaching the branch. Push through the tree’s trunk using both your legs and arms.
Let the ball of your foot with extra energy go forward as the other one jumps in the same direction.
As you’ll be doing, your arms should also be reaching up for the branch while the other holds the trunk.
Step 2: Reach the Lowest Branch
After getting a firm grip of the first branch from below, make attempts to get on top. But ensure the branch is strong enough to support your weight before getting on top.
You can then drag and wait for the next step. However, if you find it tricky reaching the branch through this technique, try this one;
• Drag upwards in a manner that will allow your lower arms and the biceps to rest on the lowest branch. Then sway to raise your elbows over. You can also swing with the whole upper part, that’s if you’ve got stamina. Let your legs to do the same to reach the branch.
• You can also reach the branch by swaying your leg as you hold the branch using both hands. Just sway one leg while ensuring your hands are wrapping the branch to get the biceps up. Using the other leg swing in reverse but when holding down to get up.
Step 3: Continue Going Up with The Help of Bigger Branches
After landing on top of the first branch, look for ways to maneuver up by choosing healthy big branches that will hold your weight. Don’t hold the branches too far from the trunk to be safe.
Suppose the nearest branch is below 3 inches; don’t climb it with both legs. Please don’t go for branches that are broken or dead since they can fall anytime.
If you notice the tree’s bark is peeling off when you touch it, please be safe and climb down.
Step 4: Don’t Forget Using the Three-Point Rule
Never forget anchoring three of your limbs safely as you go upwards on a tree without any equipment. Ensure that each has support from various parts of the tree.
You can opt to have both feet on the same branch but don’t sit or lean on anything. If you do so you’ll fall when you lose control of the other support system.
Note that after reaching above the first branch, don’t swing or run since it isn’t safe.
But suppose you’ve experience in tree climbing you can try going up without holding with your feet.
Step 5: Maintain Close Body Contact with The Tree
As you continue climbing the tree, ensure you’re upright while your hips are sitting under your shoulders. Maintaining close body contact with the tree will help you become more stable.
Do wrap your thighs on a small trunk on the sides to get enough support.
Step 6: Be Cautious Around Weaker Branches Unions
There’s a time when you’ll meet two cojoined branches; if you’re there, be cautious because they’re always weaker.
Step 7: Drag Each Branch Before Climbing on It
Please don’t assume that the branch is strong by the looks, instead of testing its strength. Drag it downwards and see if it can hold your weight.
Never climb a branch without testing its strength. If you realize that any part of the tree falls off easily, know that it’s rotten. In this case, go back to the ground.
Step 8: Have Climbing Limits
Some parts of the tree are never safe going beyond, especially if you’re climbing without any aid.
If you realize that the trunk’s diameter is less than four inches, don’t go beyond that point.
Things to Consider When Climbing Trees
The Weather
When you want to climb a tree without climbing sticks check on the weather. Don’t assume that the tree is strong, and you can go up with less struggle regardless of the weather.
This is because bad weather increases the risk while climbing a tree. Don’t climb when there are strong winds or rain since the tree will be wet.
Avoid trees during thunderstorms and low temperatures, which make wood soft.
Investigate on Impending Dangers
To know if a tree is safe for climbing, check to see if there’s any sign of danger. Look under the tree and see.
If there are mushrooms, dead branches, holes on the tree’s base, and cracks on the soil around the roots.
You should wear a high-quality arborist helmet for tree climbing safely.
The Clothes You’ll Use While Climbing the Tree
Before embarking on the journey to climb a tree, do have the right clothes on standby. Choose clothes that fit you well and are not loose to avoid getting held on branches.
Pick on the right shoes which will not slide while you’re climbing, frustrating your efforts.
If possible, don’t put on jewelry as they can also attach to a branch without your knowledge causing body injuries.
Check for Any Impending Danger
To be safe while climbing a tree, ensure there’s no cause for the alarm before starting.
Examine to see if there’s a power line close to the tree’s branches, look for beehives or snakes hiding places.
Don’t forget to check on dead branches before climbing.
Look at The Tree’s Size and Shape
Be cautious about overestimating the strength of the tree. Take your time and check if its branches can hold your weight. And don’t climb trees with missing barks, weird shapes, and those that are bending.
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Conclusion
Climbing trees has been there for centuries now, with most people doing so to get something like firewood or fruits.
But then, tree climbing has become a recreational activity, with most people now doing it for fun. However, climbing a tree is never easy; that’s why some people opt for using a spike.
For whatever reason, you need to climb a tree without spikes, take your time and read the above instructions. Through it, the trees around you will grow strong and healthy without interference.
