Tree Climbers' Safety Tools

Climbing trees is a task for arborists and other professionals as well as recreational climbers. Climbing a tree can be a dangerous feat that requires particular care and proper safety equipment to complete on a regular basis without incident. A single fall from a tree could result in serious injury or death for a climber, and having the proper safety equipment and tools ready will make an accident less likely.

  1. Arborist Saddle

    • The climbing saddle, or arborist's saddle, is a basic piece of safety equipment that will allow the tree climber to comfortably maneuver up the tree and remain safely in place while performing other tasks in the tree.

      These saddles work by sliding the legs through leg straps or positioning the buttocks on "butt strap" versions. The rings hold ropes that are wound through the rings in a way that allows the climber to ascend or descend when necessary. The rings and rope lock the climber into place when he needs to stop for another activity. A properly fitted saddle will maintain comfort and stability for the climber as long as she needs to be in the tree.

    Climbing Spurs

    • Climbing spurs or tree spikes are tools that fit over the climber's boots and strap onto the legs for stability. A spike juts out from the inside of the ankle and protrudes inward toward the other foot and ends in a sharp point at the same level of the bottom of the climber's boots.

      These tools are strapped on just before a climb and allow the climber to use leg strength to stab the spikes into the bark of the tree to gain traction to scale the tree. The climber hugs the tree with the legs and relies on the spurs to hold him in place while he maneuvers the upper body for another pull upward or sets his saddle to hold him suspended from the tree.

    Ropes

    • Ropes, also known as climbing lines, are a tree climber's life support. These ropes hold the climber in suspension up in the tree, and a failing rope means they'll likely come tumbling to the ground. Because of the importance of this safety tool, the tree climber must use professional grade climbing line for tree-climbing purposes. Another type of rope used in tree climbing is rigging rope. Rope previously used as rigging rope for harnesses, saddles or other uses should not be used as the climbing line, according to the WesSpur Tree Equipment website.

      Climbing line is made with multiple strands, often 12 to 16 strands that can hold incredible weights of up to several thousand pounds.