Tree Climbing Steps

There are three basic techniques of tree climbing. There is free climbing, which involves climbing without any safety equipment or gear. Experts advise against this method. Then there are two types of "technical" tree climbing: the doubled-rope technique (DRT) and the single-rope technique (SRT). DRT climbing is used with trees that are no taller than 100 feet. SRT, the more difficult method, is used on taller trees, such as redwoods and firs.

  1. Have the Right Equipment

    • In technical tree climbing, there are a few pieces of equipment that you should always use. You should get these from a sporting goods retailer that sells specially designed tree-climbing gear.

      Start with a helmet, which will protect you from falling branches and also protect you if you fall. Make sure you get a tree-climbing helmet that is designed to protect you from falling objects; a bike helmet won't do the job.

      You also need a harness, also known as a saddle. These straps are similar to but not exactly like a rock-climbing harness.

      The most basic piece of gear is the rope. This should not be rock-climbing rope, which has too much stretchability, and it should not be a twist-constructed rope because that will make you spin.

      You also will need a throw-weight and throw-line, which you will use to toss your rope over high branches and then pull it down.

      Finally, you will need carabiners, which are metal loops with a spring-closing gate that you will use to connect equipment.

    Basic Tree-Climbing Steps

    • This section describes the basic tree-climbing steps of the doubled-rope technique.

      The first step is to toss your throw-weight, with throw-line attached, over a high branch. Then you attach your rope to the throw-line and use it to pull the rope up and over the branch, creating a full loop.

      Then put on your helmet and harness, and attach the harness to your rope using carabiners and a safety knot, known as a modified Blake's hitch, a special anchor knot that holds you in place when you're not moving.

      To help you with your climbing, you can create a climbing rope, such as a Prusik loop, a second rope with a series of knots that create a friction-based hitch with three loops in it. This hitch grips your climbing rope and won't move on the rope when your weight is on it. You use the two bottom loops for supporting your feet as you climb. You attach the other loop to your harness. Pull each loop up the rope with your foot, then push down on it to lift your body up.

      When you reach the branch that is holding your loop, you have the choice of going down or trying to climb higher. If you choose to climb higher, you must first secure yourself directly to the branch you're on. Then you can try setting up your rope-climbing system on a higher branch. This step is for much more advanced climbers, however.

      To go down, use your anchor knot, the Blake's hitch. Pull it gently downward and it will let you slide down slowly. Don't pull too hard or you will slide down too fast.

    Dos and Don'ts

    • Don't try any of this by yourself. Train with an experienced instructor before trying to climb on your own.

      Always make sure you are connected to a secure rope when you are climbing to protect you if you fall.

      Never use leg spikes. These tools will injure a tree by tearing wounds in its bark.

      Don't cut troublesome branches unless you have no choice or the branch is clearly sick. There is no reason to cause unnecessary injury to your tree.