It’s impressive watching a tree professional scale a towering pine or mighty oak. They manage to maneuver around the canopy with ease, trim large branches effortlessly and tackle even the tallest trees without struggling. It’s all thanks to their training and gear. Professional tree climbers rely on a set of tools to do their job every day. Here are some of the most essential pieces of equipment they use to work.
The Climbing Setup
Every tree climber knows safety comes first. That’s why they strap into a harness called a saddle, which has a wide seat and is connected to a strong rope via D-rings or brackets. The saddle allows trimmers to comfortably work at heights for extended periods, so they don’t have to dangle mid-air or have tight, thin harness straps dig into their thighs.
Good saddles aren’t just seats on ropes, either. They have many extra attachments to clip on tools, extra rope and lanyards. Think of the tree climber’s harness like a moveable tool belt.
The Rope
Most climbers use two systems: a stationary rope and a moving rope system. Each one has a unique role in tree trimming.
The stationary rope system is anchored to a specific point and lets the climber safely rise. This keeps them stable and helps them reach the top of tall trees efficiently. The moving rope system runs through the angled point between a branch and the trunk, called a crotch, to offer flexibility and easy movement around branches.
The Friction Hitch or Mechanical Ascender
Climbers can use an old-fashioned, manual friction hitch to move up the rope or a mechanical system. The friction hitch is a knot tied with a short length of cord to grip the rope when it’s weighted and slide up or down when it’s unweighted. Mechanical ascenders do the same thing, but they’re stronger and faster, so you’re more likely to see these in use nowadays.
Tools of the Trade
Once the arborist is in the air, they need a variety of tools to effectively trim trees. The exact tools they use will depend on the type of tree they’re trimming and the level of foliage and branches they have to tackle, but these are the standard tools that are always brought to a job site.
Handsaws
A simple folding handsaw is a sharp, easy-to-use tool that helps the tree climber cleanly slice through tree branches since it’s razor-sharp and built to cut on the pull stroke.
Chainsaws
Heavy-duty jobs require a compact, top-handle chainsaw that’s easy for them to use in the air. It may seem dangerous to wield a chainsaw 50 feet above ground, but arborists train extensively to do this safely.
Pole Pruners
When branches are too far to cut manually, tree trimmers can use a pole pruner. This long pole has a cutting head that makes it easier to cut those hard-to-reach branches or leaves.
Wrapping Up
Arborists are highly skilled experts who train hard to do their jobs, and they use a variety of tools to make sure they can trim trees safely and efficiently. There are reasons why people choose to have a professional perform these tasks. It’s safer and faster, and it leads to healthier, stronger trees. When you need tree trimming services in Woodside, CA, contact Urban Tree Management.
