Advanced Tree Rigging Techniques Explained

Roger 0:02

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad . Welcome to the third episode of Talking Trees . Every Tuesday , we'll be exploring the exciting world of tree climbing , rigging and felling . Whether you're an experienced arborist or just fascinated by the skills required to work high up in the canopy , this series is for you . In today's installment , we're summarizing key themes and insights from following resources Detter 2008 , evaluation of Current Rigging and Dismantling Practices . Focusing on Tree Rigging and Dismantling Techniques . Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy . Advanced Tree Felling a resource on advanced felling techniques for challenging conditions . Felling a resource on advanced felling techniques for challenging conditions . This is a foundational discussion to be explored in greater detail in future episodes .

Jad 0:54

Welcome to the Deep Dives . You ready to get into some serious tree removal stuff today ?

Lilly 0:58

Absolutely . Let's get right into it .

Jad 1:00

We're diving deep into Andreas Getter's research paper .

Lilly 1:05

Oh yeah , this one's a gem Chock full of practical insights for any arborist .

Jad 1:09

Especially for you , right .

Lilly 1:10

Yeah , absolutely .

Jad 1:11

You know it's funny . Most people see tree work and think it's all chainsaws and brute strength , but there's actually a surprising amount of strategy involved .

Lilly 1:18

That's what I love about these deep dives we get to uncover those hidden complexities and , judging by the stack of technical manuals you sent over , I think we're going to be uncovering quite a bit today . So when we talk about rigging and tree removal , what exactly are we talking about ?

Jad 1:36

Well , in the simplest terms , rigging is all about controlling the forces involved in taking a tree down piece by piece . It's not just letting gravity have its way with a tree . It's about using ropes and pulleys and physics to guide those pieces down safely .

Lilly 1:51

So it's about precision and control . Not just brute force Makes sense , especially when you consider the size of some of these trees . We're talking about tons of wood moving through the air ? Oh , absolutely . And that weight isn't evenly distributed either . You've got to factor in the species , the age of the tree , any internal decay . All these things influence how a tree will behave when you start taking it apart .

Jad 2:08

So it's almost as if each tree has its own personality , its own strengths and weaknesses that you need to understand before making the first cut .

Lilly 2:16

That's a great way to put it .

Jad 2:18

So let's talk about that assessment process . What are some of the key things you're looking for when you're evaluating a tree for removal and we are talking about individual trees here , right ? Not clearing a whole forest .

Lilly 2:28

That's right . We're focusing on the meticulous work of removing a single tree and it always starts with observation , looking at the overall shape and balance of the tree , the condition of its bark , any signs of decay or disease . We're also looking at the surrounding environment nearby buildings , power lines , other trees , anything that could be impacted during the removal .

Jad 2:49

So it's a 360-degree assessment , taking into account both the tree itself and its surroundings . Like you're creating a mental map of all the potential risks and challenges before you even touch the tree .

Lilly 3:01

Exactly , and that mental map is constantly a real thing as we gather more information . We might use tools like increment bores to check the internal wood density , or we might gently probe the trunk and branches , looking for hidden cavities or weak spots .

Jad 3:15

You mentioned wood density . It reminds me of something I always trip up on specific gravity . It sounds like a term straight out of a physics textbook , but those reports you sent over really emphasized how important it is for rigging calculations . Can you give us the layman's explanation ?

Lilly 3:30

Sure , specific gravity is basically a comparison of a wood's density to that of water . So a wood with a specific gravity of one would have the same density as water , while a denser wood would have a higher specific gravity .

Jad 3:42

Okay , that makes sense , but how does knowing the specific gravity of , say , oak versus pine actually play into rigging decisions ?

Lilly 3:49

Well , it all comes down to weight and force . A denser wood is going to be heavier , and that weight translates into increased force when you're lowering branches or sections of the trunk .

Jad 3:59

So you're not just dealing with the weight of the wood itself , but also the forces generated by gravity and the weight of the wood itself , but also the forces generated by gravity and the swing of the piece as it's being lowered .

Lilly 4:08

Precisely . We can't just eyeball it or rely on intuition . We need to quantify those forces , and specific gravity is a key part of that equation .

Jad 4:17

You're constantly balancing those calculated risks with the unpredictable nature of working with living organisms .

Lilly 4:23

You hit the nail on the head . It's a dynamic process that requires constant adaptation . But before we get too far ahead of ourselves , let's go back to that initial assessment . Once you've evaluated the tree and its surroundings , what's the next step in developing a safe and effective rigging plan ?

Jad 4:37

Let's talk strategy .

Lilly 4:39

Well , we need to identify our targets , and by that I mean those critical points on the tree where we'll make our cuts and attach our rigging equipment , and this is where experience and a keen eye are paramount .

Jad 4:51

I imagine you're looking for the strongest points on the tree , those branches or sections of the trunk that can handle the stress of being pulled and lowered .

Lilly 4:59

Exactly , we look for what we call natural crotches , those areas where branches join the trunk with a strong , stable connection , and , I'm guessing , call natural crotches those areas where branches join the trunk with a strong , stable connection .

Jad 5:06

And I'm guessing those natural crotches act as natural anchor points for your rigging lines .

Lilly 5:11

Exactly . But finding those ideal anchor points isn't always straightforward . We have to consider the angle of the branch , its diameter , the condition of the bark . All those factors influence its strength and suitability as an anchor point .

Jad 5:23

It's like you're piecing together a puzzle , looking for those natural weak points where you can safely dismantle the tree without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment .

Lilly 5:33

Precisely , and that's where our knowledge of different rigging techniques comes into play , because , depending on the tree , its location and the surrounding obstacles , we might use a variety of methods to control those falling pieces .

Jad 5:46

This is where it gets really interesting , right ? You've got terms like speedlining and floating X.1 lifts in your notes . Are you ready to unveil those mysteries ?

Lilly 5:55

Absolutely . But first let's lay the groundwork for understanding those advanced techniques by talking about some of the fundamental principles of rigging .

Jad 6:03

Okay , let's do it Back to physics class .

Lilly 6:05

Don't worry , no pop quizzes here , just a fascinating look at how we use simple machines and a whole lot of ingenuity to control some pretty powerful forces .

Jad 6:14

I'm all ears . Let's talk about the nuts and bolts of rigging , or should I say the ropes and pulleys .

Lilly 6:20

You got it . Ropes and pulleys , that's what we're talking about . They might seem simple , but when it comes to rigging , it's all about how we combine them to create what we call mechanical advantage .

Jad 6:28

Okay , break that down for me .

Lilly 6:29

It's actually a pretty simple concept when you get down to it Basically . Mechanical advantage allows us to use a smaller force to move a much larger load . Think of it like this you can lift a heavy bucket of water out of a well using just a rope and your own strength , or you can use a pulley system to lift that same bucket with , say , half the effort .

Jad 6:50

So with pulleys we're essentially redirecting those forces to make the work more manageable .

Lilly 6:54

Exactly , and the more pulleys we add to the system , the greater that mechanical advantage becomes . It's like having an extra set of hands or , in this case , ropes helping us lift and lower those heavy tree sections . We're not just letting gravity win . We're using these systems to guide those pieces down safely , minimizing the impact on both the surrounding environment and the tree itself .

Jad 7:15

I'm starting to see why experience is so crucial in this field .

Lilly 7:19

Experience is invaluable , especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of different rigging techniques .

Jad 7:25

Which brings us back to those intriguing terms you mentioned earlier speedlining and floating X to one lifts . Are you ready to dive into those now ?

Lilly 7:32

Absolutely . Let's start with speedlining . This is a technique we use to quickly and efficiently move cut sections of a tree horizontally . Imagine you have a large branch that needs to be lowered , but there are delicate plants or structures directly below it . Instead of lowering it vertically , we can rig a line between the tree we're dismantling and another sturdy anchor point , creating a sort of aerial track .

Jad 7:56

So you're essentially using that line to guide the branch sideways like a zip line for tree limbs .

Lilly 8:01

That's a great way to put it . We attach the cut section to a pulley that runs along this line , allowing us to move it horizontally with control and precision .

Jad 8:10

That's ingenious , and I imagine that speed comes in handy when you're working in tight spaces or need to move sections quickly to minimize disruption .

Lilly 8:17

Exactly . Speedlining allows us to work more efficiently and with less impact on the surrounding area , but of course it requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the forces involved . We need to make sure those anchor points are incredibly strong and calculate the tension on the line to prevent any mishaps .

Jad 8:34

Right , safety first , always . So we've covered speedlining , which is perfect for those horizontal maneuvers . What about those floating X.1 lifts you mentioned ? That name makes me picture a tree limb just hovering in midair , as if by magic .

Lilly 8:49

It does sound a bit like magic , doesn't it ? But it's really a testament to the power of mechanical advantage . A floating X.1 lift uses a combination of ropes and pulleys to create a system that allows us to lift and lower heavy loads with incredible control . Imagine a spiderweb , but instead of catching insects , it's suspending a massive tree limb .

Jad 9:07

Okay , I'm starting to get the picture . You're distributing the weight of that limb across multiple points , essentially creating a suspended platform that you can then maneuver with precision .

Lilly 9:16

Exactly , and the X.1 part of the name refers to the mechanical advantage created by the pulley system . So a four to one system , for example , would allow you to lift four times the weight you could with a single rope .

Jad 9:28

So you're essentially multiplying your strength , giving you the ability to move those massive tree sections as if they were weightless . That's remarkable .

Lilly 9:36

It is a powerful technique , but it's also one that requires a lot of skill and expertise to execute

Mastering Tree Rigging Techniques Explored

Lilly 9:42

safely . We're constantly calculating loads , adjusting tension and adapting to the unique challenges of each tree and its surroundings .

Jad 9:49

It sounds like a constant dance between physics , biology and good old-fashioned problem solving , and I'm guessing there are times when even the best laid plans need to be adjusted on the fly .

Lilly 9:59

Absolutely . Trees , especially mature ones , can have hidden surprises internal decay , weak spots , unexpected shifts in weight . That's why we're constantly reassessing , adapting our techniques and relying on both our knowledge and our instincts to ensure a safe and successful removal .

Jad 10:13

It's that blend of science and art that I find so captivating about this field removal . It's that blend of science and art that I find so captivating about this field . You're working with nature , not against it , and that requires a deep understanding of both .

Lilly 10:23

Well said . And that brings us to another crucial aspect of rigging Understanding how the forces we're applying are actually impacting the tree itself .

Jad 10:36

That's a perfect segue , because I was just about to ask you about something I read in those research papers Shock loading . It sounds a bit ominous , to be honest .

Lilly 10:40

Yeah , shock loading is something we try to avoid whenever possible .

Jad 10:44

So what exactly is shock loading ?

Lilly 10:46

It's all about sudden changes in force .

Jad 10:48

So like if you were to yank on a rope instead of pulling it smoothly .

Lilly 10:57

Exactly Imagine you're lowering a heavy branch and it suddenly comes to a stop at the end of the rope . That abrupt halt creates a shockwave of force that travels through the rigging system and back into the tree itself .

Jad 11:03

Ouch , that makes sense . It's like when you jump off something high and land stiff-legged versus bending your knees to absorb the impact .

Lilly 11:11

Perfect analogy . Our bodies are designed to handle gradual forces better than sudden jolts , and it's the same with trees Shock loading can damage the bark-weakened branches , even cause structural failure in extreme cases .

Jad 11:24

Okay , the stakes are pretty clear . How do you mitigate those shock loads when you're dealing with something as unpredictable as a falling tree limb ?

Lilly 11:31

Control and energy dissipation are key . We use a variety of techniques , but a common one is called letting it run .

Jad 11:38

Letting it run . That sounds kind of counterintuitive when you're talking about something heavy falling from a tree .

Lilly 11:43

I know right , but it's all about controlled movement . Instead of lowering a cut section all the way down in one go , we might let it drop a short distance . This allows some of that built-up energy to dissipate before the final stop , reducing the shock load on both the rigging and the tree .

Jad 12:00

So it's about finding that balance between letting gravity do its work and using those subtle adjustments to keep things safe and controlled .

Lilly 12:07

Exactly , and that's where experience and understanding those rigging principles really comes into play .

Jad 12:13

You know , one thing that keeps coming up in our conversation is this interplay between science and art . Obviously , there are solid physics and engineering principles involved here , but then there's this intuitive element , this ability to read a tree and anticipate how it will behave .

Lilly 12:29

It's one of the things I love about this field . You can study all the textbooks , learn all the calculations , but then you step out into the real world and every tree is different .

Jad 12:38

So how do you train for that ? Is it just trial and error , or is there a way to actually develop that intuitive sense ?

Lilly 12:43

A lot of it comes from experience . Working alongside seasoned arborists who have that sixth sense , you know , you learn to read the subtle cues the way a branch sways , the sound of the wood as it's being cut , all those sensory details tell you how the tree is responding to your actions .

Jad 13:00

Talk about a game changer .

Lilly 13:01

Oh , absolutely . And speaking of game changers , Detter's work on knot strength is mind blowing .

Jad 13:06

Yeah , I was gonna say , that was a big one for me too .

Lilly 13:08

You'd think of knots , a knot right .

Jad 13:10

Right .

Lilly 13:10

But he actually tested them . Wow , under different stresses , mimicking real world , rigging scenarios .

Jad 13:18

That's incredible what he found out .

Lilly 13:19

Well , for example , he found that when using an eye sling , connecting it to a block with a bushing is actually better than using a shackle like a porter wrap .

Jad 13:29

Really .

Lilly 13:30

In terms of strength preservation yeah , Ah who knew . It's those little details , you know .

Jad 13:35

Yeah , absolutely . And speaking of details , he also gets into rope strength , right .

Lilly 13:39

Oh , absolutely . He's a big proponent of not just relying on the manufacturer's data .

Jad 13:44

Right , because that doesn't always tell the whole story . You've got to be prepared for anything out there Exactly .

Lilly 13:48

You've got to have that healthy dose of skepticism .

Jad 13:51

It's like checking the weather before you climb , you know .

Lilly 13:54

Exactly A little knowledge can save you a lot of trouble .

Jad 13:57

So what about you ?

Lilly 14:03

Anything in his research really stand out to you . Well , one thing that really struck me was how he debunks some common assumptions like estimating log weight .

Jad 14:07

Oh , yeah , like what .

Lilly 14:09

Well , it turns out that simply using dimensions and species specific gravity , it can really underestimate the weight .

Jad 14:18

Really .

Lilly 14:19

Especially for irregular sections .

Jad 14:20

Huh . So it's like ordering a small pizza and getting a family-size one delivered .

Lilly 14:24

Exactly , you gotta be prepared for those extra pounds .

Jad 14:26

You gotta be prepared , that's for sure .

Lilly 14:28

And Detter's research really underscores that , relying solely on those estimations for calculating load limits it can be risky .

Jad 14:36

Right , because there are all those hidden variables , exactly that we might not be accounting for .

Lilly 14:40

It's like he's handing us a more accurate scale and saying don't just eyeball it , get it right .

Jad 14:45

I like that , get it right .

Lilly 14:46

And speaking of getting it right , let's talk about shock loading . That's another area where his research really shines .

Jad 14:52

Oh yeah , shock loading .

Lilly 14:52

That's another area where his research really shines . Oh yeah , shock loading , that's a big one it is , and he doesn't just tell us it's bad , he quantifies it , oh wow , how so . Well , his field tests actually recorded shock loads reaching 65 percent of the knotted tensile strength of the lowering rope 65 percent .

Jad 15:07

Are you serious ?

Lilly 15:08

Yeah , that's a wakeup call if I've ever heard one .

Jad 15:10

That's a big wake-up call .

Lilly 15:11

It is .

Jad 15:12

Wow Okay , so what do we do about it ?

Lilly 15:14

And the cool thing is , he doesn't just point out the problem , he actually offers solutions .

Jad 15:19

Okay , that's good . I was wondering about that .

Lilly 15:20

He's all about using techniques that let the load run and decelerate gradually .

Jad 15:25

So smoother descents , less wear and tear on your gear makes sense .

Lilly 15:34

Exactly Safer for everyone involved . Definitely a good thing . Like he's saying work smarter , not harder , you know .

Jad 15:37

Right . Use those laws of physics to your advantage .

Lilly 15:40

Exactly . And that kind of leads us to another fascinating part of his research .

Jad 15:44

Oh yeah , what's that ?

Lilly 15:45

It's how he talks about the tree itself being part of the rigging system .

Jad 15:51

What do you mean ?

Lilly 15:51

It's not just an object , it's like an active participant in the whole process .

Jad 15:55

Okay , now I'm really intrigued . Tell me more about this whole active participant thing .

Lilly 15:59

So he talks about how a tree's ability to bend and sway it actually helps absorb some of those dynamic forces .

Jad 16:07

Really Huh , I never thought about it that way .

Lilly 16:10

Especially when there are still branches and leaves on the section you're lowering .

Jad 16:14

It's like the tree has its own built-in shock absorbers or something .

Lilly 16:18

Exactly Natural shock absorbers .

Jad 16:20

That's wild . Never would have thought of it like that .

Lilly 16:22

And that ties into his emphasis on having the right tools for the job .

Jad 16:26

Oh yeah , he had some interesting things to say about that .

Lilly 16:29

Yeah , he didn't hold back on calling out some equipment manufacturers for not providing enough information .

Jad 16:34

Like . What kind of information ?

Lilly 16:35

You know detailed specs about the strength and limitations of the rigging components , that kind of thing .

Jad 16:40

So it's like buying a chainsaw without knowing its horsepower or chain speed .

Lilly 16:45

Exactly . You got to know what you're working with .

Jad 16:47

Makes sense . Got to be informed .

Lilly 16:48

And that's what he's urging us to do Be more proactive , ask those tough questions .

Jad 16:53

Even conduct our own tests if we have to .

Lilly 16:55

Exactly . Take responsibility for our tools and our knowledge .

Jad 16:59

It's about taking that next step , going beyond just following instructions .

Lilly 17:03

Right Becoming true masters of our craft .

Jad 17:06

And that means understanding the science behind it , all , the physics , like when he talks about the kinematics of rigging .

Lilly 17:13

Oh yeah , that was fascinating the way he breaks down the movement of the tree during removal .

Jad 17:16

I know right , Like he talks about the log's trajectory as it falls , the roll of the hinge wood , even how the tree acts like a giant spring .

Lilly 17:25

It's mind-blowing when you really think about all those forces at play , even when you're just making a simple cut .

Jad 17:31

I know it's like there's this whole invisible world happening right in front of us .

Lilly 17:35

And then he gets into this whole thing about spring rate , which is basically how much a tree bends under force .

Jad 17:41

Okay , I remember that part that was pretty interesting .

Lilly 17:43

So he's giving us x-ray vision to see the stresses and strains inside the tree .

Jad 17:48

That's a cool way to put it .

Lilly 17:49

He wants us to see the tree as a partner in the process , not just an obstacle to be removed .

Jad 17:55

I like that . A partner in the process . And like any good dance partner , we need to anticipate their moves . You know it's like a dance between human skill and the forces of nature .

Lilly 18:05

Exactly . It's not just about brute force . It's about finesse , precision , respect for what we're working with .

Jad 18:11

I love that . It really is an art form in a way .

Lilly 18:14

Absolutely . And speaking of respect , he also touches on the ethical considerations of tree removal .

Jad 18:20

Right , because even though we're removing a tree , it doesn't mean we can't do it responsibly .

Lilly 18:25

Exactly . He talks about the importance of the surrounding environment , wildlife , habitats , even just the aesthetics of the landscape .

Jad 18:32

It's about seeing the bigger picture . Yeah , the long-term impact of our actions .

Lilly 18:36

Exactly , and have you ever been in a situation where those ethical considerations came into play ? Plenty of times ? It's always a balancing act .

Jad 18:45

Right Weighing the pros and cons .

Lilly 18:47

Exactly . But that's what's so valuable about debtor's research it gives us the knowledge to make those tough calls .

Jad 18:53

So we can manage the urban forest responsibly .

Lilly 18:56

Exactly For everyone's benefit .

Jad 18:58

Not just removing trees , but taking care of the whole ecosystem .

Lilly 19:01

Exactly , and that's what being an arborist is all about . It's about that caretaking role , right . And speaking of passion , one thing that really got me fired up was his section on notch cuts .

Jad 19:12

Oh yeah .

Lilly 19:14

What really got me fired up was his section on notch cuts . Oh yeah , what do you think about that ? I mean , it seems so basic , right , but he really digs into the nuances of it all .

Jad 19:19

It's like anything else there's more to it than meets the eye .

Lilly 19:22

Exactly . He breaks down all the different notch forms , the open face , the humbolt , and analyzes how they affect everything .

Jad 19:29

Like how the log rotates when it falls right .

Lilly 19:31

Exactly , and the forces on the rigging system , the whole nine yards .

Jad 19:34

Remember he used high speed cameras to track the logs . That was cool .

Lilly 19:37

Yeah , and it turns out they don't always behave the way you'd expect .

Jad 19:41

Really no kidding .

Lilly 19:42

All those factors come into play , the shape of the log , the weight distribution , even decay .

Jad 19:49

Wow , so much happening in those few seconds .

Lilly 19:51

It's incredible , and that's why he's so big on those safety margins .

Jad 19:54

Right , you've got to be prepared for anything .

Lilly 19:56

Exactly Because nature always has a few surprises up her sleeve .

Jad 19:59

So true . And speaking of surprises , I was fascinated by his research on friction .

Lilly 20:05

Oh yeah , Friction's a big one . It's everywhere in our rigging systems .

Jad 20:08

And it can be both good and bad .

Lilly 20:10

Exactly Too little and things get out of control too much and you're wearing down your gear .

Jad 20:15

It's all about finding that sweet spot .

Lilly 20:17

Precisely and he goes into all the factors that affect flexion the block type , the rope material , even how the rope rubs against the tree .

Jad 20:24

It's those little things that can make a big difference .

Lilly 20:31

Absolutely .

Jad 20:31

And that's what I appreciate about Detter's work . He makes you think about all those details . He elevates the whole profession , makes us more than just tree cutters .

Lilly 20:35

Exactly , we're applying science , we're problem solvers .

Jad 20:38

We're artists , we're caretakers .

Lilly 20:40

Absolutely . It's a rewarding profession .

Jad 20:43

So , after this deep dive into debtor's research , what's sticking with you ? What will you take back to your next climb ?

Lilly 20:50

Honestly , it's reignited that spark , that sense of wonder .

Jad 20:54

There's always more to learn , right .

Lilly 20:55

Always , and that's what's so exciting about this field there's always a new challenge , a new puzzle to solve .

Jad 21:01

And debtors' research gives us the tools we need to tackle those challenges safely and effectively

Explore Tree Work

Jad 21:06

.

Lilly 21:06

Exactly so to all you arborists out there keep asking questions , keep pushing the boundaries , keep that passion for trees alive .

Jad 21:14

Beautifully said and to our listeners . We want to hear from you what surprised you most about the hidden world of tree removal . Let us know , and maybe your question will spark our next deep dive .

Roger 21:28

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Talking Trees . We hope you enjoyed today's introduction to the world of tree climbing , rigging and felling . If you're as fascinated by the heights and challenges of working in the canopy as we are be sure to tune in every Tuesday for more on this thrilling topic . Don't forget to like , share and subscribe on your favorite platform and if you want to support us , head over to www . herohero . co/ talkingtrees . Until next time , stay safe and keep climbing .