Talking Trees

Climber Positioning

Subscriber Episode Arboricultural Academy Season 2025 Episode 45

This episode is only available to subscribers.

This episode, titled "Climber Positioning," explores a technical guide to tree climbing and high-altitude rescue. It focuses on safe work techniques at heights, including rope management, climber positioning, selection and use of anchor points, and safe descent. The guide provides detailed explanations of various methods and procedures, complemented by illustrations and checklists to ensure safety. It emphasizes thorough preparation, proper equipment usage, and risk prevention to support climbers in maintaining safety and efficiency during their activities.

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Roger

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad. Welcome to Talking Trees. Today we're diving into a technical guide on tree climbing. We'll focus on essential skills such as managing free rope systems and improving climber positioning. So, whether you're a seasoned tree climber or just starting out, there's something valuable in today's discussion for you. Let's get started.

Jad

Welcome to the Deep Dive.

Lilly

Glad to be here.

Jad

Today, we're focusing on you and your world as a professional tree climber.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

We've got some excerpts from Technical Guide 1 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue that you sent over Right. And I'm ready to get into the nitty gritty of climber positioning.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

And managing slack, all that good stuff.

Lilly

All the important things, yeah.

Jad

You know the things that keep us safe and efficient up in the canopy.

Lilly

It's all connected, that's for sure. Can't have one without the other.

Jad

Exactly. And speaking of connected, yeah, the guide jumps right in with section 9.1.1 saying a climber should always remain anchored to the tree.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

Now, I know this might seem obvious to a seasoned climber like yourself. But why do you think they stress this so heavily? Because, it's easy to get complacent.

Lilly

You know, you've got years of experience, you're moving quickly and suddenly you think just this, once I can reach that branch without clipping in. But that's how accidents happen. It's about building those habits, those reflexes, so that being anchored is second nature, right, no matter what.

Jad

It's like wearing your seatbelt in the car.

Lilly

Exactly, you just do it without thinking yeah.

Jad

And speaking of safety essentials.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

The guide mentions a 500 millimeter slack limit.

Lilly

Right, okay.

Jad

Can you explain why that's so important Sure, especially in terms of potential fall distance and the forces involved?

Lilly

Think of it this way yeah, every extra millimeter of slack is like adding potential energy to a spring.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

The further you fall, the more that spring snaps back Right and that force translates directly onto your body and your gear. Wow, 500 millimeters is about the limit.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Before things get really dangerous.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

And it's not just about hitting the ground Right, it's about the shock your system experiences when it arrests that fall.

Jad

That's a powerful image. I'm starting to see why every centimeter counts.

Lilly

It all adds up.

Jad

And then there's this whole concept of leaning away from your anchor points using the rope system for support. But I'm curious what does that actually?

Lilly

feel like it can feel counterintuitive at first, almost like you're going to fall backwards. But when you trust your gear and understand how those forces are working, it becomes this amazing dance between you, the rope and the tree. You're essentially leaning into the system, using it to create access and stability.

Jad

I can only imagine the kind of spatial awareness that takes.

Lilly

It's a feel thing, develop it over time.

Jad

Speaking of things that can feel a bit unsettling. Let's talk about pendulum swings. Outline some strategies for preventing them.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

As someone who's been up there.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

What are your thoughts on minimizing that swing arc and staying in control?

Lilly

Pendulum swings are all about managing forces and angles.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

It starts with choosing the right anchor points.

Jad

Right Ones that minimize the potential for swinging. Then it's about using redirects to control the path of your rope.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

And, if necessary, repositioning your anchor as you move around the tree. So you're constantly adjusting it's almost like you're constantly adjusting your center of gravity. Now let's dive into slack management techniques.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

The guide mentions the slack tender pulley system. Right For our listeners who might not be familiar, sure, can you paint a picture of how that works in practice?

Lilly

Imagine you're climbing up the trunk.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

And you need to constantly adjust your slack as you move Right, instead of stopping every few feet to fiddle with your hitch Uh-huh. The slack tender pulley acts like an extra hand.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

It's a pulley below your friction hitch.

Jad

Right.

Lilly

You just advance it with one hand as you ascend.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Keeping the line taut and reducing that constant back and forth.

Jad

That's brilliant. It sounds like it would make the climb much smoother and more efficient.

Lilly

It definitely helped.

Jad

And the guide also mentions other rope management techniques.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

Are any that you find particularly helpful?

Lilly

It depends on the situation, of course, sure, but generally it's about finding ways to minimize the effort you have to put in to haul that rope.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Think about stacking your rope neatly, using the right knots to keep things organized Right and minimizing friction points.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

The less energy you waste on managing your rope the more you have for the actual work.

Jad

Okay, that makes sense.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

I'm all about working smarter, not harder, especially up in a tree, me too, Mentions this floating Prusik Right. What's the advantage of using that system? Well, it sounds a bit more complex.

Lilly

It's about leveraging the geometry of your system to naturally reduce slack. Essentially, you configure your friction hitch further away from your harness.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

This creates natural tension as you climb, almost like the rope is helping to pull you up. Wow, it requires a bit more finesse, but it can be incredibly efficient.

Jad

I bet it's like you're working with the forces, not against them.

Lilly

Exactly.

Jad

And speaking of leverage, yeah. The guide mentions using mechanical advantage systems for ascent. What are the benefits there?

Lilly

It's all about making those big climbs more manageable, especially if you're carrying gear. A 2.1 system, for example, cuts the force you need to apply in half. This means less fatigue, which translates to safer and more efficient work. In the long run. That makes sense.

Jad

Yeah, this 2.1 system comes up again. Okay, but this time it's about self-hauling with SRT systems. Yeah, how does that work?

Lilly

Think of it like creating a temporary anchor point on your rope.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

You're using a fixed point to redirect the line, which essentially doubles your pulling power. Right? It's a bit more technical, but the concept is similar.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

You're using physics to your advantage.

Jad

So let's say you're way out at the crown extremities, high above your main anchor points as described 9.3.1.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

What are the strategies for working safely in that kind of exposed environment?

Lilly

When you're working at the crown extremities, it's all about adaptability and resourcefulness. Extendable tools can be a lifesaver. They let you reach those awkward spots without having to reposition your entire system, and if you need to get up there yourself, you might need to create a temporary anchor above your main anchor points. It's like building a little work platform in the sky.

Jad

That sounds both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.

Lilly

It can be both, yeah.

Jad

But obviously safety considerations have to be paramount, right.

Lilly

Absolutely. This is specialized work.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

And it requires careful planning and execution. Right You're further, potentially more exposed, so every decision counts.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

You're constantly assessing the tree, the wind, your gear and your own limits.

Jad

Now on to double anchor configurations.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

I've always thought of these as a go-to strategy for stability.

Lilly

They're definitely a good option.

Jad

Can you explain why they're so effective?

Lilly

It's all about creating a more stable base.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

With a single anchor. You're essentially relying on one point of contact.

Jad

Right.

Lilly

But when you have two anchors, you create a triangular support system.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

This not only improves stability, but also reduces the load on each individual anchor, making your overall setup much stronger.

Jad

So it's like having a safety net that also enhances your working position.

Lilly

It's a win-win.

Jad

And the guide mentions different techniques for setting them up Right Double crotching and the V or M rig. Can you give us a quick overview of those?

Lilly

Double crotching is essentially using your backup or the other end of your primary system to create that second anchor, point Right. The VRM rig, on the other hand, uses a separate sling or rope to connect your two anchors.

Roger

Okay.

Lilly

Creating a more triangular configuration.

Jad

So it's about choosing the best method for the situation.

Lilly

Exactly.

Jad

Considering the shape of the tree, the available anchor points and the type of work you're doing.

Lilly

Got it.

Jad

Lots of options to tailor the setup to the specific situation.

Lilly

There are a lot of variables, yeah.

Jad

Speaking of essential gear.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

The guide highlights the importance of adjustable lanyards.

Lilly

They're definitely a key piece of equipment.

Jad

Why are these so crucial?

Lilly

Adjustable lanyards are like the multi-tool of tree climbing. Okay, they can be used for positioning Right, preventing those pendulum swings we talked about, and even as a backup system in an emergency.

Jad

So they're not just about keeping you connected, they're about giving you control and flexibility up there.

Lilly

That's right. It's all about having options.

Jad

Yeah, with that versatility comes a need for caution Right.

Lilly

You always have to be aware of the risks. Yeah.

Jad

Dives into some critical safety points. Okay, I'm going to touch on those.

Lilly

Right. It's about using the right lanyard for the job, ensuring it's properly attached to your harness.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

And understanding the limitations of single line configurations.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

Lanyards can add a layer of safety.

Jad

Right. But they also introduce potential risks if not used correctly of safety Right, but they also introduce potential risks if not used correctly. I'm definitely starting to appreciate the nuance and attention to detail required for safe climbing.

Lilly

It's all about the details.

Jad

Yes, well, we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive.

Lilly

We have.

Jad

From understanding the importance of staying anchored.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

To exploring the various techniques for managing slack.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

And choosing the right anchor points.

Lilly

It's all connected.

Jad

It's clear that safety and efficiency go hand in hand.

Lilly

They do for sure.

Jad

Absolutely. But before we wrap up this first part of our dive, Okay. Let's talk about those anchor points themselves. Sure, because, choosing the right anchor, yeah. And understanding the different types Right Is fundamental to everything we've discussed so far.

Lilly

It's the foundation of it all. Absolutely, you're absolutely right. Choosing the right anchor is the foundation of safe climbing.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

The two main categories Okay, personal fall protection anchors and positioning anchors.

Jad

Okay, I'm intrigued. What's the difference between those two? I mean, aren't all anchors designed to keep us from falling? All anchors designed?

Lilly

to keep us from falling. They are, but they serve different primary purposes.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Your personal fall protection anchor, sometimes called a load-bearing anchor, is your lifeline. It's what catches you if you fall. It needs to be incredibly strong and reliable Positioning anchors on the other hand are more about keeping you stable and in control while you work. They might be able to hold a fall, in some cases Right but their primary role is to prevent those unwanted swings and help you access tricky spots.

Jad

That makes sense. So it's not just about finding any strong looking branch Right. It's about understanding what role that anchor will play in your overall system.

Lilly

Exactly. And that brings us to the next crucial point.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

How to choose the right anchor point for the job.

Jad

Yeah, okay, so let's break that down. What are some of the key things a climber should be looking for when selecting an anchor point?

Lilly

It's about assessing the whole picture.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

You're looking at the species of the tree, its overall health.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

The shape and size of the branch you're considering, the potential forces involved, based on your movement and the work you're doing, and even the weather conditions. It's a lot to take in, but it becomes second nature with experience.

Jad

Wow, it's way more complex than I initially realized. It's almost like you're reading the tree, trying to understand its strengths and weaknesses. You are in a way, and speak of weaknesses. It talks about load testing. Why? Why is that so important?

Lilly

Because you can't just look at a branch and assume it's strong enough.

Jad

Right.

Lilly

Load testing is about applying a controlled force to the anchor point, essentially simulating a fall. Right, you're listening for any creaking or cracking sounds, any signs that the tree is stressed.

Jad

Right.

Lilly

Feeling for any movement or give in the anchor.

Jad

It's like giving the anchor a trial run before you fully trust it.

Lilly

Exactly.

Jad

I bet that takes a lot of experience to know what feels right and what feels wrong.

Lilly

It does, but there are also tools and techniques you can use to help with that assessment. It's about combining knowledge, observation and a healthy dose of caution.

Jad

That's a great reminder. Never underestimate the power of caution, especially when you're high up in a tree.

Lilly

For sure.

Jad

Now I'm curious about something we touched on earlier Okay, the angle of the load Right, how that affects the strength of an anchor point.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

Can you explain why that?

Lilly

is, it seems a bit counterintuitive. It all comes down to physics. Think of it this way Okay, comes down to physics.

Roger

think of it this way.

Lilly

Okay, if you're pulling straight down on a rope tied to a branch, the force is distributed directly through that branch. But if you pull sideways on that same rope, right, you're creating leverage okay and that leverage multiplies the force on the anchor point right the greater the angle, the weaker the anchor.

Jad

Okay, so, if I'm picturing this correctly, ideally you want your anchor position directly above you.

Lilly

As close as possible. Yes, okay, even recommends placing anchors on or around the main stem whenever possible.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

That's where the tree is strongest Right, and it minimizes those potentially dangerous angles.

Jad

This is making me think about those times when you're working off to the side of a branch, not directly below it dangerous angles.

Advanced Tree Climbing Anchor Techniques

Lilly

This is making me think about those times when you're working off to the side of a branch, not directly below it, right, and that's where careful anchor selection and understanding those angles becomes even more critical.

Jad

Now let's talk about a different type of anchor.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

The basal anchor or tie off Right. What are those and when would you use them?

Lilly

A basal anchor is essentially an anchor point at the base of the tree.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

It's often used in aerial rescue scenarios.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

But it can also be useful for certain types of climbing, especially when you need a secure point to descend from.

Jad

Okay, so instead of being up in the canopy, this anchor is down at ground level. Are there any specific considerations for using a basal anchor?

Lilly

Yes, some key points yeah. First, the anchor point itself needs to be suitable and strong enough to handle the potential loads Okay. Second, its location needs to be safe. You don't want it in an area where it could be damaged by vehicles or foot traffic. Right and finally, the configuration of your tie-off needs to be secure to prevent slipping.

Jad

It sounds like there's a lot of room for error if you're not careful.

Lilly

Absolutely. And another thing to keep in mind with basal anchors is the potential for your system to become unweighted. This can happen if the rope shifts or you move in a certain way. To prevent this, the guide suggests taking a turn of rope around the lower stem, essentially creating a backup point of contact.

Jad

That's a great tip. It's like adding an extra layer of security to an already critical anchor point.

Lilly

It's all about redundancy.

Jad

Now let's shift gears a bit and talk about canopy anchors.

Lilly

Yeah, sure, canopy anchors are what most people think of when they imagine tree climbing anchors, those connections you make up in the tree itself.

Jad

Right, like looping your rope around a sturdy branch.

Lilly

But it sounds like there's more to it than just finding a strong branch.

Jad

There is.

Lilly

Sometimes you'll run your climbing line through a cambium saver, which is a protective sleeve that helps distribute the load and protect the bark of the tree Right. Other times you might use a natural fork in the tree where two branches come together and in some cases you might tie your rope directly to the anchor point, although this is less common, because it can damage the tree.

Jad

So it's about choosing the best method based on the situation, considering both the strength of the anchor and the health of the tree.

Lilly

Exactly, and sometimes you'll need to advance your anchor point higher up in the tree as you climb.

Jad

Okay. So how do you move your anchor point up without putting yourself at risk?

Lilly

You essentially create a temporary anchor above your current climb. Okay, so how do you move your anchor point up without putting yourself at risk? You essentially create a temporary anchor above your current anchor using something like a sling. You attach this temporary anchor to your climbing line with a secure, auto-locking carabiner and once you're connected to the new anchor point, you can safely remove the sling and continue your climb. It's all about creating those secure transitions.

Jad

That's really clever. It's like you're building a ladder of anchors as you ascend.

Lilly

In a way yeah.

Jad

And it talks about situations where you're using a doubled rope technique.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

Like with a secured footlock.

Lilly

Uh-huh.

Jad

And the rope is spread out as it approaches the anchor. It mentions that this can cause problems with your friction. Hitch it as the anchor, okay.

Lilly

It mentions that this can cause problems with your friction. Hitch it can.

Jad

Can you explain, why that is?

Lilly

When your rope is spread out, it reduces the surface area of contact with your friction hitch.

Jad

Which can decrease its grip.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

This means it might not hold as securely, increasing the risk of a slip or even a failure.

Lilly

That sounds incredibly dangerous. How do you prevent that from happening?

Jad

The guide recommends a few strategies. Okay, you can use a cambium saver or an alpine butterfly knot to reduce the spread of the rope.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

Or you can simply maintain a safe distance from the anchor using a 5.1 ratio.

Lilly

Okay.

Jad

This means that for every 10 centimeters of branch diameter, you keep your hitch 50 centimeters away of branch diameter, you keep your hitch 50 centimeters away. This ensures that you have enough rope in contact with the hitch to maintain a secure grip.

Lilly

It's all about those little details, those safety checks that can make all the difference.

Jad

It's the little things that add up.

Lilly

Well said. Speaking of adjusting techniques, let's talk about redirects. Okay, right, can you break down what? A redirect is and how it works. Redirects are essentially ways of controlling the path of your rope. Okay, right.

Jad

Can you break down what a redirect is and how it works? Redirects are essentially ways of controlling the path of your rope. Okay, they can be used to reduce friction.

Lilly

Change your angle of ascent or even create a more advantageous position for working. Imagine you need to reach a branch that's off to the side, but your anchor point is above you. By creating a redirect, you can essentially bend the rope allowing you to access that area without having to reposition your entire system.

Jad

Okay, so it's like adding a pulley to your system, but instead of reducing the force, you're changing the direction of that force.

Lilly

That's a great analogy.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

And, just like with pulleys, the angle of the redirect is important. Right A redirect angle between 60 and 90 degrees can put a lot of stress on your anchor points.

Jad

So choosing the right spot for a redirect is just as important as choosing the right anchor point itself.

Lilly

We got it. It's a lot to think about, but it's what keeps us safe.

Jad

Now let's talk about another specialized type of anchor, okay, midline anchor. These are anchors that are installed somewhere along your climbing line rather than at the base or the top of the tree Right. When would you use a midline anchor and what are the key things to keep in mind?

Lilly

Midline anchors can be incredibly useful in a variety of situations, okay, particularly in aerial rescue scenarios. Right, they can provide a temporary anchor point for ascending or descending.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Or even as part of a more complex rescue system.

Jad

So it's like creating a safe stopping point in the middle of your climb.

Lilly

It is, yeah, and one of the most important is the type of equipment you use.

Roger

Okay.

Lilly

Section 11.8.2 specifically warns against using certain types of ascenders as connection points for midline anchors.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Frameloaded tooth descenders or cam-loaded non-tooth descenders are not designed for this purpose and could fail under load.

Jad

So it's critical to choose gear that's specifically rated for midline anchor use. Absolutely. If you do use a midline anchor on your climbing line, you must include a stopper knot or blocking knot below the anchor Right. This prevents the anchor from sliding down the rope if it becomes unloaded.

Lilly

You don't want that to happen.

Jad

Okay, that makes sense.

Lilly

Yeah.

Jad

It's like adding a safety catch to make sure your anchor stays put Exactly that. The rope or cord used for a midline anchor needs to be strong enough to handle the load Right, whether it's supporting one or two climbers.

Lilly

You always have to factor that in.

Jad

So there are a lot of nuances and safety considerations when it comes to using midline anchors.

Lilly

There are a lot of things to think about, yeah.

Jad

But that's why training and experience are so important in tree climbing.

Lilly

They are crucial.

Jad

It's about understanding the principles.

Lilly

Right.

Jad

Recognizing the potential risks and choosing the right techniques for each situation.

Lilly

Exactly. It's all about making informed decisions.

Jad

Well said, we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive.

Lilly

We have.

Jad

From canopy anchors to redirects to midline anchors.

Lilly

A lot of different types of anchors.

Jad

It's clear that choosing and using anchor points effectively is a crucial aspect of safe and efficient tree climbing. Before we wrap up this second part of our deep dive, Okay. I'd love to get your thoughts on the bigger picture here. We've gone deep into the specifics of different anchor types and techniques, but what does?

Lilly

it all mean for a professional tree climber like yourself out in the real world, it means that every time we climb, we're bringing all of this knowledge with us. It's about being adaptable, knowing how to assess a tree, how to choose the right anchor points and how to adjust our techniques on the fly, Because no two trees are the same and every climb presents its own unique challenges.

Jad

It's not just about memorizing a bunch of rules from a guidebook. It's about developing an understanding of the principles involved.

Lilly

Exactly. This guide is a fantastic resource, yeah, but it's just the foundation. Right Experience, continuous learning and a healthy respect for the forces at play are what truly make a skilled and safe tree climber.

Jad

And I imagine that respect extends beyond just your own safety right. It's about caring for the tree as well.

Lilly

Absolutely, that's a huge part of it. Proper techniques for positioning, anchor selection, even how we manage our slack all of that can help minimize damage to the tree. We're not just climbers, we're tree care professionals, and that responsibility goes hand in hand with our work.

Jad

I love that perspective. This deep dive has been incredibly insightful. I feel like I've gained a whole new appreciation for the complexity and the nuance involved in professional tree climbing.

Lilly

It is a complex field.

Jad

Absolutely yeah. Well, before we wrap things up, Okay. Is there one final thought? You'd leave our listener with Sure Something to keep in mind as they continue their journey as a climber.

Lilly

I'd say never stop learning.

Jad

Okay.

Lilly

Take every opportunity to refine your skills, to challenge your assumptions, to expand your knowledge Right. The world of tree care is constantly evolving.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

New techniques are being developed Right, and new equipment is always coming out.

Jad

Yeah.

Lilly

The best climbers are the ones who stay curious, who keep learning and growing.

Jad

That's fantastic advice. Thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive.

Lilly

It was my pleasure.

Jad

We encourage you to keep exploring technical guide, tree climbing and aerial rescue. Until next time, stay safe and climb high.

Roger

Thank you for tuning in. We hope you found our discussion on tree climbing informative and inspiring. Remember, safety is paramount in our field, so be sure to review the best practices and checklists we shared today. Have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Don't hesitate to reach out. Until next time, stay safe and keep climbing.

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