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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: climbing spikes used in trimming

canopytree@aol.com
Tue, 21 Oct 1997 15:16:42 -0500

Did you read the response carefully. ARborist@concentric said that using spikes to remove a leader was OK. Last weekend I did exactly that. I footlocked up to the to wher I had to remove the limbs then hoisted my spikes for the limb removal.

I do not want spikes used for pruning but the argument that using spikes leads to disease transfer from tree to tree is new. If spikes transfer disease, do you sterilze your handsaw and all chainsaws? Do you dismantle your saws and sterilize them? The only time that I have ever read about sterilzing tools is when one amputates fireblight or another of the systemic fungus diseases. Please give me a reference to any study that shows that pruning tools, or spikes, can transfer diseases. Maybe this is just another part of urban-folktales that has a basis in myth.

Strong limbs and snug ropes!

Tom