| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
One part I feel important is lightening up a weak tree during the ascent. Use of a saw early and as frequently as possible while going up lessens the load on the tree. Using a pole saw to cut ahead of yourself is an important safety precaution. This only applies if the drop zone is clear, of course.
Maybe this technique only makes me FEEL safer, even if only that some incremental action is being taken. I get nervous when I can do nothing. This is the self-preservation instinct at work. Staying alive means taking action at the appropriate time, but death can come whenyou move when you should have remained still.
As a heavy climber (235 pounds in bare feet), I am weight concious, and understand the importance of climbing smoothly, without shaking the tree. A sensation of enormous relief washes over me after the first cut eliminates a significant portion of the trees' weight.
Who said: "A climber falls when his life is over."?
Arboreally yours,