Is tree climbing safe?

What’s safe?

Is it safe to be 70 ft up in the air connected to a rope via a carabiner? Depends who you ask. Proper gear when inspected before every climb is extremely reliable.

But what about the tree itself? Sometimes a tree introduces factors which are very unpredictable. This could be species characteristics or areas of decay to name a couple.

Is it safe to climb a dead tree? How about a hollow tree? What if the tree worker needs to rig down sections which subject the tree to additional forces?

Too many unpredictable variables. A true professional does not take chances when peoples lives and property are literally on the line.

We just removed a tree in Wolcott which was growing over the house and literally ready to fall apart. With shock loading a stem out of the question and piecing it apart impractical due to its size and location we opted to go with the crane.

The results- a five foot diamter maple tree with four distinct leaders or trunks and a cable system which was previously installed was set safely on the ground in no time flat.

We used a lift to get up near the tree and make the cuts; the crane operator lifted the tree up and away in a total of 11 pieces. Had the tree been stable it would have been even fewer. Trying to do the job with anything less would have put peoples lives at stake and the house in jeopardy. Simply put, the risk was too high.

As a property owner hiring a company to perform work keep in mind the inherent risks of the work. The last thing you want is a death, serious injury or property damage to occur on your property. With any job ask the company representatives you interview how they plan to accomplish the job; the experience of their team and if they personally will or not be there when it comes time to do the job.