Using spikes while pruning.

[Mesterh]

To say I'm surprised is a bit of an understatement to find that quite a few people consider it acceptable to use spikes (other than when performing a takedown) and, so it would seem fair practice to use spikes while climbing an awkward or difficult tree.

 

So what I was wondering then I am in the minority (well I know I'm not with those I have worked for and who I still work with) in the current arb world?

 

Ive heard all the old excuses err sorry reasons plus a few new corkers as to why its acceptable although none of them convince me yet.

 

So what are others thoughts and practices?

 

I have bunged in an anonymous poll for those who wouldn't like to comment or be seen to not run with the crowd, ie think its bad practice.

 

 

For arguments sake we are talking about spiking wood that is being retained on the tree.

Edited August 27, 2010 by Mesterh

[testcricket01]

if its big conifer reductions ill get above the level they want get my spikes sent up to me ill stick em on and spike up stripping the branches as i go. long as you only spike whats getting cut off i dont see a problem with it

[Big 'Ammer]

I wouldn't use them for pruning.

 

I have very occasionally used them to help access the crown of a very large tree with a deep furrowed bark, like an oak or ash, or a redwood, from the top of the ladders to the first main branch.

 

And taken large steps, as lightly as possible , round the 'back' of the tree!

[arbaholic]

I never have and never will. For branch walking theres no reason to, if you have a fairly decent anchor point you can get out on any branch.

 

If theres big gaps in branches up the main stem i can guess that this is where people might use them. Ive just stayed patient and kept launching the climbing rope. Its always got me there in the end. Might not be the quickest way but the spikes have stayed in the climbing bag

[Stephen Blair]

yes i spike live trees that are not coming down. A lot of my work is reducing very tall skinny sycamores and ashes. They are usually either down a cliff, up a banking or beside a river or stream. They have no branches for the first 30-40 feet and there is very poor access to them. This is due to them being old coppice woods that have been neglected since the war and housing estates are built right up beside them. If i have to reduce them by 50% for safety reasons yet home owners still want privacy from nieghbours or still like the woodland look then i dont have an issue with spiking them.

[Samuel]

my old boss wore them a few times while doing a pruning job which was a willow. i asked him why and he said because willow is a soft wood and will recover. this along with a few other factors is why i left, which has turned out to be one of my better decisions in life:thumbup1:

the only times i would wear spikes would be for takedowns or in a emergency

[skyhuck]

Yes, but only my pruning spikes!!!!!!

[tommer9]

Every tree, without fail, especially specimen vets, or stuff with smooth thin bark such as Beech, or a nice snake bark maple. I hate trees, and would happily climb a ramorum infected larch the day before I climb a nice ailanthus or the like.

 

Why do you ask ? Is that wrong?

[Steve Bullman]

i never wear spikes on anything other than a removai.....i do find the whole thing quite ironic though, that its ok to climb a tree and make multiple cuts all over it, but leaving little spike marks is damaging the tree?

[Paul Barton]

I have done it once on a row of skinny poplars that had no limbs to rope around for at least 50ft.

 

It should have been a mewp job really but wasn't my call.

 

As a rule it's a no no though.