Using spikes while pruning.

[Taupotreeman]

As an after thought; Can I ask how many of the older climbers on this forum (who weren't taught at colleges etc) got themselves up a tree? Is it more likely that the old school climbers make more use of ladders and spikes and the younger guys use equipment like the big shot etc and are adept at throw lining?

[ukminch]

On a job I had recently the spec was that the tree was to be 'spiked' the idea of this was to create small damage points from which growth would spurt, I don't know if it will work or not but I guess we'll find out in a year or so's time!

 

On a totem pole I was taught to take some slings up and larksfoot them to give you a foothold, I've only ever done this once but seemed to work well. It was a 50% pop reduction though so maybe spiking them wouldn't have made to much difference........

 

R

[Dan]

I've been climbing 16 years now and have worked at few places that encourage using spikes whilst pruning, one of them was an established AA approved contractor! I never stayed very long with any of them. I've also used spikes for retrenchment pruning for the national trust, to encourge regrowth.

 

As a rule tho I like the right tool for the right job. Tall trees/bad access, invest in a big shot.

[David Humphries]

On a job I had recently the spec was that the tree was to be 'spiked' the idea of this was to create small damage points from which growth would spurt, I don't know if it will work or not but I guess we'll find out in a year or so's time!

R

 

 

 

It can work for sure.

 

I was on a research trip on Spanish pollards last year.

Some of the Trees had experimental notches (axe) cut in to the bark, to see if they would produce adventitious growth from the exposed callous.

 

Quite a high % did.

 

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Edited August 28, 2010 by Monkey-D

[Frank]

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Awwwwww did I make you just rethink everthing you have been taught?

[Big 'Ammer]

If you see what looks like a bush driving around in a tranny van in East Yorks, don't be alarmed.

 

Its only Frank flushing with epicormics after being spiked all over from the monkey puzzle climb!

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in your opinion,,,,

 

i liked the explanation..

[Frank]

in your opinion,,,,

 

i liked the explanation..

 

Yeah me too. It was FAB.

[Frank]

If you see what looks like a bush driving around in a tranny van in East Yorks' date=' don't be alarmed.

 

Its only Frank flushing with epicormics after being spiked all over from the monkey puzzle climb! [/quote']

 

Hahaha that made me chuckle. My wounds have "sealed" over already so I'm Sharpening my gaffs for that side reduction on the beech that 18stoner wants me to do next week.

[Mesterh]

Awwwwww did I make you just rethink everthing you have been taught?

 

 

Actually no, that was the very first excuse I heard for using spikes. And it didn't wash then.

 

Btw I was only having a laugh putting that pic up, I found it the other day an was dying to use it. I knew you wouldn't take offence.

 

Some good comments from all, keep voting and posting.

 

 

I'll have to post my thoughts and comments later.