Anchor point in willow

[Neil Frost]

Hi all. Just want some opinions from the experienced chaps. Did a bit of pruning today on a small crack willow, about 30ft high and maybe 40ftwide, open canopy. Had to branch walk out to take some lower branches in, and as I wasn't comfortable with putting my main anchor point on smaller diameter wood, it being willow, the angle of my rope was quite shallow making things a bit awkward. Had to lay along the branches pretty much to get to the ones getting the silky treatment. Customer was happy with results, as was I. Just wondering if you guys would have been comfortable putting a higher main anchor point in a willow or was I right to be cautious?

 

Cheers for your time.

[BTS]

Iam same with willow very cautious probably would have gone for smaller anchor but compensated by using extra lanyard usually longer one just for comfort of mind

[Glen Poole]

You are right to be cautious, always go with your gut feeling. If it don't feel right then don't do it fella, if i'm not 100% on my anchor point then i'll rope in twice or if poss use a mewp.

[Neil Frost]

Thanks for your thoughts. I used my side-strop for positioning, and in retrospect after reading your reply, there was nothing to stop me whacking the other end of my climbing line up to a higher anchor for a better angle. I can be a bit dense at times!

 

It was nice climbing in the sun for a change though!

[armchairarborist]

crack willows aren't to be trusted, big branches crack off as soon as you touch them, or am i getting a bit porky?

[Neil Frost]

Glad it's not me being a bit of a wuss then!

Edited February 24, 2011 by Neil Frost
spelling.

[butler]

You are right to be cautious, always go with your gut feeling. If it don't feel right then don't do it fella, if i'm not 100% on my anchor point then i'll rope in twice or if poss use a mewp.

 

[Mesterh]

crack willows aren't to be trusted, big branches crack off as soon as you touch them, or am i getting a bit porky?

 

 

I have a few broken ribs(well healed now) to know to never trust them.

[Ian Flatters]

Go bigger than usual. If you think your anchors not safe move it down to a bigger part. Nout wrong with asking like i've said before don't ask never learn.

[Neil Frost]

Cheers guys, glad to know I was doing things right.