climbing heartwood decay fungi trees

[Ross Smith]

just wondered what the views are on climbers assessing a tree that has a heartwood decaying fungus and how they assess whether the tree is safe to climb,had 1 today

[Yorkshireman]

assess the tree from the ground as a whole

so look at canopy for die back , any cavitys within the structure or stem , bark disfunction then as you go up if the timber appears overly brittle get down & order a mewp or a crane, or work faster so the adreneline takes over Lol

[Pete Mctree]

So many factors to consider. Degree of rot/decay, stability, necessity to rig etc

 

My judgement is on a tree by tree basis

[Ross Smith]

assess the tree from the ground as a whole

so look at canopy for die back , any cavitys within the structure or stem , bark disfunction then as you go up if the timber appears overly brittle get down & order a mewp or a crane, or work faster so the adreneline takes over Lol

i did the latter today and got alot down quickly but dont think this is the way to do it.its a tough 1 but as we all know you dont get too many chances if you make the wrong call on something you cant see

[toprotter]

Tana, as yorkshireman says spot on visual tree inspection , bottom to top -flaking bark dead limbs (hangers) wasps lol Hammer !mewp/crane etc (access can be a problem if on bad terrain/woods)

binoculars a good start.

My main work is dead dying or dangerous, If u can climb a healthy tree nearby will always work of that or directional fell with pulleys winches etc but sometimes targets or space doesnt allow.Normally access of ladder not a throw bag as I can asses as i climb (especially if covered in ivy)and listen to my inner voices and if any doubt get down ,many a time I have held my breath until iv taken my weight out and then sighed with releif .

Trees all have different characteristics weaknesses and strengths, methodical balanced dismantling an emergency procedure and confidence/communication with your groundie.

making sure all risk assessment etc are all in place incase the s*** hits the fan

THINK TWICE CUTT ONCE

[THE88MAN]

So many factors to consider. Degree of rot/decay, stability, necessity to rig etc

 

My judgement is on a tree by tree basis

 

ditto,we did a large acacia last week and the deadwood was stronger and less brittle than the live,strange but true

[Ross Smith]

ditto,we did a large acacia last week and the deadwood was stronger and less brittle than the live,strange but true

took a half dead syc down a few months ago that was the same.tough call.climbed lots of dead dead trees,was just wondering what the views were on heartwood fungi.tough call,cheers peeps

[Mesterh]

Is the tree dead or alive?

Ive climbed many a hollow tree, rotted lombardies are the best

 

Most of the time it depends if your rigging it down or not.

[kipperfeet]

I've done quite few dead and dodgy trees in my time and i always think that the quicker you get it done and the more weight you take off the less likely it is to fail.

 

Am always very wary when rigging and try to avoid any shock loading of the system, although if there is any doubt mewps are cheap to hire and if the access is good then use it. Comes down to personell confidence and your own risk assessment really but work at heights regs are in place nowadays so although climbing can sometimes be quicker and easier and, arguably safer, they do have there uses.

 

Might also be worth doing a quick core sample before pricing a dodgy job so you don't get caught out when you come to do it. I reckon, time spent getting it right at that stage can save time and scary moments later.

[Log-ologist]

This is where time and experience win shedloads over NPTC training