Collecting from tall trees

[Michael01]

Hello

 

Does anyone have some advice on collecting leaf material (for herbarium specimens) from very tall trees?

 

The South African forestry dept. started many arboreta across SA to test exotic species to see which ones would be useful commercially. I am starting a project on these sites, many of them being a century old and the trees massive.

 

The three options I have heard of are:

1. Climbing the tree

2. Shooting twigs off with a hunting rifle

3. Shooting a cutting chain over a branch with a crossbow

 

I am not a trained climber and therefore would prefer a different method. It may be though that there is not quick fix way of getting to the canopy! The rifle method sounds practical and easy but to get past the red tape may exceed the project's life span. The crossbow method sounds interesting...not sure how one would get a cutting chain attached to a rope though.

 

I would be grateful for any advice!

[David Goss]

Climb them and enjoy the view while there

that way you can select exactly the parts you want and get them down to where you want them instead of shooting up and hoping the bit you blast off makes it to the forest floor.

Also you should read this thread http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/climbers-talk/31568-90m-tall-rainforest-canopy-what-gear-would-you-use.html and you could even ask the thread op if he can do it for you while he is there.

[David Goss]

Just thought of another option.... pay for my flights and accommodation out there and i will climb up and get them for you:thumbup:

[sjarthur]

Hello

 

Does anyone have some advice on collecting leaf material (for herbarium specimens) from very tall trees?

 

The South African forestry dept. started many arboreta across SA to test exotic species to see which ones would be useful commercially. I am starting a project on these sites, many of them being a century old and the trees massive.

 

The three options I have heard of are:

1. Climbing the tree

2. Shooting twigs off with a hunting rifle

3. Shooting a cutting chain over a branch with a crossbow

 

I am not a trained climber and therefore would prefer a different method. It may be though that there is not quick fix way of getting to the canopy! The rifle method sounds practical and easy but to get past the red tape may exceed the project's life span. The crossbow method sounds interesting...not sure how one would get a cutting chain attached to a rope though.

 

I would be grateful for any advice!

 

Hi Michael,

 

Your project sounds fantastic!! If it was my project i would be looking to access the canopy and carry out the work from there, giving you a more repeatable and reliable sampling procedure. What sort of quantity of leaf material do you require from each tree? Do you need a composite sample from across the canopy? I have soo many questions.

 

It would be possible to cut sections out using a section of chainsaw chain on a line, but to deploy it at any great height would be incredibly awkward.

 

If you would like any advice on sampling strategies in the canopy I would be happy to take a look at your project brief and have our team provide you with some advice.

 

As David mentioned we also offer our services to provide help and training on the ground with projects such as these. Have a look at our website to see what we get up to Home - Universal Canopy Exploration

 

If you wish to discuss any of this further I can be contacted at [email protected]

 

Good luck with your project

[Dilz]

of course David would need a wingman, in case he got in to trouble so you would have to book a flight for me also........

 

Sounds like an awesome project! Two other reasons i would say climbing the trees would be a preferable option is that you can ensure that material is collected in a way that will have the least negative impact on the tree, with the tree you mentioned being so old and big it would be a shame to damage them needlessly with bad cuts and bullet holes. The gun method however is probably the fastest, but will result in excessive damage to the tree. If you intend on climbing them your self i would strongly advise going on a suitable training course and if possible never climb alone, have some there in case something goes wrong.

[David Goss]

Damn thats blown my plane tickets out the window:thumbdown:

[Dilz]

i was thinking we could train him....

[David Goss]

i was thinking we could train him....

 

Great idea Dilz but we got pipped at the post by sjarthur:thumbdown:

We need to find out his prices and undercut him:thumbup1:

 

Hi Michael,

If you would like any advice on sampling strategies in the canopy I would be happy to take a look at your project brief and have our team provide you with some advice.

 

As David mentioned we also offer our services to provide help and training on the ground with projects such as these. Have a look at our website to see what we get up to Home - Universal Canopy Exploration

 

If you wish to discuss any of this further I can be contacted at [email protected]

 

Good luck with your project

 

Seriously though that would be such a cool project to be involved in and my experience and expertise is always for sale at a budget price if the project is this cool:thumbup1:

[Dilz]

ah yes i see...nadgers!! though i agree a little competitive pricing could be in order.