Climbing spikes for removals vs pruning? I'm done pretending it's the same

I see guys at my shop using spikes on every single job, even when they are just trimming a few dead branches. After 6 years of doing it both ways, I think that's lazy and it damages the tree for no reason. Spikes are awesome for a full removal where the tree is coming down anyway, no doubt. But for pruning jobs where the tree stays, a good rope and saddle setup is way better and you don't leave those puncture wounds. Does your crew really use spikes on live trees for pruning work, or am I the only one calling this out?

3 comments

3 Comments

keith26414d ago

Look, you're making a big deal out of something that barely matters to the tree in most cases. A healthy oak or maple can handle a few spike holes every couple of years no problem, it's not like you're driving them in with a sledgehammer. The real issue is time and safety on the ground. Spikes let you get up and down faster, meaning less time hanging around in the canopy and more time actually working, which matters when you're dealing with a tight schedule or bad weather. Plus, not every tree is a perfect candidate for rope and saddle work, especially if the bark is thin or the limbs are sketchy and you need quick foot placement to avoid a fall. You're acting like every puncture is a death sentence, but trees have been dealing with boring insects and woodpeckers for millions of years without keeling over. Maybe your guys are just getting the job done efficiently while you're overcomplicating something that's not that deep.

drew_patel5714d ago

Good point, @charles678 - I've been guiltier of lazy climbing than I'd like to admit.

charles67814d ago

Honestly, you're right on the money with most of that, but I gotta push back a little on the puncture wound thing. Spikes don't necessarily leave permanent damage if the tree is healthy and you're not going crazy deep. That said, it's still lazy as hell to use them on a pruning job when a saddle works fine.

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