Tree climbing
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Tree climbing is the act of climbing trees for any reason. Climbing trees goes back to the times of hunter-gatherer.
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[edit] Professional
Professional Tree Climbing uses ropes, harnesses, and other gear (but not ice tools or crampons) to scale a tree safely without causing it harm. It is used by arboricultiralists and tree surgeons to work in trees for tree health and safety inspection and pruning work. Professional arborist training programs are available in many countries.
[edit] Recreational
Recreational Tree Climbing is the same, done for pleasure, and was pioneered largely by people who love nature and outdoor activities. It is also an inherently dangerous sport if practiced by individuals without proper training. Some devoted recreational climbers take special hammocks called "Treeboats" with them into the tree canopies where they can enjoy a picnic or nap, or spend the night. Recreational tree climbing is an "on rope" activity that employs a mixture of techniques and gear derived from rock climbers, cave explorers, professional arborists and others who venture into the vertical environment on ropes. While recreational tree climbing technique is a derivative of these other activities, it has now evolved to the point that it is now accepted as an activity in its own right. Recreational tree climbing is non-invasive in that a "leave no trace" ethic is practiced by its participants.
[edit] Criminal
In some societies playing in trees is considered anti-social behaviour and is dealt with criminally.
[edit] Technique
The difficulty of climbing trees depends on many factors, most notably regularity of branching, the brittleness of dead wood in some species, whether the bark is rough or smooth, the width of the trunk and branches, and to some extent the height of the tree.
The tree climb begins with getting into the tree, which demands either employing techniques of aid climbing such as ascending a rope or daisy chain ladder or else free climbing into the tree. To continue the climb safely, the climber employs the techniques of lead climbing, where each piece of protection is formed by girthing the tree's limbs with slings. Once the lead climber ascends the tree, he or she may create a top rope anchor or else simply rappel down. In the event that an anchor is created, other climbers can subsequently climb the tree without having to lead. Alternately, the climber may use a weighted textile pouch or a crossbow or slingshot to direct a pulling line over the desired branch. This line is then used to pull the climbing rope into the tree. Most arborists and beginning recreational climbers use a "double rope technique" in which the climber fastens one end of the rope to his saddle (harness) and pulls down on the other end to effectively hoist himself up. A friction hitch is tied or choked around the standing part of the main rope, allowing the climber to ascend incrementally, thus negating the risk of falling a long way. Very tall trees, where the first branches may be far from the ground are climbed using a single rope and mechanical ascending devices. Every effort is made to prevent the tree from becoming damaged by the climber or his equipment.
Climbing trees is potentially a very dangerous activity. Persons wishing to engage in it should undertake some basic training before undertaking it on their own. Recreational climbing training opportunities are available in many countries. At the very least, facility with basic climbing knots, knowledge and understanding of safety measures, and practice in using climbing equipment should be part of every would-be climbers training.
