I finally bit the SRT bullet.

[Kevin]

One thing you want to watch is dropping wood out of the top of a tree.
The ground crew must be vigilant of where the line is and where the wood is falling.
I prefer to only use srt for access then switch over unless it's a running bowline set up and the rope is anchored above the cutting excluding tops of course.

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Mateo,

I have one guy who likes the running bowline. He sets it and then moves on through the tree. The benefit is that 1) he doesn't need anyone to untie the rope and 2) he doen't subject the anchor to 2x the load (him).

The bad thing (you mentioned) is no one can rescue him from the ground.

BTW, Mateo, where are you from? Have we met in Italy?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

If I'm going to be dropping tree parts I make dang sure that my anchor point is protected.

If I ever need to climb to a tie in point higher than about 65' I would tie two ropes together. The joining knot, a double fisherman's would be my choice, would be on the "downhill" side of the TIP. That way the climber could still be lowered without the knot jamming.

It's rare that I've been in a tree where I've been concerned about overloading my TIP. It does happen though. In those cases where I have to work above my SRT access point I will use another short climbing line and set it up for traditional DdRT.

SRT does present some new challenges. Since there isn't a long tradition of "norms" it's very important that we all pay close attention. Sharing tips and refinements is helpful too.

 

[Leon]

Tom, would you consider the zeppelin bend a secure enough knot to use for life support? I only ask because the double fishermans is a real pain to untie!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Zepplin bend is a good one. There are others too that break apart easier than the double fisherman's.

 

[Jim]

Mark, I thought the running bowline was not recommended because it can come untied. There was a thread about that a few months ago.

I use a running bowline tied at the base of the tree, but I also tie a couple of half hitches for safety sake.

Jim

 

[mateo]

I either do Yosemete tie off for the bowline, or (if I am climbing with a friend who hates the Yosemete) I use a double-fishermans tied to the loop to prevent the end from coming back through.

mateo

 

[Kevin]

Jim;
You can tie the bowline or running bowline with a yosemite and that locks it up once set.
Page 70, Tree Climbers Companion.

 

[pantheraba]

Yosemite

With bowlines, I now use the Yosemite tie-off all the time. I was taught a simple half-hitch and used it for 30 years...I only learned about the Yosemite recently through this site (and Jeff Jepson)...if you like the bowline, try the Yosemite.

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Jim,

When I do heavy rigging or light, I use the running bowline with zero fail rate (to date). However, for my life line I choose to use the running bowline with a double fishermans finish on the tail (scaffold? double overhand ?) Go figure, but I just feel safer. Plus, it is not allowed for our rescue team work, so I guess I decided to follow their lead.