New Climber

[MikeT]

I have three large oak trees to remove and I am in the process of educating myself on climbing techniques. I have found plenty of great info on climbing and climbing rigs, but I need some help locating info on limb removal/ rigging. Please recommend some sources. I live in SC and there are not any hands-on classes close that i'm aware of.

 

[NickfromWI]

I reccomend hiring someone to do it for you...someone who can do it safely/the right way.

If you're hell bent on doing it yourself, I'd try to learn from an actual person who knows how first. If you can't do that, try the Arbormaster video series. They give good explanations of limb removal.

You don't live under a bridge, do you?

love
nick

 

[Kevin]

Mike;
The Art and Science of Practical Rigging is a good place to start.
The Tree Climbers Companion is another favorite.
The Fundamentals of General Tree Work is also very valuable.
There's lots to learn!

 

[chad]

gonna have to side with nick and say get someone else with experience to do it for you or at least with you. tree removal is dangerous and technical and there is no shame in differing the job to someone else while you take your time and learn how to do things safely.

 

[Rickh]

I found that hiring a pro (on the side) and letting him know up front that I wanted to learn was the best way for me. I too did all the research, have about 1k tied up in videos from Arbormasters (excellent by the way) and books and another 1k in equipment (by the way it ain't cheap to get setup!), but nothing like first hand instruction and I got the tree removed to boot. One thing I observed early on, this is not a trial and error line of work!
I knew the ground work and Arborculture from over 20 years as a Facility and Grounds Manager (my current assignment owns and maintains an Arboretum), just wanted to get off the ground!
If you are in SC, there are serveral good schools/camps in GA. Some have one day weekend try it climbs.
Still the best is to expose your self to experience how ever you can.
By the way, I am going to attempt the certification test(ISA) this coming March!
next goal... 18 months of climbing then Climber Certification.
Rick H...