Palm removal in SO-CAL

jf1962

jf1962

Location
SO-CAL
Lately we've been hearing and seeing on t.v. and in the papers of climber's being hurt and trapped in palm trees in so-cal and I think, one in AZ. There's still a lot to learn and teach others to be safe when pruning or removing these types of palm trees. Just recently I was talking to some climbers from a local tree company in town and apparently one of their climbers was trapped, but able to get down without any injuries. It really scarred him enough, that he no longer will do palms. With that said, here's a palm I removed last week inside an old peach grove. It was a 50ft. palm with a full skirt, never had been touched. I had to climb it to piece it out. I was able to shoot my line over the top and ascended up the palm tree in an SRT system. If anyone does these palms differently, or has other techniques please share.

First pic, the victim (the palm tree):-)

Later , climbing safe in SO-CAL
 

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Last pic ,, this was a long drag out and a long day , but it $$$ was good,,

Later in SO-CAL
 

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[ QUOTE ]
I was able to shoot my line over the top and ascended up the palm tree in an SRT system. If anyone does these palms differently, or has other techniques please share.


[/ QUOTE ]

-I use a RADS srt system on Coconut trims to avoid using gaffs. Maybe I am missing something but are you ascending SRT while wearing spikes? I do this on short hikes as a matter of convenience but it sure ain't easy. Have you tried different srt systems for this?

SRT ascension on a palm removal seems to mitigate many of the hazards associated with skirt collapse. Kudos to you!
 
I always start from the top on a full skirt palm and don't use my hooks on a trim job ,only if i'am going to remove it will i hook it .... I will use a ladder if can...

Here is a Phoenix canariensis ( Date palm )

Later in SO-CAL
 

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Nice work! That was one ugly sob. Good candidate for the flaming arrow..
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I use a similar technique, but pull up a Ddrt through a pulley.
 
I use a big shot also, but i go with the adjustable false crotch & a Omni swivel block for Ddrt. This also conforms to ANSI Z133.1 9.2.6,(Palm skirts that have three years or more growth SHALL removed from the top down).

I'll try to find some photos of my system.
 
Do you palm guys ever worry about pulling your line through the fronds? I can't picture pulling a throw line through them and then risking a snag or fluff on the climbing line. Is this a real risk at all or am I crazy?
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Javi. Was that located near the San Pasqual area? I'm testing my Escondido memory based on what the photo looks like...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Do you palm guys ever worry about pulling your line through the fronds? I can't picture pulling a throw line through them and then risking a snag or fluff on the climbing line. Is this a real risk at all or am I crazy?



[/ QUOTE ]

Sometimes it can be tricky to get the climbing line through the fronds, but abrasion isn't a huge concern. Once the rope finds a path it's a fairly smooth pull.
But something to consider is the possibility of the climbing line sliding off the side of the palm head during ascent. I try to set the line as close to the center as possible.
 
I've been using the same bull line on maybe 20 or so Wash. no fluff.

I've had fronds from Royal palms snap, so getting it center is very important.
 
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