Tree / Pole Climbing Equipment

[IT Guy]

I'm looking for a place to borrow / rent some tree climbing equipment. I need the climbing spikes and harness. I have to prune a couple of oaks before spring.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

[Bobb-o]

IT Guy, trust me it is worth it to hire a professional tree trimmer. I work for the city of st paul forestry department and i have seen too many people ruin their trees while trying to save a few bucks by trimming them themselves. send me an email and i can recommend a few companies to you. [YouNeedAuthorization] at gmail.com

[icegrogg]

IT GUY;DIDDO TO WHAT BOBB-O SAYS.If your still plan on doing it yourself,and have never used hooks/gaffs there different types. Tree hooks,and pole hooks.THE NEXT THING TO THINK ABOUT IS HOOKING OUT, if your not bucked in or tied in 10ft.drop could hurt with the sudden stop.NOT TO MAKE IT SOUND BAD BUT,IFAND WHEN YOU DO HOOK-out,the 2in.gaffs hurt when they go in.besides that you shoulden't use hooks in oaks anway.I also know of some good tree folk if interested contact me at [email protected].

[fivebucks]

I think it might be too late already to prune oaks. With this warm, above freezing weather we are now having I would not touch my oaks now until next winter.

[Bobb-o]

yeah, fivebucks is right on with that one, by pruning your oaks now you are making them very seuceptible to oak wilt. Red oaks can die from this disease as quickly as 1-2 weeks after infection. It is recomended that you do not trim your oaks until at least July 1 to prevent the spread of this disease.

[IT Guy]

I understand the oak wilt concern. Both trees are dead. I need to get up one to put a chain on it so it falls in the right direction. The other one I wanted topped - I can then drop it on my own.

I will contact you other two via email for contacts. The email will be from John.

Thanks for the ideas...

[Powerstroke]

I'm glad both your trees are already dead. I can't believe neither of the other two tree people here scolded you for using spikes. They are no longer used on live trees by arborists unless they are complete hacks.

To your question, I am unaware of anywhere that will rent tree climbing gear because of the ultimate risk involved, even to Tree companies. I've looked around hoping I could rent some stuff to do some side jobs, but nobody wants the risk. Had to bite the bullet and buy them.

Depending on what we're talking about I would be willing to lend a hand. I am an arborist for the City of Hopkins and I worked at Davey Tree for 4 yrs. [email protected]

[Sergeant Slabber]

PS- What do you think about trimming Sugar Maples and a Cottonwood at this point. I'm thinking the Cottonwood is fine, but with the maples flowing with sap, I'm a little unsure.

[snowgoose]

IT Guy

Take your Muskie Pole and tie a weight on the end of the line. Something like a big old nut that you don't care if you loose it. Cast the weight through a crotch in the upper part of the tree. When the weight gets back to the ground tie a rope to it and pull the rope back through the crotch down to the ground. Tie a half hitch in the rope and pull it back to the crotch. No need to climb any dead tree.

I also worked in the forestry field as a tree trimmer for 5 years.

[Powerstroke]

Feel free to trim the maples and cottonwood. They can be trimmed year round. Seeing the trees flow sap can look worse than it really is. Just imagine the trees that live for years while being tapped for syrup.

[Sergeant Slabber]

Thanks PS...I'm holding you to your word. You are the expert right!?