Don`t Use Climbing Spikes When Pruning Trees

Climbing spikes are sharpened steel spikes attached to boots or legs with straps. These spikes are reasonable if you are climbing ice or mountains, but they can traumatize and damage trees. Luckily, trees have methods of healing themselves; you can notice a trees response to the damage by watching for sap oozing from wounds. Though isolated wounds can seal, large groupings of spike holes can overwhelm the tree and cause irreparable tree tissue death.

When Are Climbing Spikes Appropriate?

Dont panic every time you see an arborist pull out climbing spikes. There are a few instances in which using climbing spikes is appropriate:

• When the tree is going to be removed anyway.
• When there are no branches lower than 50 feet and there is no access to an aerial lift or crane. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
• If there are power lines obstructing aerial lift or crane paths.
• In emergency situations, such as reaching an injured climber.

Professional tree care companies such as Sesmas Tree Service are aware of the damage that climbing spikes can cause. They are also aware of the exceptions and how to use climbing spikes appropriately. Call Sesmas Tree Service if your tree care requires serious work. Our experts are always ready to help.