Learn how to assemble and adjust your first pair of tree gaffs. Learn the parts of tree spikes, (tree spurs, gaffs, hooks, climbers) The Tree Buddha Does it all with Hand Tools, No Power Equipt.
Why have you pruned trees with spurs? I did one time, but I rope climbed to the large limb I was contracted to remove then spurred on that limb. I don't understand spurring on something you are pruning. Spurring to prune is like an oxymoron.
He didn't make that point? ...Ok, so he "allowed" some exceptions. I've sure run into plenty of trees someone ahead of me spiked to climb... Looked bad, but the trees where indeed still healthy years laters. (I personally only climb living trees using topes.)
also, spiking a tree is bad because you damage the cambium layer of the tree significantly refuding the trees health and life... your opening wounds on it where it could get decay,diseases and borers depending on the tree. So dont spike a tree your pruning to keep thats ironic.
Ok, you seem to have this whole Oriental thing going, and you supposedly don't use power tools on trees. SO, WHAT'S THIS JAZZ ABOUT GAFFING TREES THAT ARE JUST TO BE PRUNED!????!??? That is very inconsistent, as several replies below point out. And with good reason.
"Don't feel too bad if you spike a tree" Really? The world is full of tree workers who need to understand that this is wrong. I can show you hundreds of trees with long term decay pockets and infections CAUSED by spikes.
+arboristBlairGlenn You're right. But I've been guilty of spiking a live palm tree. I was truly at a loss as to how I get up there. Plus, it's a palm, so they do a little better at resisting decay pockets
