Identification
Suitable trees must be inspected and identified before any climbing can occur safely. A visual inspection is necessary to identify if the tree is healthy and can fully support the climber's weight.
Equipment
Ropes, helmets, gloves, safety goggles, and carabineers are all typical equipment used by climbers to safely climb trees. Equipment must be inspected regularly and properly cared for to maximize safety benefits.
Considerations
Select trees that are within your comfort level for difficulty. A tree with a class 1 difficulty rating is typically short and comparable to climbing a ladder. On the other hand, a class 6 difficulty rating denotes a tree that is very high, needs special equipment and ropes, and many of the branches are out of reach.
Technique
Use the appropriate climbing technique as determined by the type of tree you will climb. The double rope technique is commonly used for trees less than 100 feet. The single rope technique is typically used for taller trees.
Environment
Inspect the environment near the tree for potential problems. Avoid trees that are near poisonous ivy or other dangerous plants.
