Tree Climbing Technique

Photo by Fabio Bertini.

Tree climbing is often considered the leisure activity of children. This may be true, especially when considering a tree with plenty of branches to act as handholds and steps. But some trees are almost certainly beyond the abilities of most any child to climb--particularly tall trees with few branches to help along the way. By following a few simple steps, it is possible to master an effective technique for climbing this type of tree.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Hug the tree's trunk with your arms, then hop onto the tree. The key is to have the soles of your feet directly against the trunk. In other words, you aren't gripping the trunk with your legs (as seems natural), but rather pressing against it, legs flexed, with the soles of your feet. You are now in position.

Step 2

Place one hand on the opposite side of the trunk from you (the back), then place the other hand on front side of the trunk at the same level as your chest. Press into the trunk with both hands. You should now be "gripping" the sides of the trunk by the soles of your feet and the front and back of the trunk with your hands.

Step 3

Extend your legs. Be sure to keep the soles of your feet pressed hard against the tree trunk. This will shift your body a couple of feet higher on the tree.

Step 4

Move your hands up the tree trunk to match the additional height created by your leg extension, then press firmly against the trunk again, with one hand at the back of the trunk and the other at the front, at chest level, as before.

Step 5

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you reach the desired height on the tree.

Tips & Warnings

This tree-climbing technique should only be attempted in the presence of an expert who will be able to take the necessary safety precautions.

Article Written By William Jackson

William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.

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