If possible, wear flexible shoes with good traction. If your shoes have hard soles or poor traction, climbing barefoot might be easier.
Strange shapes or turns in the trunk. Leaning trees are risky but sometimes safe. Deep cracks. Large areas of sunken or missing bark. A forked top is a sign of decay in conifers. Other types of tree might still be safe, but do not try to reach the fork.
Mushrooms or other fungus growing on the tree or around the base. Many dead branches on the ground. (A few dead branches attached to the lower trunk is common, but if they’re falling from higher up, there’s a more serious problem. ) A large hole or several small ones in the base. Severed roots, or a raised or cracked area of soil next to the trunk (a sign of uprooting).
Never climb during a thunderstorm, or in strong wind. Wet conditions can make the tree slippery and very dangerous to climb. Cold temperatures make wood brittle. Plan on climbing slowly and testing every branch before you use it as support.
Never climb if there is a power line within 10 feet (3 meters) of the tree’s branches. Do not climb below large branches that have broken off and snagged in the tree. Climbers call these “widow makers” for a reason. Check the tree and nearby trees for bee and wasp colonies, or large bird or mammal nests. Avoid the trees immediately around these animals.
If you need to jump to grab the branch, do so right next to the trunk. See the next step for advice on how to get on top of the branch. If you have strong legs, you can climb trees with a higher lowest branch. Run with moderate speed at the trunk. Plant the ball of your dominant foot on the tree and push upward against the tree while jumping with the other foot. Throw your arms up to catch the branch, or use one arm to grab the trunk and one to grab the branch.
Pull Up: Pull yourself up so both biceps and forearms are resting on the branch. Swing and lift to get your elbows up on the branch, or all the way to your lower stomach if you have enough upper body strength. Swing your legs up to straddle the branch. Leg Swing: Grip the branch with both hands. Swing one leg up and over the branch. Wrap your arms around the branch so your biceps are on top. Swing your free leg backwards while pressing down with your biceps to swing yourself on top of the branch. If you can’t reach any branches at all, try the coconut palm techniques until you reach the lowest branch.
Avoid broken branch stubs and dead branches. Dead wood may break without warning. If the bark is loose and peels off when grabbed, the tree might be weak and dying. Return to the ground.
The swinging and running techniques mentioned above for reaching the lowest branch are not safe for the rest of the climb. Only a very experienced climber should attempt to pull himself up onto a higher branch without footholds.
If an area of the tree falls off in soft chunks, the wood is rotten. Trees rot from the inside out, so the tree could be very damaged even if most of the bark feels solid. Return to the ground right away.
Dead branches and other hazards are more difficult to see on the way down. Test footholds carefully before lowering yourself.
Throw line. This is a brightly-colored, thin rope that gets literally thrown over the branch. It is attached to a weight, called a “throw bag. " Static rope. This type of rope lacks the stretchiness of “dynamic” rope using in rock climbing. Harness and helmet. You can use a helmet like those designed for rock climbing. However, you want a harness specifically designed for climbing trees. A rock-climbing harness would cut off the circulation to your legs. A Prusik cord. This helps you ascend. It’s attached to your climbing rope and your harness with a carabiner. Alternatively, you can use a foot ascender. Branch protector. Alternatively known as a cambium protector. These protect tree branches from friction, while helping your climbing rope last longer. Metal ones, which look like conduits, are more convenient than leather ones.
Make sure it’s healthy. If the tree is old, diseased, or dying, leave it alone. The tree needs to be away from hazards, like power lines, animals, and nests. Make sure it’s big enough for your party. A spreading tree, like a hardwood, is best for large groups. Conifers are only suitable for one or two people. Are you allowed to climb it? The last thing you want is to get into legal trouble for being on someone’s property illegally. Finally, consider its location in general. Is it easy to get to? Will it be scenic at the top? What will the wildlife be like?
The wide angle view. Often trees are better viewed from far away. That way it’s easier to see an odd lean or an unstable branch, in addition to the commonly obscured power line. The ground. Where you put your feet matters, too. You don’t want to pick a tree that has too many knots at its base, a nest of hornets, root decay, or poison ivy. The trunk. Missing bark on a trunk may indicate decay or recent attack, both of which weaken the tree. And as for trees with two or three trunks, inspect where they branch off from at the base. Weakness should be avoided here. The crown. Dead branches at the bottom of a tree are normal (they haven’t gotten enough sunlight); however, dead branches at the top mean the tree is dying. Any tree with plenty of dead branches (especially near the top) should be avoided.
Toss your throw line over the sturdy branch you selected. You can do this by tying the throw line to a weight, or firing it in a specialized sling shot. Place your branch protector on the rope. Tie the static rope to the throw line. Pull on the other end of the throw line to drag the rope fully over the branch. The branch protector should end up over the branch.
Tie a double fisherman’s knot your carabiner. Warning: If you’re not familiar with these knots, now is not the time to try them for the first time. Have an experienced climber tie these for you. )
Many seasoned climbers often place safety (slip) knots in their ropes to keep themselves from descending too quickly. But remember: if you let go, you’ll stop. The Blake’s hitch prevents you from falling. .
It’s easier to use your legs this way, making this method a little less strenuous.
