Tree Trimming and Climbing Spikes

Upon hiring a tree service company, they each have their procedure and equipment when it comes to handling different types of trees. More often than not, they know the proper steps to handle different kinds of situations, but you have to watch out for one specific equipment that may cause more harm than good, and these are climbing spikes.

Climbing spikes, also known as climbing spurs, are leather straps or padded support wrapped on the climber's leg with sharp steel spikes attached to it. When climbing trees for whatever purpose, arborists usually use spikes to help them navigate through the tree, which is alright as long as they use it on a tree that will be removed. Using spikes on a healthy tree could lead to a lot of puncture wounds causing tissue death. Although smaller wounds would heal, larger ones that grouped can point to that area of the tree to die.  There is a fragile layer of tissue that helps produce new cells for the tree, using spikes could increase the likelihood of this area to be pierced. Repeated damage like this could cause permanent damage and is very harmful.

When is it acceptable to use spikes?

We have established that the use of spikes may damage the tree, but there are instances wherein the application of spikes is unavoidable. Below is a list of situations where the use of them is acceptable and appropriate:

• When the branches are too high, above 50 feet, and there are no cranes or aerial lifts available in sight.
• When the tree is infected or decayed, or in the process of being removed.
• When obstacles surround the tree, may it be electrical wires or another person's property, if it cannot be accessed safely by other means.

Professional tree care companies know of the dangers of spikes, and along with proper tree equipment paired with experience and trained professionals, they will do whatever means necessary to preserve the health of your tree.

Here is a list of good qualities you should find in quality tree service company:

• Reputation: Quality companies would leave good lasting impressions on their clients as well as professional affiliations with organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association.
• Insurance: To protect you from any possible damages or liabilities ask for proof of certificates for liability and worker's protection and always be aware if they don't have a legal company. Worst-case scenario, you could be held responsible for the contractor.
• References: Having a group of good recommendations, speaks a lot about their work and how they handle it. Quality companies would be happy to share with their client's possible testimonials and good reviews from previous jobs done.
• Contract: A written agreement containing the date when the work is scheduled, the amount of work and services you're planning to avail, and the total cost. It is strongly recommended that you request them to avoid using climbing spikes unless the tree is to be cut down.