If not spikes, how?

I have several trees that need to be "elevated" - - that is the term used around here. It means the trees have lower branches that need to be cleared out. The tree crews around here all want to use spikes, though I've read that is not recommended. Most of the trees that need work are Beeches too, which has "skinny" bark and I would not want to use spikes on those.

So, how is it done, if not with spikes? How does the guy get up the tree without them, without damaging the bark / tree?

With ropes? The "shoot" or "throw" their line over a higher branch than there working on, then pull the line with the rope attached to it. Then they get in their climbing harness, and either climp it the old fashion way, or use those little hand things that grab as them slide them up the rope, or if really lazy or its a long way up or thier fat they have powered winches that they use.

OR a Bucket truck.

The arborists I used at my cabin needed to get some dead limbs 20-25 feet above ground. They shot the line over a nearby limb (with a two-man slingshot and lead pouch) and climbed up wearing a harness. This was just north of Harrisonburg, so everyone in northern Virginia doesn't use spikes.

If branches are no more than 16-18 ft off the ground,gas pole saw works wonders.I dont even climb anymore when they're that low.

Thanks for the insight and knowledge. I'll need to be very specific about how the work gets done, with whoever I hire.

Fossil, your former property looks a bit like mine (actually better, nice azaleas!); I'm in Fairfax also. I'm glad there are still trees around here, frankly, what with all the development. I've had some work done over the years, but it was always removal (I like trees, but it was too much, and too close to the house), so I've also seen some pretty impressive moves like you describe. Hard work and really earning their money. They are becoming harder and harder to find.

I use a climbing tree stand to do mine.

Definitely no spikes unless the tree is to come down. I always hated wearing them anyway....

Wow, fossil, how did you ever leave that place.....beautiful!

There's a local tree service company up here that uses a AWP for tree work. My parents house had a couple tree's that were dying from bugs and they had a tree service company come out and they used a bucket truck due to the condition of the tree. My dad and i rented one of these AWP's for removeing lower branches in the drive so they didn't poke holes into the roof of the motorhome, think it was 325 for the day.

Pole saw? I have a 14 footer with a chainsaw on the end, which will get anything up to 20 feet. I have an old-school pole saw / lopper with about ten 6-foot sections, which I'll pull out when the 14 footer won't reach. It's a workout to use, but it does the job up to at least 40 feet. Even though I have extensions to go higher than that, it becomes too unweildy to use beyond that height.

1) Pole saw (Silky Hayate)

2) Chainsaw on a rope (High Limb Chain Saw)

3) Put on a saddle, pull yourself up using a higher/sturdier limb with a rope, and use a hand saw (http://www.newtribe.com, , Silky Sugoi)

4) Call a tree guy with a bucket.

5) Call a skilled arborist who climbs spikeless. (You should be able to find a few good ones among the hacks, it might take a while though.)

6) Call a skilled arborist with a crane.

7) Move.

Good tree climber does not wear spikes.......If they do there they are not very well trained!

Yeah a good arborist always uses ropes and there are many various ascenders you can buy (foot powered and hand powered), the key to being able to rope ascend is knowing your different knots and being able to trust those knots with your LIFE. Ask any pro arborist what a Blake knot is........

Thanks for all the feedback. Extension pole saw and/or ropes will be what I ask for when I request quotes and work proposal in writing. Bucket truck might work on one of the trees, but not on others due to location in yard (too far from hardtop / pavement).

KarlP, as much as I like our wooded lot, it does come with challenges...and the thought of moving has crossed my mind a few times.

Great tutorial, KarlP. Shows the basics of rope climbing/descending and does it clearly.