May 6, 2025 • 12 mins
In this Tuesday episode of Talking Trees, we dive into the essentials of Personal Fall Protection Systems (PFPS) used in modern arboricultural climbing and aerial rescue operations.
We discuss:
- The two primary climbing techniques: Moving Rope Technique (MRT), where the rope moves over an anchor point, and Stationary Rope Technique (SRT), with a fixed rope setup
- The structure of a fall protection system, which includes a main line and a backup system, both critical to minimize the risk of a fall
- Different backup options, such as two independent anchor systems or backup devices integrated into the same system
- Safety protocols around harness use, anchor redundancy, and fall arrest strategies, especially during tasks at height
- Specific exceptions for short-duration work or emergency rescues, where standard procedures may be adjusted for practical reasons
These systems are not just technical requirements—they're vital lifelines ensuring climbers return safely from every canopy mission.
Background information:
- Technical Guide 1 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue | Personal Fall Protection Systems in Tree Work 296
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- https://talkingtrees.arboristika.cz/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Roger (00:02):
Talking Trees with Lily and Jad.
Welcome to today's episodewhere we're exploring personal
fall protection systems in theworld of tree climbing.
We'll be breaking down the twoprimary techniques MRT moving
rope technique and SRTstationary rope technique and
diving into the essentialcomponents that keep climbers
(00:24):
safe.
Rope technique and diving intothe essential components that
keep climbers safe, from backupsystems to proper gear
connections.
We'll cover the key safetymeasures that reduce fall risks
and ensure smooth descents.
Let's get into the details andunderstand what makes safe
climbing possible.
Jad (00:42):
Welcome to our deep dive.
We're going up high today.
Yeah, literally.
Lilly (00:46):
That's right.
Jad (00:46):
Focusing on personal fall protection systems for all you
tree climbers out there.
All right, We'll be breakingdown the Arboricultural
Association's technical guide.
Good stuff Now.
Safety might not sound exciting, yeah, but trust me, this guide
is packed with insights thatcould well save your life.
Lilly (01:02):
Absolutely.
This isn't just a dry rule book.
Insights that could well saveyour life?
Absolutely.
This isn't just a dry rule book.
No Years of experience allpacked in to keep us climbing
safe.
Jad (01:08):
So let's jump right in.
Lilly (01:09):
Yeah.
Jad (01:10):
The guide focuses on two main systems moving rope
technique MRT, MRT andstationary rope technique SRT.
Lilly (01:21):
Can you give us a rundown for those new to climbing Sure,
in MRT your rope's actuallymoving through the anchor as you
climb, like a pulley system.
So you're pulling up rope andit's sliding through your anchor
point above.
You Got it.
Srt uses a fixed rope anchoredat the top and you use
specialized equipment to move upand down that static line.
Jad (01:38):
Okay so, mrt, your rope is always moving.
Srt, it's fixed.
The guide really stresses abackup system no matter what,
and it digs into the why, notjust the what, if your rope
breaks.
Lilly (01:50):
Exactly.
It goes beyond that, Like whatabout rope adjustments or
unexpected situations?
You need a backup.
Jad (01:56):
It's like an extra layer of security when things go
sideways up there.
Lilly (01:59):
Yeah, like a safety net for anything unexpected.
So for backup options the guidelists a bunch.
One is two whole climbingsystems.
Jad (02:07):
You're doubling up Two, two of everything.
Lilly (02:10):
That's right, totally separate lifeline, maximum
redundancy.
But it's heavier, of course,more to manage.
Jad (02:16):
Tradeoffs.
What about lighter options?
Lilly (02:19):
There are specialized devices.
They travel with you on therope and lock if you fall.
Jad (02:23):
Like a mini safety net following you around.
Lilly (02:25):
Kind of Less bulky than a whole other system and it locks
immediately, but compatibilityis key.
You got to make sure it workswith your main setup and that
you know how to use it.
The guide also talks aboutusing both ends of one rope.
Jad (02:37):
Wait, one rope for two systems.
How's that work?
Lilly (02:40):
You anchor each end separately and carefully manage
the rope as you climb.
Takes experience.
You got to know your ropemanagement, but it's efficient
gear wise.
Jad (02:49):
Like a magic trick, but there's got to be limits to that
right, depending on the climb.
Lilly (02:53):
Oh yeah, for sure, planning is key.
Assess the tree, yourobjectives.
And the guide mentions anotheroption ground crew belay.
Jad (03:03):
Really Interesting, not the usual backup.
Lilly (03:06):
Right More for lower climbs or when you need precise
movement.
Need strong communication,though.
Climber and ground crew got tobe in sync.
Jad (03:15):
Safety net's a person in that case?
Lilly (03:16):
You got it.
Jad (03:17):
So we've got double systems , those devices, the rope, trick
ground crews, even adjustablelanyards though those are more
for poles and such Right Pointis safe.
Climbing isn't just the gear,it's how it all works together.
Lilly (03:30):
Yeah, and that includes your harness Connections are key
.
Jad (03:33):
We all know how to put on a harness right.
What's the big deal?
Lilly (03:36):
It's more than just wearing it.
You got to understand itslimits.
Connect things to the rightpoints Wrong type of harness or
connecting gear incorrectly canmess up the whole system.
Jad (03:46):
So even with top-notch gear , if you don't know your harness
, you're at risk.
Lilly (03:49):
That's it.
The guide's got specifics ondifferent harness types.
Where to connect what?
Both systems should beindependent, by the way.
Jad (03:56):
Independent Bring that down .
Lilly (03:58):
Imagine this your main system is on one loop on your
harness, your backup's on atotally separate loop.
That way, if one fails, theother's still good.
Jad (04:10):
Two lifelines on different spots on the harness, spreading
the load Smart.
Lilly (04:14):
Exactly no single point of failure.
Jad (04:17):
The guide also talks about positioning your climbing system
for safety and efficiency, likebeing able to descend without
re-anchoring.
Lilly (04:25):
Yeah, super important.
If something happens up there,you've got to get down fast.
No time to mess with anchors.
Jad (04:30):
Your escape route's planned out from the start.
Lilly (04:32):
Exactly In talking about descending, the guide mentioned
something I bet most climbershave had this nightmare.
Jad (04:37):
Oh, I know it Running out of rope up in the air.
The worst, so they recommendsafeguards, stopper knots
special devices, anything tomake sure you got enough rope to
reach the ground.
Those little things can makeall the difference.
So we've got the basics of MRTand SRT backups, harness,
connections, descent, safety Alot to cover, it is.
Lilly (04:56):
Before we jump into anchor selection.
That's a whole thing itself.
Jad (04:59):
Yeah.
Lilly (04:59):
Got to talk about placement.
Placement it's critical for asafe system.
Jad (05:02):
We always focus on how strong the anchor is right but
where it sits in the tree, thatmatters just as much makes sense
, like building a house,foundation's key but if your
walls aren't framed right, thewhole thing's messed up exactly,
and this is where forces comein.
Lilly (05:19):
Angles too.
Picture two anchors in a treeforming a triangle with your
line that triangle we see in allthe diagrams.
Jad (05:27):
Yeah, what's it actually doing, though, up in the tree?
Lilly (05:29):
it's distributing the force when you climb, when you
fall, even more.
So spread that force acrosspoints.
Jad (05:36):
Less stress on each anchor, more stability overall like a
suspension bridge, those cablesholding everything up that's the
idea.
Lilly (05:47):
So it's not just strong branches, it's how you position
them to make that force sharingtriangle.
Now the guide says the anglebetween your anchors, measured
from your line, should be lessthan 90 degrees Ideally.
Why so narrow?
Let's say those anchors are farapart.
Wide angle Okay, you fall theforce on each anchor way higher,
more stress.
Jad (06:03):
Wider angle.
More stress Could even make theanchor fail.
Lilly (06:05):
Exactly, it's physics.
Wider the angle, the more thoseanchors are being pulled
outward.
Keep it narrow Under 90, youminimize that outward force
Safer system.
Jad (06:14):
Like tug of war.
Yeah, closer you are, thestronger you pull together.
Lilly (06:23):
Perfect analogy.
And in tug of war, one personout of place, the whole team's
weaker.
That's why the guide says thinkabout your movements when
placing anchors.
Jad (06:26):
So not just the strongest branches.
It's where they are to movesafely in the whole tree.
You got it.
Got to think about how we'll begoing around those branches.
Lilly (06:33):
Yes.
Jad (06:33):
Where we need to be to work , how the rope will run.
Lilly (06:35):
Right.
Picture this you got perfectanchors Strong, narrow angle but
then your rope's rubbing on asharp edge or getting caught in
branches.
The whole system's compromised.
Jad (06:47):
So it's planning a route, but instead of trails it's
branches and angles.
You've got to see the wholeclimb in your head.
Lilly (06:53):
Absolutely.
It's a skill Comes withexperience.
And the guide mentionssomething else often forgotten
Inspections, your gear.
That's where being a littleparanoid helps, right it does
gotta check everything beforeevery climb meticulously.
Jad (07:08):
We trust our lives to this stuff what are we looking for
specifically when we check?
Lilly (07:13):
wear and tear, damage, corrosion, anything that just
seems off okay frayed rope, bentcarabiner, a stitch coming
loose on your harness any ofthose could be bad news no, duct
tape fixes up there nope,better safe than sorry.
Retire a piece of gear early ifyou have to, don't risk it.
Jad (07:31):
And while we're on gear, the guide says use the right
gear made for tree climbing notthat old rock climbing harness,
then, or borrowing from a buddywho does a different kind of
climbing right.
Lilly (07:41):
Tree climbing is unique, the forces are different.
The gear's got to be up to itSpecific harnesses, ropes
systems.
Jad (07:47):
Right Tool for the job.
Lilly (07:48):
Exactly, and the guide goes beyond the physical stuff.
Technique matters too.
Jad (07:53):
How you climb.
Lilly (07:54):
Yeah, even with perfect gear, perfect anchors, safety
comes down to you.
Your skill matters, yourjudgment.
Jad (08:02):
Experience Knowing how to move in the tree almost
instinctively.
Lilly (08:06):
That's it.
The guide says practiceregularly ground and in the tree
and keep learning, Stay updated, New techniques, best practices
.
Jad (08:13):
So it's not just learn it once and you're good.
Lilly (08:15):
Nope Always improving.
Jad (08:17):
Which brings us to teamwork , especially with a ground crew,
big one.
We talked about them as abackup, but they do way more.
Lilly (08:23):
Absolutely.
Communication is everythingClear communication.
The guide says Set protocolsbefore you climb.
Everyone knows their roles,what to do, hand signals, all
that.
Jad (08:33):
So it's not just yelling hey, I need a wrench up the tree
, Nope.
Lilly (08:37):
It's planned out, rehearsed, even everyone's on
the same page.
Jad (08:40):
To avoid those misunderstandings see hazards
early.
Be ready if something happens,exactly like a well-oiled
machine.
Avoid those misunderstandings.
See hazards early.
Lilly (08:45):
Be ready if something happens, exactly Like a
well-oiled machine, climber andground crew working together.
Speaking of working together,let's talk anchors.
Jad (08:55):
The literal foundation of everything we do.
Lilly (08:57):
Absolutely Holding us up there.
Jad (08:58):
The guide gets seriously detailed about them.
It's not just find the biggestbranch and you're good.
Lilly (09:03):
Nope.
Lots to consider, Starting withthe tree itself.
What species is it?
Jad (09:07):
Different trees.
It's turned anchors.
What's that about?
Lilly (09:10):
Some trees are just tougher.
Stronger wood, better foranchors Oak, for instance.
Jad (09:14):
Oaks are good, got it.
What if it's not an oak, though?
Lilly (09:16):
That's when you really got to look closely.
The guide's big on damage,cracks, splits, fungus, anything
that says that branch might nothold.
Jad (09:25):
Like you're a tree detective.
Lilly (09:27):
You got it.
And size matters too.
Thicker branch, stronger branchusually the guide gives actual
numbers.
Minimum diameters for anchorsDepends on the climber's weight,
the load on the system.
Jad (09:38):
So we're measuring, not just getting them Right.
Lilly (09:41):
And where the anchor sits on the tree.
That's important too.
Jad (09:43):
How so.
Lilly (09:44):
You want it well supported by the whole tree's
structure, not a branch that'ssticking way out or weak at the
spot where it joins the trunk.
Jad (09:52):
Like a beam in a house.
Got to be connected to theframe right.
Lilly (09:55):
Exactly.
And then there's the anchor'sposition compared to your climb.
Remember smooth movement, notangles.
Jad (10:01):
So it's strategic Anchor placement.
Yeah, like planning a ride up amountain.
Yeah, finding the best path.
Lilly (10:07):
Exactly, and just like on a mountain, gotta have a plan B
.
Yeah, backup anchor.
What if your main one fails?
Jad (10:13):
Even if we choose perfectly , still need a backup Like a
spare tire.
Hope you don't need it, butglad it's there.
Lilly (10:20):
That's the idea and that backup anchor, same deal, got to
be chosen right, positionedright, ready to take over.
Jad (10:26):
Anchor selection.
It's complex, more to it thanmeets the eye.
Lilly (10:30):
It is Experience helps, Careful looking and knowing the
guide that's key.
Jad (10:37):
Well, this deep dive has been eye-opening.
All these details about fallprotection.
Lilly (10:40):
Yeah.
Jad (10:40):
MRT, srt, backups, harnesses descending and now
anchors.
It's a lot.
Lilly (10:46):
We barely scratched the surface.
Really, there's so much in theguide.
Jad (10:49):
But the point is clear Safety isn't just about the gear
you buy, nope, it'sunderstanding how it all works
together Systems, anchors,equipment, how you climb, even
your own decisions up there.
That's your real safety net.
Lilly (11:03):
And knowledge is power.
The more we know about fallprotection, the better choices
we make.
Keep ourselves and our buddiessafe.
Jad (11:08):
So stay curious, keep learning and climb safe out
there.
We'll be back with more deepdives into tree care soon.
Until then, keep reaching forthe sky, but do it smart, do it
safe.
Roger (11:23):
Thanks for tuning in to this episode.
We hope you enjoyed our deepdive into fall protection
systems in tree climbing.
Remember safety starts withunderstanding the techniques,
having the right gear and makingsure every component works
together smoothly.
For more episodes like this,stay with us here and support
our journey into the world ofarboriculture.
(11:44):
Until next time, climb safe andstay connected to Talking Trees
with Lily and Jack.
Talking Trees with Lily and Jad.
Welcome to today's episodewhere we're exploring personal
fall protection systems in theworld of tree climbing.
We'll be breaking down the twoprimary techniques MRT moving
rope technique and SRTstationary rope technique and
diving into the essentialcomponents that keep climbers
(00:24):
safe.
Rope technique and diving intothe essential components that
keep climbers safe, from backupsystems to proper gear
connections.
We'll cover the key safetymeasures that reduce fall risks
and ensure smooth descents.
Let's get into the details andunderstand what makes safe
climbing possible.
Jad (00:42):
Welcome to our deep dive.
We're going up high today.
Yeah, literally.
Lilly (00:46):
That's right.
Jad (00:46):
Focusing on personal fall protection systems for all you
tree climbers out there.
All right, We'll be breakingdown the Arboricultural
Association's technical guide.
Good stuff Now.
Safety might not sound exciting, yeah, but trust me, this guide
is packed with insights thatcould well save your life.
Lilly (01:02):
Absolutely.
This isn't just a dry rule book.
Insights that could well saveyour life?
Absolutely.
This isn't just a dry rule book.
No Years of experience allpacked in to keep us climbing
safe.
Jad (01:08):
So let's jump right in.
Lilly (01:09):
Yeah.
Jad (01:10):
The guide focuses on two main systems moving rope
technique MRT, MRT andstationary rope technique SRT.
Lilly (01:21):
Can you give us a rundown for those new to climbing Sure,
in MRT your rope's actuallymoving through the anchor as you
climb, like a pulley system.
So you're pulling up rope andit's sliding through your anchor
point above.
You Got it.
Srt uses a fixed rope anchoredat the top and you use
specialized equipment to move upand down that static line.
Jad (01:38):
Okay so, mrt, your rope is always moving.
Srt, it's fixed.
The guide really stresses abackup system no matter what,
and it digs into the why, notjust the what, if your rope
breaks.
Lilly (01:50):
Exactly.
It goes beyond that, Like whatabout rope adjustments or
unexpected situations?
You need a backup.
Jad (01:56):
It's like an extra layer of security when things go
sideways up there.
Lilly (01:59):
Yeah, like a safety net for anything unexpected.
So for backup options the guidelists a bunch.
One is two whole climbingsystems.
Jad (02:07):
You're doubling up Two, two of everything.
Lilly (02:10):
That's right, totally separate lifeline, maximum
redundancy.
But it's heavier, of course,more to manage.
Jad (02:16):
Tradeoffs.
What about lighter options?
Lilly (02:19):
There are specialized devices.
They travel with you on therope and lock if you fall.
Jad (02:23):
Like a mini safety net following you around.
Lilly (02:25):
Kind of Less bulky than a whole other system and it locks
immediately, but compatibilityis key.
You got to make sure it workswith your main setup and that
you know how to use it.
The guide also talks aboutusing both ends of one rope.
Jad (02:37):
Wait, one rope for two systems.
How's that work?
Lilly (02:40):
You anchor each end separately and carefully manage
the rope as you climb.
Takes experience.
You got to know your ropemanagement, but it's efficient
gear wise.
Jad (02:49):
Like a magic trick, but there's got to be limits to that
right, depending on the climb.
Lilly (02:53):
Oh yeah, for sure, planning is key.
Assess the tree, yourobjectives.
And the guide mentions anotheroption ground crew belay.
Jad (03:03):
Really Interesting, not the usual backup.
Lilly (03:06):
Right More for lower climbs or when you need precise
movement.
Need strong communication,though.
Climber and ground crew got tobe in sync.
Jad (03:15):
Safety net's a person in that case?
Lilly (03:16):
You got it.
Jad (03:17):
So we've got double systems , those devices, the rope, trick
ground crews, even adjustablelanyards though those are more
for poles and such Right Pointis safe.
Climbing isn't just the gear,it's how it all works together.
Lilly (03:30):
Yeah, and that includes your harness Connections are key
.
Jad (03:33):
We all know how to put on a harness right.
What's the big deal?
Lilly (03:36):
It's more than just wearing it.
You got to understand itslimits.
Connect things to the rightpoints Wrong type of harness or
connecting gear incorrectly canmess up the whole system.
Jad (03:46):
So even with top-notch gear , if you don't know your harness
, you're at risk.
Lilly (03:49):
That's it.
The guide's got specifics ondifferent harness types.
Where to connect what?
Both systems should beindependent, by the way.
Jad (03:56):
Independent Bring that down .
Lilly (03:58):
Imagine this your main system is on one loop on your
harness, your backup's on atotally separate loop.
That way, if one fails, theother's still good.
Jad (04:10):
Two lifelines on different spots on the harness, spreading
the load Smart.
Lilly (04:14):
Exactly no single point of failure.
Jad (04:17):
The guide also talks about positioning your climbing system
for safety and efficiency, likebeing able to descend without
re-anchoring.
Lilly (04:25):
Yeah, super important.
If something happens up there,you've got to get down fast.
No time to mess with anchors.
Jad (04:30):
Your escape route's planned out from the start.
Lilly (04:32):
Exactly In talking about descending, the guide mentioned
something I bet most climbershave had this nightmare.
Jad (04:37):
Oh, I know it Running out of rope up in the air.
The worst, so they recommendsafeguards, stopper knots
special devices, anything tomake sure you got enough rope to
reach the ground.
Those little things can makeall the difference.
So we've got the basics of MRTand SRT backups, harness,
connections, descent, safety Alot to cover, it is.
Lilly (04:56):
Before we jump into anchor selection.
That's a whole thing itself.
Jad (04:59):
Yeah.
Lilly (04:59):
Got to talk about placement.
Placement it's critical for asafe system.
Jad (05:02):
We always focus on how strong the anchor is right but
where it sits in the tree, thatmatters just as much makes sense
, like building a house,foundation's key but if your
walls aren't framed right, thewhole thing's messed up exactly,
and this is where forces comein.
Lilly (05:19):
Angles too.
Picture two anchors in a treeforming a triangle with your
line that triangle we see in allthe diagrams.
Jad (05:27):
Yeah, what's it actually doing, though, up in the tree?
Lilly (05:29):
it's distributing the force when you climb, when you
fall, even more.
So spread that force acrosspoints.
Jad (05:36):
Less stress on each anchor, more stability overall like a
suspension bridge, those cablesholding everything up that's the
idea.
Lilly (05:47):
So it's not just strong branches, it's how you position
them to make that force sharingtriangle.
Now the guide says the anglebetween your anchors, measured
from your line, should be lessthan 90 degrees Ideally.
Why so narrow?
Let's say those anchors are farapart.
Wide angle Okay, you fall theforce on each anchor way higher,
more stress.
Jad (06:03):
Wider angle.
More stress Could even make theanchor fail.
Lilly (06:05):
Exactly, it's physics.
Wider the angle, the more thoseanchors are being pulled
outward.
Keep it narrow Under 90, youminimize that outward force
Safer system.
Jad (06:14):
Like tug of war.
Yeah, closer you are, thestronger you pull together.
Lilly (06:23):
Perfect analogy.
And in tug of war, one personout of place, the whole team's
weaker.
That's why the guide says thinkabout your movements when
placing anchors.
Jad (06:26):
So not just the strongest branches.
It's where they are to movesafely in the whole tree.
You got it.
Got to think about how we'll begoing around those branches.
Lilly (06:33):
Yes.
Jad (06:33):
Where we need to be to work , how the rope will run.
Lilly (06:35):
Right.
Picture this you got perfectanchors Strong, narrow angle but
then your rope's rubbing on asharp edge or getting caught in
branches.
The whole system's compromised.
Jad (06:47):
So it's planning a route, but instead of trails it's
branches and angles.
You've got to see the wholeclimb in your head.
Lilly (06:53):
Absolutely.
It's a skill Comes withexperience.
And the guide mentionssomething else often forgotten
Inspections, your gear.
That's where being a littleparanoid helps, right it does
gotta check everything beforeevery climb meticulously.
Jad (07:08):
We trust our lives to this stuff what are we looking for
specifically when we check?
Lilly (07:13):
wear and tear, damage, corrosion, anything that just
seems off okay frayed rope, bentcarabiner, a stitch coming
loose on your harness any ofthose could be bad news no, duct
tape fixes up there nope,better safe than sorry.
Retire a piece of gear early ifyou have to, don't risk it.
Jad (07:31):
And while we're on gear, the guide says use the right
gear made for tree climbing notthat old rock climbing harness,
then, or borrowing from a buddywho does a different kind of
climbing right.
Lilly (07:41):
Tree climbing is unique, the forces are different.
The gear's got to be up to itSpecific harnesses, ropes
systems.
Jad (07:47):
Right Tool for the job.
Lilly (07:48):
Exactly, and the guide goes beyond the physical stuff.
Technique matters too.
Jad (07:53):
How you climb.
Lilly (07:54):
Yeah, even with perfect gear, perfect anchors, safety
comes down to you.
Your skill matters, yourjudgment.
Jad (08:02):
Experience Knowing how to move in the tree almost
instinctively.
Lilly (08:06):
That's it.
The guide says practiceregularly ground and in the tree
and keep learning, Stay updated, New techniques, best practices
.
Jad (08:13):
So it's not just learn it once and you're good.
Lilly (08:15):
Nope Always improving.
Jad (08:17):
Which brings us to teamwork , especially with a ground crew,
big one.
We talked about them as abackup, but they do way more.
Lilly (08:23):
Absolutely.
Communication is everythingClear communication.
The guide says Set protocolsbefore you climb.
Everyone knows their roles,what to do, hand signals, all
that.
Jad (08:33):
So it's not just yelling hey, I need a wrench up the tree
, Nope.
Lilly (08:37):
It's planned out, rehearsed, even everyone's on
the same page.
Jad (08:40):
To avoid those misunderstandings see hazards
early.
Be ready if something happens,exactly like a well-oiled
machine.
Avoid those misunderstandings.
See hazards early.
Lilly (08:45):
Be ready if something happens, exactly Like a
well-oiled machine, climber andground crew working together.
Speaking of working together,let's talk anchors.
Jad (08:55):
The literal foundation of everything we do.
Lilly (08:57):
Absolutely Holding us up there.
Jad (08:58):
The guide gets seriously detailed about them.
It's not just find the biggestbranch and you're good.
Lilly (09:03):
Nope.
Lots to consider, Starting withthe tree itself.
What species is it?
Jad (09:07):
Different trees.
It's turned anchors.
What's that about?
Lilly (09:10):
Some trees are just tougher.
Stronger wood, better foranchors Oak, for instance.
Jad (09:14):
Oaks are good, got it.
What if it's not an oak, though?
Lilly (09:16):
That's when you really got to look closely.
The guide's big on damage,cracks, splits, fungus, anything
that says that branch might nothold.
Jad (09:25):
Like you're a tree detective.
Lilly (09:27):
You got it.
And size matters too.
Thicker branch, stronger branchusually the guide gives actual
numbers.
Minimum diameters for anchorsDepends on the climber's weight,
the load on the system.
Jad (09:38):
So we're measuring, not just getting them Right.
Lilly (09:41):
And where the anchor sits on the tree.
That's important too.
Jad (09:43):
How so.
Lilly (09:44):
You want it well supported by the whole tree's
structure, not a branch that'ssticking way out or weak at the
spot where it joins the trunk.
Jad (09:52):
Like a beam in a house.
Got to be connected to theframe right.
Lilly (09:55):
Exactly.
And then there's the anchor'sposition compared to your climb.
Remember smooth movement, notangles.
Jad (10:01):
So it's strategic Anchor placement.
Yeah, like planning a ride up amountain.
Yeah, finding the best path.
Lilly (10:07):
Exactly, and just like on a mountain, gotta have a plan B
.
Yeah, backup anchor.
What if your main one fails?
Jad (10:13):
Even if we choose perfectly , still need a backup Like a
spare tire.
Hope you don't need it, butglad it's there.
Lilly (10:20):
That's the idea and that backup anchor, same deal, got to
be chosen right, positionedright, ready to take over.
Jad (10:26):
Anchor selection.
It's complex, more to it thanmeets the eye.
Lilly (10:30):
It is Experience helps, Careful looking and knowing the
guide that's key.
Jad (10:37):
Well, this deep dive has been eye-opening.
All these details about fallprotection.
Lilly (10:40):
Yeah.
Jad (10:40):
MRT, srt, backups, harnesses descending and now
anchors.
It's a lot.
Lilly (10:46):
We barely scratched the surface.
Really, there's so much in theguide.
Jad (10:49):
But the point is clear Safety isn't just about the gear
you buy, nope, it'sunderstanding how it all works
together Systems, anchors,equipment, how you climb, even
your own decisions up there.
That's your real safety net.
Lilly (11:03):
And knowledge is power.
The more we know about fallprotection, the better choices
we make.
Keep ourselves and our buddiessafe.
Jad (11:08):
So stay curious, keep learning and climb safe out
there.
We'll be back with more deepdives into tree care soon.
Until then, keep reaching forthe sky, but do it smart, do it
safe.
Roger (11:23):
Thanks for tuning in to this episode.
We hope you enjoyed our deepdive into fall protection
systems in tree climbing.
Remember safety starts withunderstanding the techniques,
having the right gear and makingsure every component works
together smoothly.
For more episodes like this,stay with us here and support
our journey into the world ofarboriculture.
(11:44):
Until next time, climb safe andstay connected to Talking Trees
with Lily and Jack.
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