Simple & safe tree climbing ascent technique

This is a basic Arborist tree climbing technique for ascending a tree safely with many branches, using a combination of rope throwing and climbing to ascend while always attached with safety rope and/or lanyard.
For more Arborist videos visit www.climbingarborist.com

[@peculiarlittleman5303]

Great job! I'm up my tree now! Please do a video explaining how to get down. Thank you.

[@peculiarlittleman5303]

Never mind. Mr. Trump won. I'm staying up my tree.

[@johndowd6436]

Do people footlock down? What is the alternative to pulling down on the prussik and sliding it, which would be bad for the rope and gnerate too much friction?

[@awsometomable]

Being slow on the prusik to limit heat and friction, basically the only way I've seen to descend using a prusik loop

[@Allbbrz]

Hahaha... you crack me up man...

[@marcopellegrino9771]

Are you still up there?

[@NavyOmen77]

People say this is one of the most dangerous jobs in the sates, but honestly it looked pretty darn wicked and cool. The fact you get to basically be a monkey and ascend trees daily looks quite a breeze. Honestly having this job with a 75% of falling is way better then say, I dunno spending half of your life in a job you hate that is indoors without advancing whatsoever. Great vid.

[@RogueArcher24]

90% of the time this is how I get to the top. Great video.

[@Pavement-Prophets]

I’m just starting out like many. Intending on climbing for fun mainly. I’m slightly nervous of heights ironically but love climbing. Your video tutorials are invaluable and you’re a great instructor. I wish there was a local climbing club here in the North east, UK. I am climbing on a lock jack sport and use a grillon as my lanyard. I think ascending higher is just a matter of confidence in the gear and knowledge of self rescue. All the best mate, keep safe, keep climbing👍🏻

[@alexandercabatbat2729]

Thanks for the footage. Hundreds of tree climbing videos but very few actual tree climbing demonstrations.

[@montyswoodworkscrafts2232]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to create and share. I trained as a tree surgeon back in the 90’s, and the only stuff I do these days is really my own trees. Keep up the Greta work and work safe

[@dakotabryson5465]

Really appreciate the video. Hear your voice in my head now when I'm climbing saying check the weight in the line or lanyard b4 disconnecting and ascend again to the next branch

[@treedom5094]

Safe changeovers ... good stuff. Tip: close fitting garb does more than just reduce snagging on branches, but also helps keep carabiner gates less prone to catch folds of fabric - good to listen out for the click of the gate closing / inspect to ensure carabiners are loaded at the correct orientation (free of side loading) ...

[@conquestor4779]

I’ve just started tree climbing and it’s so fun and thanks to you I can do it very easily and safely

[@ClimbingArborist]

It’s so fun. Be safe and enjoy being in the trees 🌳

[@conquestor4779]

Will do

[@aidey8mph605]

@@conquestor4779 I haven’t tried climbing trees with no low branches but I love climbing pine trees then rappelling down from the top 😁

[@JaikerCham]

can you make a video about what type of rope do you use (grade/weight/strenght) as well as carabiners and harness type, etc...

[@TheLoobis]

This was very informative and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@adamabusalah8990]

I like the way you climbing.learned a lot from your video thanks a million.very basic and helped me a lot when I tried this on a maple tree in my backyard.

[@sampickett3843]

Great video for someone like me who is thinking about getting started. I don't want to spend a lot of money on gear, just to try something out. I do want to be safe though. Thanks

[@mward0001]

Awesome video on climbing a tall tree!! I have learned a lot. Can you also make one for getting down?

[@Gnarmarmilla]

Thanks so much for this and all the helpful videos. I hope to get a job in this industry soon and your videos are very helpful and inspiring. May God bless you.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Thank you so much. Good luck with your career in tree climbing 🙏

[@santiagohernandez1370]

One of the best videos on KZbin. Thank you. Question... What happens if you drop your main line (by accident) while you are disconnecting or reconnecting? Do you have it somehow tied to your harness, or would you have to lower another rope to the ground? Just trying to see through all the issues one could have on top.

[@matthewmorris1753]

It’s attached to your harness with a carabiner

[@SmurfedYurMom]

Usually the rope is attached twice to the saddle when climbing this style

[@someinconsequentialusernam7799]

At just about 3:14, you can see a Prusic attached to the rope he’s pulling and his harness. The prusic acts as a brake in case he slips on the rope he’s pulling. Prusics are actually pretty cool. Give ‘em a google.

[@ToddHudsonAtl]

Another awesome video, dude, to augment the others that I find very good for building confidence. Thanks for posting...

[@olivierj.2435]

Very nice trees to climb in. Well done beautiful video. Cheers from 🇫🇷

[@ClimbingArborist]

🙏

[@sc6rpio]

Is it weird to do this for fun? I just really like climbing trees haha

[@ClimbingArborist]

AhiruKxn climbing trees is awesome bro, I do it for work and for fun outside of work all the time

[@sc6rpio]

Ah, nice! I'm considering getting some rope and using a climbing harness I had lying around to try and climb in a tree. Just a small height tho haha! thank you!

[@3204clivesinclair]

Not at all. I had rope access stuff and retired at 60yrs young. Just starting climbing trees using simple SRT techniques.

[@sc6rpio]

Nice!

[@tomgosy]

Just a small thing, not all climbing harnesses can be used with a lanyard. Be aware that accessory loops won't have the same wait bearing as your main loops or belay loop.

[@МирославГенадиев-д6т]

I learned a lot of you. Everything is useful. Very well. Go on in that way!

[@Acollyt]

I like your channel and information; however as a beginner to these types of techniques they are difficult to follow. Ex: what was the main anchored too? How did you advance and set it each time? Perhaps boring, but a more basic tutorial would be nice for those who do not have the background yet. Thank you for sharing.

[@dredthis9473]

Its a bit difficult to put into words so you can visualize but Ill try. The main line is attached to the climbing saddle twice, it forms an upside down "U" around the branch he's tied into. One side of the U is called the standing end and the other side of the U (where the prusik loop is attached) is called the working end. The working end with the prusik attached is always attached, he never disconnects that from the climbing saddle. The standing end is the part he would flip up and over the next limb and reattach to his saddle. At the end of the standing end is a spliced eye, sort of a permanent loop at the tip of the rope, he slings this through a carabiner on his saddle so it can quickly and easily be removed and reattached each time he moves it up to the next tie in point. The standing end with the spliced eye is where he also attached the throw bag at the end of the video.

[@Allbbrz]

That;s when that part with the girlfriend filming his climbing, would be great.

[@lightupyourlife111]

awesome video thanks for explaining the basic ascent.

[@joannaknowles8789]

Hi There, great video thank you. a concern of mine is, when you are climbing up the tree on a single prussik what back up do you have to stop you falling if the prussik was to fail or loose its grip

[@matthewc.ganong5497]

The lanyard that he carries along and loops around branches as he climbs is the safety backup equipment.

[@alancolchester-hall4806]

Hi you guys. Just wanted to say I’ve subscribed. I’ve watched your videos and what to join you... great videos , great informative helpful supportive advice. 👍👍 alan from Oxford

[@HeyItsJack02]

Could you do basic descent please

[@RogueArcher24]

Decent is just going down from were hes at lol no real technique

[@John01GM40]

marvellous video, as an ex rock climber I was wondering if it would be "acceptable" to climb without spurs as I have all my climbing kit but for what i need to do can't justify spurs for a one off job. Good old prussik loop is gonna get another outing, should be "fun"

[@bradfordelliott869]

Hey Dan, A few questions from a young climber hoping to learn best practice and get lots of opinions. At 6.45, how were you advancing that main line with yourself? It looked like you were rolling with a schwabisch on your prussock rather than a distel hitch. First, can you confirm, and second, is that just preference or do you experience different situations for each? Last, at 9.38 when you were throwing the climb line with the throw bag, do you tie it to yourself (just like a midline clove on a biner or something), or do you just hold it? Trying to discern best practice for not losing that line. Thanks for all the hard work man; these videos are real time, effort, and passion, and people like me are the benefactors. It is truly appreciated.

[@ClimbingArborist]

I don't understand your first question at 6:45 At 9:38 when I'm throwing the rope, the rope is always attached to me at the friction hitch. Throughout any climb, your climbing line should always be attached to you, so there is no worry of dropping your entire system. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate your kind words. Please let me know if you still have questions.

[@daveaskin1333]

Very many thanks. 5 years on, very worthwhile comments. Cheers

[@LittleLightCZ]

At fist I thought it might be interesting to do, but as soon as he got up and looked down, I am already getting the vertigo :D

[@elsontv8351]

i like climbing trees, i started to collecting tools and equipment and also rope, i have also hand made rappel rack.

[@justinmckibben4534]

Was waiting for the victory rappel down

[@mydoggylives]

Definitely not a fan of high places with a risk of falling. I was sweating just watching you climb. If possible, could you show a video of how you got down and retrieved your line after? (Because, in my mind now, you're still stuck up the tree at a precarious height.) Thanks!

[@ggsmith099]

Do you have a video showing how to make those knots for ascending? 😎

[@1652ification]

Go & learn from a pro climber that's how I learned. Don't trust everything that's on you tube. You could die if your knots are wrong!

[@PimSchouten]

As a beginner climber, awesome video! Thanks a lot! Can you make a video on knots as well? I know all the bowline stuff etc, but I’m still struggling with the knots you need for this climbing system. Any help is very welcome☺️

[@ClimbingArborist]

Check out our website Climbingarborist.com for a bunch more videos and resources

[@brubrubram]

Well done.The only thing looks strange for me: right arm/fist position when you pull your self up, i do like this on the rain or when i have no power to lift my self up:D

[@loki1066]

Are there some clearer videos about what to do with the ropes for the body thrusting?

[@aaronm.3398]

Amazing video, well documented.

[@hosocat1410]

You are a great instructor. I really enjoy your videos and learn a lot. I am a beginner. I climb drt with blakes hitch on a split tail. I use the technique you describe here, and it works great for me. Would you mind clarifying a something? When you hook onto your lanyard and remove climbing line to throw it higher do you clip your lanyard to your side d's or onto your bridge? Thanks for your help.

[@ClimbingArborist]

If you have a harness with lower D's, I would recommend almost exclusively using the lower D's. The reason being, you can suspend from them, and the spread weight between your hips and legs, the side D's put all the pressure on your back and hips and you shouldn't really be suspended or fall into the side D's. Hope this helps

[@hosocat1410]

@@ClimbingArborist yes. Thanks!

[@colsinclair7793]

For basic it was drilled in to me always have 2 points of contact. For beginning I think it's the way to go.

[@spelunkerd]

Yeah, I find that advice confusing, because when repositioning one has to disconnect one line. As shown, even when climbing with two lines there is a significant period of time when only one line is secure. For example when rope walking to gain entry to the tree, almost nobody sets an additional top belay, except when teaching. To always have two lines fully applied, you'd need three lines to allow for repositioning, which is impractical. However with a two system technique you never have none, which is the point.

[@charlesmarsh279]

I really enjoy your videos!

[@andymat7359]

Forkin Hell! great job. What boots do you use? they look nice.

[@pfv3462]

Is there a good reason not to put your lanyard over a branch and then around the tree itself? my thought is if the branch breaks, you are still anchored to the tree. like the spar pole tie-in! I would also apply the retrievable canopy anchor in this way for a branch high in the trees

[@walterchan5892]

How long does the rope last sliding round the croutch? Of the branch? Does this wear the rope out at all?

[@simoncrooks7441]

Thanks, good presentation

[@JustJimJr]

Excellent video, what size, type, how many strain ropes are best for you and or a newbie getting started? Next year I'll be practicing, so far I got all the basic startup stuff and a 1/2" 16strain line. I know it's a bit tight in the grigri2 but that's what winter in Iowa is for/Studying, rope tying & watching videos. Be safe & thanks for sharing your videos & thoughts.

[@ClimbingArborist]

1/2" 16 Strand rope is regarded as the basic rope for tree climbing in this day and age, but it does the job as long as you inspect it and there is no damage. 24 strand, 11-11.7mm double braid ropes are now more common and preferable to someone like myself. A GriGri should only be used with rope diameters 8.9mm-11mm, not 1/2" or 13mm. It is also a belay device, there are much better devices design specifically for arborists

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

You get an awesome high view of the Supernatural Earth Being's in Shadow color which includes all degrees of black. Make out Totem-Pole and totem-pile formations in the thick dense brush in close proximity to a very interesting human climbing the tree's in their yard etc..... *Armstrong Supernatural Earth Being's Tracker Channel.

[@rayft1422]

good vid mate!

[@djdalite]

what happens if you drop that climbing rope when your way up that tree?

[@aythatsme3607]

"Help!"

[@bongoloid4780]

its always connected to your harness via the friction hitch

[@trex283]

I would like to take a class on climbing trees.

[@johnjacobs2581]

Next year i will have an arborist apprenticeship program operating in a collaboration with tolles tech school and all other high schools in mad county oh.. We are going to offer other tree climbing clASSES FOR BEGINNERS AND RECREATIONAL CLIMBING, AND BEGINNERS

[@k_hoffman]

@@johnjacobs2581 more info?

[@ChristopherBix2]

This technique appeals to me, however I need to climb a maple with a severe lean. Also trying to figure out how to attach an anchor point for lowering cut limbs and chunks. Any idea of how one might fix a working rope using this technique?

[@malusmalls]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@joeshmo5399]

DRT over a branch is causing a lot of friction for me was it the moss helping you out or should I lose some weight:)

[@kieransherlock3902]

Hi mate! Great video! I have a quick question, how long was the rope that you used in this vid? Cheers, kee

[@ClimbingArborist]

It was 150ft

[@75MalcolmX]

I have all sorts systems for drt but I still use the prussik often especcially at the top where I dont want a self retriving system working against me.

[@bewerhunter50]

fine now I have seen many who climb up but haw do you get down, no one show that,

[@loosh__sii]

What brand climbing rope youre using here

[@lil-appul6903]

What device did you use to adjust your lanyard?

[@30minutesLess]

LIL-appul prusik look is the life line, his lanyard is a flip line. Comes with an adjuster

[@oneofusall]

So what if I can't get friction saver high enough and the bark of the tree is really rough, wouldn't this technique damage the rope? Is there some way to reposition friction saver when on the tree, or is there some other way to protect the rope?

[@treywood4146]

How do you deal with rope degradation from the body thrusts up the tree?

[@ClimbingArborist]

Inspect your rope

[@dylannel6081]

Hi Daniel. I am from South africa and new to arborism. I just wanted to find out what the best capital invest would be for climbing equiptment? What sort of equiptment would be essential for a newbie learning to climb?

[@SerenaHe-z3k]

so how do you get the rope up on the tree? I think that's the most difficult part of all this.

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Can I ask do you just go to the local park and climb the trees?

[@onsight2822]

Why wouldn't you ??

[@pjanoo6973]

@@onsight2822 Is it legal? Where is it illegal?

[@biggus6633]

Hmm...in the thumbnail it looked like you were going to show how to walk around the title; not just get to the top. That is a bit misleading, but still a great video, especially for beginners.

[@jlchambe77]

When you ascent with this technique of throwing the rope oven and then sliding the rope as you climb, it seems like it would put a lot of wear on the rope and tree (as opposed to some other techniques). How do you choose which technique you are going to use to ascend?

[@RedneckScientist]

Jeff Chamberlain That's why you us a cambium saver at the top of the anchor point then you can safely work on the whole tree without damaging it

[@quinnpjmcb7162]

Jeff Chamberlain i think he was just showing ONE of the ways to do it. There are many i think this was more of an informational video

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thanks for the video!

[@YousicianJonathanReichert]

If i wanted to start basic, and climb trees that are a bit simpler (easy start at the bottom, branches all very close), can i just climb having 2 lanyards, switching back and forth as i go up ? I know i would be limited to the length of the lanyard, but the trees i will start with have very close together branches. I have a basic rock climbing harness (i have used just for indoor climbing). So up over a branch, hook on, climb a bit, throw second one over a branch, hook on, release first one, etc. Is this a safe enough basic method? Thanks in advance.

[@1cleandude]

I'm a little confused here; since he's using a single rope but he's doubling it over the above branch is it still SRT? Thanks

[@ClimbingArborist]

This is the traditional technique for climbing trees and is known in the industry as 'Doubled rope technique' , 'Single rope technique/Stationary rope technique' or 'SRT' is the method when climbing and descending on and single leg or stationary rope.

[@RedneckScientist]

Climbing Arborist Where did you learn how to climb? Was it at Merrist Wood college? I'm doing the 9 week tree surgery course at Merrist Wood at the moment.

[@onsight2822]

I do the same but with both ends of the rope / 2 prusiks - twice as quick to gain height 😉

[@charlesmarsh279]

Could you possibly list your complete set up?

[@Ilikesunsets7733]

same

[@niallkennedy23]

great video man.

[@johndurrett3573]

As someone just starting, I have no idea what rope setup your using and it did not cover how it was made

[@RobSteel117]

are you using climbing spikes?

[@johnnyrailroad6921]

No way man! That's not for me. My palms were sweating more and more as I was getting more anxious the higher he went. What happens if one of those branches just happens to snap off while he is off balance and climbing up?

[@RedneckScientist]

Johnny Railroad The rope is always anchored to the tree at all times whether it's using the main line or WPS.

[@maxdecphoenix]

@@RedneckScientist I think he meant when you're actually climbing on the main line, not when you're just idling off the lanyard. that crotch he used around 10:00 to ascend looked a bit weak, even I got anxious and i'm not generally spooked by that stuff.

[@Philip8888888]

You just put a pillow down on the ground before you climb and if you fall, just aim for the pillow. ;)

[@aidey8mph605]

I know this is really late but it’s not difficult to tell if a branch is going to hold your weight. If it doesn’t flex when you put weight on it then generally it’s not going to break. That being said, climbing in general is dangerous which is why mitigating risk is the name of the game. Always have backups.

[@TheLaughingMan_]

How long is that prusik? I never caught what double rope technique this is. Is it an open system Blake’s Hitch?? Thanks

[@briankanizar6841]

Where can I buy most of this climbing equipment?

[@cthreeadkins6296]

I was always taught to use the 'rule of thigh'. "Never put your main lifeline holding your body weight on a branch smaller than your thigh. No matter what kind of tree. I've only been climbing for 4 years. I see these pros anchoring on branches smaller than their wrist and it makes me nervous. confidence is key maybe?

[@tristanlj3409]

If you look at chimpanzees you'll soon realize that if the tree you are climbing is healthy, the branches can sustain your weight pretty much in any size

[@andysargeant5994]

Can I ask what boots you're wearing for this?

[@willyjilly9684]

I'm new to this, and I have the "want" to keep two ties in as much as possible. Is this a bad habit, or am I just getting use to trusting the equipment?

[@ClimbingArborist]

If you start climbing with 2 tie ins this will be what your used to and you will be much safer than with one. Standards in the UK have moved in this direction

[@joshuafostet2357]

I am starting climbing what harness shall I use?

[@melancholiaenshrinesalltriumph]

when you unclip the climbing line and advance up the tree is the friction hitch the only thing holding the climbing rope?

[@ClimbingArborist]

Yes, the friction hitch is attached around the rope, which is attached to me, so there is no way of dropping my system. Always be attached to the tree with either your lanyard or your main line when doing this technique.

[@forzajuve4845]

you would have really amazed your viewers if you showed them how to set your friction saver from the ground..

[@ClimbingArborist]

That’s in another video. Can’t put every climbing technique in the one video

[@forzajuve4845]

@@ClimbingArborist haha..I understand..I didn’t start til I was 42 and didn’t have the upper body strength to pull myself up with a floating D saddle using the hip thrust .. I prefer the ankle mechanical device .. wish I started earlier

[@RusVito]

how long is your prusik rope?

[@chrislawless1688]

Why is it that it seems I almost never see yall climbers wearing gloves? I learned in working at a sheetmetal fabrication plant, that it is a good idea, so what is it that makes you not wear gloves?

[@sentralsix]

Help I've been stuck up a tree for 7 years. Can anyone send me a link to get down?

[@ClimbingArborist]

I hope someone is bringing you food and water 🥲

[@WatertownFilms]

How did you descend?

[@juicyjumble6278]

Its been 5 years how do I get down I've been farming the birds up here

[@ClimbingArborist]

If it's been 5 years then life must be pretty good, no stresses of the modern world, probably healthier than 99.9% of the world's population, I'd stay up there if I were you.

[@menneb1714]

What type of rope is he using ???

[@brandon.fletchclimbing4103]

I love this video 📹

[@you2tooyou2too]

A few ascents of this tree can do considerable damage to the bark at the crotches of these branches.

[@albertledesma5173]

you2tooyou2too Oh please. Another stupid tree hugger. The idea is that you'd be climbing trees that are going to be cut down anyways. Stupid.

[@dredthis9473]

Albert, your comment is ignorant. The primary job of the arborist is to avoid cutting down trees. Yes we do cut them down when necessary however if you are in the business of solely cutting them down then you really aren't much of an arborist.

[@dredthis9473]

He demonstrated using a cambium saver. This prevents damage to the cambium. The climbing he did would do no damage to the bark or cambium because the rope was not sliding much at all.

[@vincentrojas8305]

I call it tree climbing lingerie at its finest. LOL

[@billybm0]

What if youd like to climb straight up a tree maybe 40 feet high without gaffs? Is there a technique beside using gaffs?

[@ClimbingArborist]

This is the technique, you should notice that I'm not wearing gaffs in the video. If you need to install the rope higher in the tree from the ground you must use a throw line to do so, but it must be installed over a good sized branch

[@billybm0]

Climbing Arborist thanks for the reply! I'm currently learning to climb and my teacher has me gaff up large trees to set my climbing line. Seems unsafe going straight up with no limbs to catch my landyard. I'm very new to techniques so your videos help!

[@faya6034]

So cool 😎👍

[@jordanmyers6741]

Could i use a dry 9.8 mm dynamic climbing rope for tree climbing?

[@onsight2822]

You could but I wouldn't - tree climbing ropes are often 12/13 mm and they all have a stronger sheath and are static ropes not dynamic like your climbing rope ! Not only would your climbing rope be dangerous it would also be harder to climb with due to the bounce 😉

[@stozka]

could grigri be used, i guess yes?

[@tomtamir4156]

I don't know how many rope climbing vids I've watched, they never show an anchor.. I have idea's yes, but I would like to see what a pro does.

[@jpfr624]

The cambium saver at the end of the video is the pro anchor, as it won't bite into bark like rope would.

[@mackthomas8750]

Do you ever climb with two ropes if you're worried branches will be rotten

[@DareChimaera]

No, don't climb a dead thin tree

[@daanengelman4568]

Isn't your rope getting damaged by sliding it past the tree?

[@caseyhowell2220]

Rope makers now days using latest quality material, develope some really nice ropes used for various tasks. For climbing purposes ropes are made with this very issue in mind. They are made with a climbers weight and break ratio that is many times more than the climbers weight, I can't remember the exact formula used but basically most climbing ropes are break rated at roughly 6-7 thousand pounds which is well enough overkill for climbers, but to really answer your questions yes there is some wear but with the materials used it is very minimum, if at all noticeable, but specs always advise for inspecting rope before every use to be safe, if in any case you find an issue no matter how small or big it's your decision as to if you would feel safe using it. One more important piece of advice, never use your climbing rope for any other task, such as pulling trees over or lowering limbs or trunk and never use a rope that youdidnt buy or someone else's rope that you don't know the history of, cause there may be hidden or untold issues that would compromise your safety. This is basic rules of climbing ropes and if time allows some climbers use friction saving devices the are usually set in place from the ground that utilizes steel rings for the rope to glide through with much less effort.

[@charlesmarsh279]

What brand of climbing belt do you use?

[@quentinyoung5987]

That is a treeMOTION. The regular version, not the S.light (the rear ring is green = life support)

[@minopalmiero1989]

Just to let you know it’s called a harness. Not a climbing belt but you can call it that but it called a harness

[@piotrekchorzow]

I think it is not really good in longer perspective as rope coat (or shield not sure how to name it in english) will be on constant friction and this will cause faster wear and tear.

[@RawRawly]

But how do you get your cambium saver back?

[@ClimbingArborist]

+MrKingpinn187 Attach a retrieval ball to your spliced and and pull your rope out and the ball will pass through the large ring and grab the small ring. If you do not have a splice you can tie an overhand knot, this will also pass through the large ring. You can also attach a throw line for controlled retrieval if needed.

[@fluttershy77x]

How do you determine, whether a branch is strong enough to hold your weight?

[@gnuPirate]

Should I give the obvious answer ? (: eheh

[@telestix6606]

climbers use any tree bigger than your bicep as a rule, bear in mind that is what we view as a minimum because it is the whole tree (ie are the roots solid?)

[@fluttershy77x]

Ah, that's a nice rule of thumb. Thanks for the information!

[@awsometomable]

If the branch is really thin, go around the stem using the branch as a rope hold as opposed to it taking all of your weight.