Is your tree care provider using spikes to climb while pruning? Ouch!Climbing spikes are sharpened
steel spikes attached to the climber’s leg by leather straps and padded supports. These spikes are
traumatizing to a living tree and create unnecessary damage, according to the Tree Care Industry
Association.Each puncture produces a certain amount of tree tissue death around it, varying from tree to
tree. In most cases isolated wounds will seal, but over time, groupings of spike holes can cause the entire
area on the trunk to die.The likelihood of piercing the cambium (living tissue beneath the bark) is high,
even with larger trees and thick bark. If soon after the work is performed with spikes there is sap oozing,
the tree is responding to damage. Repeated damage of this type is harmful to the tree.So why would climbers
use spikes? The use of tree climbing spikes (spurs, hooks, gaff, irons, etc.) is a once-practiced method of
climbing trees that has proven to be harmful to long-term tree health. The climber, using one leg at a time,
will kick these spikes into the tree tissue and take alternate steps to ascend the tree – similar to
climbing a ladder.There are certain exceptions, when spikes are allowed, such as:• when the tree is being
removed.• when branches are more than throwline distance apart and there is no other means of climbing the
tree (for example: when there are no branches lower than 50 feet), with no access for an aerial lift device
or crane.• if the tree is too close to power lines and cannot be accessed safely.• to reach an injured
climber.Professional tree care companies are aware of the dangers of spikes and use proper tree equipment
such as ropes and climbing harnesses to climb (or aerial lift devices and cranes if accessible). This,
coupled with their training and experience, contributes to the future health of the tree.Homeowners
searching for qualified tree care companies should look for:• Good references: Ask for them, and check on
the quality of their work. Don’t be rushed by a bargain and don’t pay in advance.• Proof of insurance: Ask
for current certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, if applicable. Be aware that if
the company you hire doesn’t have insurance or is not a legal company, you – the homeowner – could be held
responsible as a contractor.• Solid reputation: Verify professional affiliations the company might have,
such as memberships in business and/or professional organizations such as the TCIA.• Contract: Insist on a
signed contract as to cost, dates, and exactly what is to be done.