Rigging...rope or just drop?

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Bill Stradtman

Bill Stradtman

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I watch a lot of guys climb online and I have a question for the experienced climbers. I've seen some guys be 60 to 80 ft up in a tree and choose to rope a limb down and some just notch and drop Or cut and chuck. If everything is clear and safe below in the landing area why rope. I know wind comes into play and not doing damage to the lawn or property but it those aren't a factor should I always be roping that high or if I see it safe is it okay to cut and chuck or notch and drop? I obviously take all things into consideration when I decide what I'm going to rope and what I'm not. I guess I just want to know I'm doing the right thing.
 
jefflovstrom

jefflovstrom

It was a beautiful day!
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I watch a lot of guys climb online and I have a question for the experienced climbers. I've seen some guys be 60 to 80 ft up in a tree and choose to rope a limb down and some just notch and drop Or cut and chuck. If everything is clear and safe below in the landing area why rope. I know wind comes into play and not doing damage to the lawn or property but it those aren't a factor should I always be roping that high or if I see it safe is it okay to cut and chuck or notch and drop? I obviously take all things into consideration when I decide what I'm going to rope and what I'm not. I guess I just want to know I'm doing the right thing.

You answered your own question,,,
Jeff
 
derwoodii
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even if clear below sometimes you need a rope to ensure the limbs get down as some tree species canopy s don't play nice hooking and snagging stuff you cut. just today i had to line pull a few oak tree limbs out of the canopy as no matter what i did they just snagged would not fall to ground.
 
Bill Stradtman

Bill Stradtman

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What about when your blocking down a tree? I see guys rope small down small rounds and then drop a tall log 10 times the weight. I know about septic systems and anything else that could be damaged underground. I guess I'm just used to how Ive seen 1 guy do things for the last 15 years so I find myself questioning different methods. I'm sure there are reasons for every action but again I'm just trying to open up my mind and get a good grasp of doing the right thing.
 
acer-kid

acer-kid

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Sometimes a vertical (or near vertical) speed line works better than negative rigging chogs off a spar. Less shock loading (usually), and can minimize the risks associated with having a greener on your ropes. Leave a crash pad of brush to save the lawn and voila. Works great with TENEX Xring dead eye slings pre loaded on the speedline.
 
Bill Stradtman

Bill Stradtman

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I've been taking info about speed line techniques in like a spounge. It looked like there were so many benefits from it So when I took down 3 pines two days ago and I tried it for the first time and I sent all my brush about 80 feet right to its destination and had a guy taking brush off as I sent it and a guy under the tree and it cut time at least in half. On the first tree i was roping every piece of brush because I was over the house. And it popped in my head, this is a good situation to try a speed line. I don't know why I don't see any guys around here doing this. Not only is it efficient and fun to do but I personally think it's a safer technique.
 
JRoland

JRoland

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There are different techniques for every situation. Some of it also depends on the crew and climber as well. I try to take all the factors into consideration before doing anything with the tree and plan it out while on the ground. To a degree you can also use the trees where not as many hazards exist for practicing what to do when the hazards are there.
 
Jack Evans

Jack Evans

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I've got to admit I love rigging all forms of it. Really liking speed lining at the min. When I first started I got it wrong a few times and it made the job a bit harder but now it works a treat. Generally use a double purchase to tighten the line and slacken it off. Even when customers say not to worry about the garden I still trend to rig stuff off, just don't like leaving divots.
 
ropensaddle

ropensaddle

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tree lopper

tree lopper

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It's first a question of safety and secondly a question of economics. I lower branches the fastest way that is safe for people and property. I'd be surprised at anyone who decided on a method using any other criteria.

Bombing branches down is fastest, lowering on a rope comes in second and ziplining is only possibly going to be considered if the property owner has a high value structure or lanscaping beneath the tree.
 
Carburetorless

Carburetorless

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I think I would of took that at that bend static tied to tree behind with a tag added to prevent spar damage but I'm a bit poplar shy lol :p
If I'm removing I bomb if I can but if its a trim and there is exposed roots and the like I prefer to rope or speedline things:havingarest:
I think I would of took that at that bend static tied to tree behind with a tag added to prevent spar damage but I'm a bit poplar shy lol :p

No doubt, I've seen too many poplars spit all by themselves.
 
acer-kid

acer-kid

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Thats a video of randy working. He's a nut. I love 'em. I'm sure if there was any question as to the integrity of that tree.. He'd of went about it a different way. Tree work is part time for him, and he's become a talented tree worker.
Why does everyone seem so Leary of the "dreaded" cottonwood? Working a poplar is a blast.
 
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