TREE CLIMBING SPIKES
Tree climbing spikes can be safe for the climber when used correctly by trained professionals with a full-body harness (EN 358/EN 813) and other PPE, like a work positioning lanyard. However, for tree health, they are damaging to living trees, creating wounds that invite disease. Therefore, spikes from brands like NOTCH or BASHLIN should primarily be used for tree removal or in emergencies, never for pruning living trees where spikeless climbing methods are preferred by reputable arborists.
Tree climbing spikes are known by several names, primarily:
- Tree Climbing Spikes
- Tree Climbing Spurs
- Gaffs (referring specifically to the sharp pointed part that digs into the tree)
- Climbers (often used as a general term for the entire assembly, e.g., "climbing irons")
