Just realized climbing spikes are way overused on removals I see posted here

I walked a job last week where a guy used spikes on a live oak removal that had zero deadwood, and the bark damage was significant. After 15 years in the trade I've seen more trees scarred by unnecessary spike use than from proper climbing technique on removals. Why do so many guys insist on using spikes for every single removal when a good flip line and footlock work just fine for most take downs?

3 comments

3 Comments

lucaslee23d ago

Different situation entirely if it's a straight removal with no salvaging the tree.

-1

oliviat1723d ago

I mean, sure, unless you're turning the stump into a fancy conversation piece in your living room, then it's basically just a really large, slow-motion game of pick-up sticks.

the_john23d ago

Notice that pattern everywhere too... people either go all in on saving something or they just want it gone with no middle ground. Like with old furniture, either you're sanding and refinishing a table for weeks or you're tossing it on the curb with a "free" sign. Seems like nobody really tries the half measure anymore, just straight to extremes.