Does climbing hurt trees?
Today’s tree climbing techniques are regularly performed without hurting trees. No spikes, power saws or gaffs are used or welcomed. Noninvasive techniques even include chafe protection for ropes to eliminate bark abrasion! Regardless, trees are quite hearty, and we believe, have far more to gain from human interaction than existing without it. Take for example this storm-downed elm living in a park in Amsterdam Holland. Blown over by heavy winds several years prior, it endures a constant stream of foot traffic from both children and adults. Upon close review I was convinced the tree couldn’t be much healthier and, given the circumstances, much happier. Contrast that with the trunk of this White Ash in my local park bumped only once by a sloppy contractor and the issue is clear.
