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TRAINING & EDUCATION Spur Climbing: A Return to the Roots Using techniques and tools begun more than a century ago By Michael "House" Tain O dds are that any conversation a modern tree climber has with a non-industry member starts with an explanation that flying up and down a bare pole on spikes is not what most of the job consists of. Regardless of what they are called — gaffs, spurs, hooks or spikes — the public associates them with climbing. Although tree care professionals realize there are several ways to scale their woody friends without spurs, they overlook the particular skills and techniques that spur climbing requires at their own peril.An inattentive move on spurs that leads to a "pole dance" down several feet or all the way to the ground will, at the least, remind a climber of the need to use gaffs safely and efficiently. The true name for these implements is "climbers;" and although they have been a part of the tree climbing toolbox for a century or more — and may appear simpler and easier to use than many of the modern gizmos and mechanisms — they will definitely turn on an inexperienced or inattentive user.As with most climbing tools and techniques,"low and slow" practice and "hands-on" training is the best way to get used to the spur experience. But, prior to that, some basic information will help prevent new users from being rudely introduced to wood fiber in possibly intimate places. Use 'em or don't use 'em Sadly, this is a question that doesn't even get asked on many crews in the tree industry; and, if asked, is often given the wrong answer. Gaffs should only be used when the crew is taking down a tree that is to be completely removed.Tree care activities such as pruning, cabling, bracing, or any of the other processes used to care for and retain live trees call for techniques other than spurs.After all, how can a crew call it tree care when they are poking numerous holes in the living tissue of the tree in order to "care" for it? Although there is certainly no argument that at times the use of gaffs may seem to make the job "easier," the long-term damage to the tree precludes their use.Well-designed spurs have one pur12 Arbor Age / March 2013 An example of an overhead tie-in point that allows the climber more freedom of movement, as well as more security. Photo by Michael "House" Tain pose, to "jab" or "plane" into the tree, providing the user with a secure and stable attachment for one or both feet.In doing so,the spurs are damaging the tree's protective bark and cambium with each step. Even in large removals, particularly involving trees with large spreading canopies, tree climbers may find the job accomplished more quickly with the use of rope and harness — reserving spur use for when a pole or spar is the remaining structure. Spurs certainly have an important place in tree care, but the first thing to consider is whether the tree at hand is that place. Climber maintenance As with all tree care gear and equipment, maintenance is a key part of keeping climbers functioning safely and correctly.The easiest maintenance step — though one that may affect some industry members' self-image — is to not wear spurs all around the worksite. Simply put www.arborage.com