Glossary term
What is Climbing spikes?
Short answer
Climbing spikes are sharp metal points strapped to a climber's boots that bite into the trunk, used mainly on trees being removed.
Climbing spikes, explained for tree service owners
Climbing spikes, sometimes called gaffs, are pointed metal spurs worn on a climber's lower legs and boots. They dig into the trunk and let the climber go up a tree without a ladder. Because the points wound living bark, professional climbers use them mainly on trees that are being removed, and avoid them on trees that will live. For pruning a healthy tree, climbers use ropes and a saddle instead. This is one thing a homeowner can ask about when hiring: will the crew use spikes on a tree we want to keep? A tree service owner can mention this on the website as a sign of good care and training.
Related terms
- ANSI Z133
ANSI Z133 is the American national safety standard for tree care operations, such as climbing, rigging, chipping and working near power…
- Back cut
A back cut is the final cut made on the opposite side of the notch that frees the tree to fall, leaving the hinge intact.
- Chainsaw chaps
Chainsaw chaps are cut-resistant leg guards that clog a saw chain if it touches the leg, giving time to stop.
- Chipper feed rollers
Chipper feed rollers are the powered rollers at the chute that pull branches into the blades at a steady pace.
- Conventional notch
A conventional notch is a wedge cut with a flat bottom and a sloped top that guides a tree to fall in a set direction.
- Drop zone
A drop zone is the marked area on the ground where cut branches and wood are expected to fall, kept clear of people.
- Experience modification rate
An experience modification rate (EMR) is a number that raises or lowers your workers' comp cost based on your past claims compared with…
- Hinge wood
Hinge wood is the strip of uncut wood left between the notch and the back cut that steers a falling tree.
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