Glossary term
What is Rigging?
Short answer
Rigging is the use of ropes, blocks, slings and friction devices to lower cut tree pieces to the ground in a controlled way.
Rigging, explained for tree service owners
Rigging means using ropes, pulleys (blocks), slings and a friction device to guide cut pieces of a tree safely to the ground. It is used when a tree stands close to a house, fence, pool or power line and pieces cannot simply fall. A climber cuts a limb or top, the rope takes the weight, and a ground worker lets it down slowly. Good rigging protects the property and the crew. It also takes planning: where the rope is anchored, how heavy the piece is, and where the ground crew will stand. Some tree companies charge more for jobs that need heavy rigging, because it takes more time, more people and more gear.
Related terms
- Friction device
A friction device is a tool, often a post or wrap fixed near the base of a tree, that lets a worker control a rope while lowering heavy…
- ANSI Z133
ANSI Z133 is the American national safety standard for tree care operations, such as climbing, rigging, chipping and working near power…
- DBH
DBH, short for diameter at breast height, is the width of a tree trunk measured about 4.5 feet above the ground.
- Directional felling
Directional felling is cutting down a tree so it lands in a chosen spot, using notch, hinge, wedges and sometimes ropes.
- Job hazard analysis
A job hazard analysis is a written check of each step of a job to spot dangers and decide how to control them before work begins.
- Rigging block
A rigging block is a pulley used in a tree to change the direction of a rope and reduce strain while lowering cut pieces.
- Rigging point
A rigging point is the strong spot in a tree, often a high, solid union, where a rope or block is anchored to lower cut wood.
- 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.
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