A Tree Hugger

My colleague Desi, an avid tree climber was featured in our recent newsletter. He is probably very close to his retirement but he is very young at heart. Here are some excerpts from the newsletter.

I have some large oak and cedar elm trees at my house here and always wanted to be able to climb on them and prune them in a safe manner. Climbing on a ladder is very risky. I am naturally inclined to learning new outdoor activities, so technical tree climbing was the logical and safe approach. However, the only experience I had was climbing the many high pines and mango trees we had on my family’s ranch in Venezuela. So about three years ago, I started reading up on the basics of tree climbing—and, after a few frustrating attempts, I was able to climb one of the large oaks in front of my house.

Recreational tree climbing involves the use of technical gear designed for professional arborists, foresters, and tree researchers. The main difference is that we climb for fun and as a form of relaxation while others climb for their particular business, be it tree maintenance or research. Recreational tree climbers try to increase the understanding and the importance of protecting trees for future generations. It’s very important to respect the trees that we climb. We adhere to a “do no harm” credo whenever we take part in this activity. We even ask for permission* from the tree before we climb—and we give thanks to the tree after we get down.

I have personally attended three Tree Climber International Rendezvous: 2004 in Fontanelle, Nebraska; 2005 at Caves National Forest in Oregon, and 2006 in Canton, Mississippi. I am registered to attend the 2007 Tree Climbing Rendezvous in Jamestown, Colorado this August. I belong to the Tree Climber’s Coalition, which is a non-competitive group that brings together people and organizations that would like to see recreational tree climbing achieve credibility and accreditation within the outdoor adventure community.

There is nothing like the peacefulness that comes with climbing a tree—and the view from some of the trees is spectacular. Also, resting on a treetop and sleeping in a tree hammock are very fulfilling experiences. You never know what you will find in a tree. I’ve had encounters with bees, snakes, eagles and some other local wildlife—I recently met a friendly climbing Texas rat snake in my backyard tree.

* usage of the word "permission" is funny; we know the tree's response, and our course of action! - However, I understand and appreciate the spirit behind it. Reminds me of a couple of things: (1) Bushmen begging forgiveness before harvesting animals in The God's Must be Crazy and (2) Homer Simpson offering milk and cookies to God.