Some people may think climbing trees is too risky for them, others may not hesitate. Believe it or not, professional climbers fall closer to the first category as there are definitely risks associated with being at height and using trees as your support structure. However, we understand there are ways to minimize these risks.

Carpenters have a saying, "measure twice, cut once", implying that if we don't double check that the measurement is correct, we are more likely to make a bad cut. Mistakes in this case lead to wasted lumber and added time.

For tree climbers, a saying could be more along the lines of "inspect before you climb". We're hesitant to go "out on a limb without a safety net", so to speak. If we do not plan thoroughly & properly, the consequences can be more serious than wasting a piece of lumber.

One of the first things we need to do prior to climbing a tree is perform a safety inspection. Time should be taken to identify items and conditions that might present excessive risk for the climber. There are many things that might pose a risk to a climber, therefore it is wise to take a methodical approach to running through a list of items to consider.

Tree Inspection & Assessment
​
A pre-climb inspection, in large part, aims to identify potentially compromised tissue and assess structural integrity of the climbing tree itself.

Even if you are not a trained climber or arborist, you can probably list off some of the items we may look for prior to heading up. Cavities or cracks in the trunk. Broken or dead branches. Mushrooms growing out of the trunk. Power lines running through the branches.
 
The structural integrity of the tree is certainly a key component to consider when assessing the climbing tree. You may not need to be told to avoid climbing dead trees. Unfortunately, not all of the potential issues are blatantly obvious. With a trained eye however, we can perform visual inspections and make assessments on the structural integrity of the trunk, large limbs, and branch connections even when "red flags" like visible cracks are not present.

A thorough tree inspection will assess conditions in the crown of the tree, the main scaffold limbs and trunk, as well as the base of the trunk and potential root/soil issues. Since our facilitated climb offerings involve a large number of climbers as well as spectators, there are additional considerations we take into account during the pre-climb inspection.

I also like to learn from other people, be it directly or indirectly. A couple of the common oversights I see people make when it comes to the tree inspection includes forgetting to walk around and view the tree from all sides (trees are 3-dimensional!) and complacency (particularly common when we are returning to a tree we are familiar with). Because these are common oversights I've seen, they are at the forefront of my mind during my inspections so I do not make the same mistake.

What Are the Chances
​
One of the more unusual situations I've encountered was the time I had already finished the pre-climb inspection and had set up the climbing systems in preparation for a full day of climbs. I moved my vehicle to the parking area & returned to the tree for final prep. As I was walking back to the tree I watched a raccoon emerge from a nearby wooded area, head straight to our climbing tree, then bolt up the trunk as I approached!

I don’t mind climbing with squirrels as they want nothing to do with us – they either head to the ends of the branches and leap to neighboring trees or they run down the opposite side of the trunk to get away from me. Raccoons are a little riskier as they often become defensive since they are likely to feel cornered (definitely so if they have youngsters with them!).
 
That day we were able to coax the raccoon out of the tree with only minutes to spare before our first climbers arrived. Had that not been the case, we would have cancelled the climb. Similar concerns can arise from hornet nests, poison ivy or other flora & fauna within the tree.

Can We Climb Yet
​
Even with all that said, we've barely begun to compile a comprehensive list of items we should assess prior to climbing a tree. At least it should help build an appreciation for the necessity of inspecting a tree to identify and understand some of the more notable risks we may be exposed to.

​But is there anything beyond the tree we need to take into consideration?
 
Did you check the weather forecast? It may be obvious that we do not want to climb trees when the forecast calls for storms that might bring high winds and potential for lightning. While light precipitation or low temperatures alone may only be a concern in relation to personal comfort, paired together they might lead to safety concern due to hypothermia.

​State of mind is an easy one to overlook, especially since utilizing safety equipment like rope & harness may instill a sense of confidence. The two most memorable near-misses (accidents which could have resulted in serious injury) that come to mind from my 30 years of climbing trees were related to mental fatigue and not having my mind "in the game". My thoughts were elsewhere.

Both mental and physical fatigue can negate the benefits of safety equipment used in technical tree climbing. There are a wide variety of accidents and injuries we can encounter, even more so if we climb when our mind isn’t focused or our body is fatigued.

Surely That's Everything
​
My inspection checklist runs through all of these checkpoints: Weather, self check, base of the tree, trunk & scaffold limbs, branches & crown. 

Since we are not climbing in a closed environment, especially when we are climbing in the forest, we should also give time to assess nearby trees within the vicinity of our climbing tree. 

Consider a situation where your climbing tree is an ideal candidate for climbing, but it has a dead standing tree next to it. Wouldn't it be wise to inspect and assess the potential for that tree or one of its branches to fail if you'll be in striking distance?

It may not be possible to mitigate all risk, but we have a better chance at minimizing safety risks if we take time to observe those which are readily visible.

This article by no means identifies all of the potential risk factors we might look for during a tree inspection, but hopefully it provides food for thought with the items you may wish to consider during your pre-climb inspections. Through further study and awareness of tree physiology, more subtle characteristics may become visible to the trained eye, such as bark or growth patterns.

I Just Want to Climb

The vast majority of our guests climb with us at our facilitated climbs: Rec Climbs through their local Park/Rec Dept, or one of our Open, Open-Advanced, Girl Scout, or Private Climbs. With these climbs, you can leave the inspection to us!

Every day begins with our trained staff performing the pre-climb inspection when we arrive at each tree. Our safety checks go far beyond the climbing tree itself as we are also providing the equipment, setting up the climbing systems, and managing the climbing area during an event.

This is why all you need to do is show up with a sense of adventure! We want you to focus on the excitement of the activity and have a positive interaction with trees so you are receptive to the impact the experience has on you.

In order for us to achieve these goals, we have to be sure we have taken sufficient steps to minimize the risks for climbers, staff, and spectators.

It is common to hear some of our climbers comment to their parents how they'd love to "get one of these for the tree at home", referring to a climbing system. While our facilitated climbs do not cover the information needed to climb on your own, comments like that give me the impression that we make it look easy. 

Truth be told it makes me a little uncomfortable because they don't understand how much goes into to getting everything checked and readied for climbing.

​Ultimately, I take it as a compliment that we have presented an environment & experience where our guests are comfortable and willing to "go out on a limb", literally.

​Case in Point - City of Muskego Rec Climb Program
​
​​Even with trees that have been a part of our climbing program for many years, conditions within the tree itself or nearby trees can change. This was the case with one of our climbing locations this past year.

These particular climbing trees grow in the forest with a number of trees within our perimeter of inspection. A nearby oak declined over the past few years. After a tree dies, the structural integrity of the wood begins to degrade. At some point, branches will begin to fall.
 
While the area in which these particular branches are likely fall is just beyond our climbing area, the situation alone is enough reason for concern to where we will discontinue using our climbing trees until the risk from that tree has been addressed. Until that time, the climbing location no longer passes my pre-climb inspection even though our climbing trees still look great!

​For our friends who climb with us through the City of Muskego, your Recreation Department and I have searched for a suitable climbing location in a number of City parks to no avail.

Rather than discontinuing the program, we will hold your community Rec Climbs in Mukwonago Park. It is a little further drive for you, but I am confident you will enjoy the amazing white oak we climb! It is a different climbing experience than the trees we climbed in Muskego Park, with a lot more opportunity to get on branches!

Participants of facilitated tree climbing experiences have the opportunity to climb tall, mature trees in a similar fashion to professional tree climbers. To make this possible, facilitated programs utilize specialized professional equipment, with one of the key pieces being the saddle (harness).

Tree climbing saddles tend to have more substantial straps & padding for the legs when compared to fall arrest & rock-climbing harnesses. Since participants in facilitated climbs are often suspended & sitting in saddle for longer periods of time than what a professional climber may experience, leg straps with even more surface area can be better suited in order to reduce suspension fatigue.

WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

​For those of us in the international community of tree climbing facilitators who provide these experiences, many of us have relied heavily if not exclusively on the New Tribe line of climbing saddles. Their line offered a variety of saddle models across a wide range of waist sizes, such as the Basic, Twist and Tengu saddles.

In the search to find tree climbing saddles better suited for participants in facilitated climbing programs, I have pulled in and tried over a dozen different saddles & harnesses since learning New Tribe would be closing down a few years back.

Tree climbing facilitators, organizations, and programs around the world have been reaching out and communicating with each other as we look for different options available to us. In addition, serving on the board of directors with the Global Organization of Tree Climbers and chairing their facilitator/instructor recognition committee, I have had a number of conversations with facilitators around the world.

SHARING MY EXPERIENCES

​Having wrapped up my spring climbing season and taking a short vacation before the summer season kicks in, I have gathered my notes and observations of a few of the saddles that may hold promise for my programs.

I am putting these into short video reviews of saddles that seem to generate the most interest from my facilitation friends, clients, and colleagues. Given each facilitator’s preferences and needs are different, I focus more on pointing out the aspects and details of the saddles as well as how they may be similar or differ from comparable New Tribe models simply to provide points of reference.

If you have your own experience with these saddles or others, I'd love to hear your thoughts, impressions, and opinions. For my programs, it looks like I will be utilizing 1-2 brands/models for each size range; therefore, I certainly welcome and appreciate any saddle recommendations you may have.

Wishing all of my fellow tree climbing facilitators & instructors an enjoyable 2025 climbing season!

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
​

​The text came in just before 11:00am, "another owlet needs renesting. Are you free today?” 

A great horned owlet had recently fallen from its nest. The homeowner had found the little one sheltered near the base of the eastern white pine, its nest 45 feet above. Concerned for its wellbeing and aware of the Wildlife in Need Center (www.helpingwildlife.org) in Oconomowoc, the homeowner called to report the fallen owlet.

Their staff was onsite as soon as they could to rescue the owlet and get it out of harm’s way. Predators like eagles, hawks, foxes, racoons, and cats are common in our area. In addition, the sooner the owlet can be renested the better the chance they’ll receive the necessary care and protection from their parents.
​

Taking the First Step

A few years back, a climbing friend had mentioned he was renesting owls. Looking through his photos & videos and listening to his stories was very intriguing. He gave me the details of how I might be able to get involved, but I didn't see enough free time in my schedule to where I could be as responsive as they'd need.

Fast forward to last month, I got a call from another climbing buddy whom I had passed that information along to. He was headed to re-nest 2 fallen owlets, less than a mile from my office.

Being that close, I couldn’t resist the opportunity so I readjusted my schedule to meet them onsite. While assisting my friend on that renest, I had the opportunity to talk with the WINC staff to learn more about their cause and services.
​
I was surprised to hear that they had a very short list of volunteer climbers. After seeing the owlets and playing a small role in their renesting, I felt inspired and compelled to finally get on their list.
​

Starting the Climb
 
Having a few calls under my belt, I had a general idea of what to expect with the task at hand once I replied to the text. We’ll meet at the property, I’ll climb up to install a sturdy nest basket, then hoist the owlet up and place it in the nest. A straight forward plan.

Apparently great horned owl nests often consist of a few twigs laid over a couple branches right next to the trunk. The ones I have seen are not like what I envisioned them to be (I had assumed they'd be like a robin’s nest just large). I've only seen a couple, but now describe them more as a small, skimpy platform. This is partly why renesting involves installing a sturdy basket where they’ll be less likely to fall again.

Making my way up to the old nest at the top of the tree, I was greeted by a 2nd owlet still in the nest! “I bet you’re wondering, what the heck is this guy doing up here”, I said out loud as if it could understand.

Only one had fallen…or was possibly nudged off the nest given it would have been a little crowded for two. Time for a contingency plan.

​Make Every Interaction Count

With my previous renesting, one of the adults was nearby the entire time I worked to replace its 3 babies. At one time it had flown into the top of a tree 20 feet away, squawking the entire time given I was messing with the nest and babies.

We did not see nor hear either of the adults during this day's renesting, so were unsure if it was going to be successful.

I received a text the next morning, letting me know that the homeowner had confirmed one of the adults returned and was on the nest! Hearing of the family being reunited triggered a flush of emotion. 

I was reminded of The Tale of the Starfish – “You can’t begin to save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference.” After listening politely, the child bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, said, “I made a difference for that one.”

UPDATE: April 28, 2025
The property owner has shared that both owlets are doing well & will be ready to fly from the nest in the coming days!

Have you planned travels around visiting a specific tree? Did your interest perk up when Treebeard and the ents were first introduced in the Lord of the Rings? Have you ever wondered about seemingly futile facts such as what pine tree has the largest or heaviest pinecone?
 
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you might be a dendropohile...or nemophilist...or maybe you simply refer to yourself as a tree nerd or tree nut.
 
Playing trivia games doesn't typically interest me, but I do enjoy learning about unique trees and other trivial pieces of information related to trees and forests.
 
Here are a few notes from my journal of interesting trees and tidbits I’ve collected over the years.
​

DEEPEST TREE ROOTS

You are likely familiar with tap roots, but do you know that most trees with tap roots only utilize them during establishment. As the tree grows, it develops a more wide-spreading, fibrous root system which is better capable of providing structural support to keep the tree upright and for nutrient & water absorption. (see illustration below)
 
Most of a trees’ roots are located within the top 3 feet of soil. The vast majority of these (90%) being in the just the top 18” of soil. Further, the majority of the absorbing roots are found in the top 6” as there tends to be sufficient nutrients, oxygen, and water closer to the surface. Sending roots deeper is not often necessary.
 
There are instances where trees may need to and can send down sinker roots to reach deeper. There have been some roots discovered at extraordinary depths!
 
In one account, a researcher from Rutgers University found roots 230 feet (70 meters) below ground. They belonged to a Shepherd's tree (Boscia albitrunca) in the Kalahari Desert, 

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the deepest tree roots ever found were discovered in a cave system in South Africa, almost 400 feet (122 meters) below the surface! The wild fig tree's(Ficus natalensis) were found in Echo Caves. (note that this is deeper than the tallest known tree is tall - Hyperion coastal redwood @ 380 ft/116 meters)

OLDEST TREE PLANTED BY HUMANS
​
One of the most sacred trees on the planet, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) was reportedly planted 2,311 years ago, making it possibly the oldest living tree known to be planted by humans.
 
Records indicate one of the early kings of Sri Lanka planted the tree from a cutting in his gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The tree has been cared for by kings and Buddhist monks given its heritage and a believed descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Guatama reached enlightenment.
​

WORLD’S RAREST TREE

There was only one known Three Kings kaikōmako tree (Pennantia baylisiana) when a botanist discovered it in the wild in 1945.

​It was found on Three Kings Island; about 34 miles northwest of Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand’s northern island. (34.15957° S, 172.13743° E)
 
Being dioecious (having separate male & female plants), this single female tree was unlikely to reproduce and produce seed. Similar to how the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi fig above was propagated by cutting, this tree was successfully propagated in the 1950’s. (Read more about tree propagation here)
 
That single tree growing in the wild and a few of the propagated trees eventually set seed, but the fruits were seldom fertile (around 1 in 2000). Continued efforts by scientists eventually led to an individual tree becoming self-fertile in the 1990’s, opening the door to possibility of saving this species from extinction. 
 
Even though hundreds of Three Kings kaikōmakos have been propagated and planted since finding that sole survivor, it is easy to understand why it is known as the "world's loneliest tree".
​

Here are a few species that exhibit unique colors and coloration:
​

• Amaranth (Peltogyne spp.), also known as purpleheart, grows in Central to South America. When freshly cut, the wood is gray-brown in color. Exposed to air it turns to a deeper eggplant purple.
• African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) grows in arid regions of central & southern Africa. Its heartwood is completely black.
• African padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) grows in tropical areas of central & west Africa. The color of this wood varies from reddish-orange to deep brownish red.
• Pink ivory (Phyllogeiton zeyheri) is native to southern Africa and has a vibrant pinkish-red color. 

 
One species that can also be found in North America is boxelder (Acer negundo), a type of maple. It may not be a particularly desirable species in many people’s opinions, yet it has a unique characteristic you might witness when pruning and cutting into the trunk.
 
Once cut, the exposed wood can turn red and even vibrant red; blood red. The discoloration seems to be related to a fungus or the tree having been exposed to other stresses. (Scientists continue to study the details of this reaction)

​Whatever the cause, it is interesting to see it change before your eyes! The reaction makes boxelder wood with “flame red” coloration and streaking attractive to woodworkers.

Back to Those Cones

​For my fellow tree-geeks still wondering what the largest and heaviest pinecones may be:

- Sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) produces the longest pinecone (and longest cone of all conifers), reaching about 20 inches (50 cm) in length. They grow naturally in western North America, from Oregon, U.S. down into Baja California, Mexico.
​
- Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri) has the heaviest pinecones, weighing in around 10 pounds (5 Kg). They grow in the coastal mountains of southern California, U.S. and northern Baja California, Mexico.

RED

​Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) - not only is it a faster growing oak that develops into a large shade tree and provides benefits for wildlife, it can also be enjoyed for its red leaf color in the fall.

You can also add red fall coloration with some red maples (Acer rubrum) and white oaks (Quercus alba).

GREEN

​Whaaat?? Hear me out...with all the color changing going on, which will includes browns from trees that lack much of a "color show", I love how green foliage stands out in the fall color spectrum! I particularly enjoy both eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and white cedar (Thuja occidentalis, also called arborvitae).

Look close enough and you'll enjoy their fall color change as the interior foliage turns yellow to orange, providing a contrast with the green foliage on the ends of the branches.​

​Given winter is right around the corner, the green color from these trees will be greatly appreciated and beneficial for our mental health through the browns and grays of the winter landscape.

Contemporary use of this phrasing often alludes to engaging in a certain experience with a calm state of attentiveness, guided by intuition rather conscious thought or effort. It is also interpreted as the activity itself allows a practitioner to achieve a calmed state by engaging in the activity.
 
While the Western interpretation of Zen may be more of a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism influences, it’s roots first sprouted in Zen Buddhism in the 5th century CE. Zen Buddhism focuses heavily on the use of meditation to achieve enlightenment and understanding “the meaning of life”.
 
Many tree climbers experience a state of peace and tranquility when they are high in the branches above. Having a calmed state of mind when sitting in the top of a tree lends itself to practicing mindfulness and meditation. 

​The Path to Enlightenment
 
In their simplest forms, “The Zen of”, Zen Buddhism, and any of the branches or schools of Buddhism are focused on reaching enlightenment; or attaining the full comprehension of the true nature of all things and life itself.
 
The original Buddha put forth that life is filled with struggle & suffering, which occur when we harbor desires, are guided by our ego, or behave in immoral ways. He went on to present a path we can follow to reduce suffering and find ultimate happiness and inner peace. This path is the noble Eightfold Path.
 
Through following the behaviors in the Eightfold Path, one can escape the suffering associated with the human experience. Escape suffering, reach nirvana, become enlightened.
 
Zen Buddhism emphasizes the practice of meditation as being the key to reaching enlightenment, whereas meditation is just one of the 8 steps put forth by the Buddha.

​The 8 components in the Eightfold Path include having the right: 

• view (know the truth)
• intention (free your mind of evil)
• speech (say nothing that hurts others)
• action (work for the good of others)
• livelihood (respect life)
• effort (resist evil)
• mindfulness (control your thoughts)
• concentration (practice meditation)

 
Upon considering “the Zen of Tree Climbing”, I find a natural  how the philosophical principles in the Eightfold Path are manifested in the tree climbing process.

With a little training and knowledge however, we can learn what we can look for and how to read subtle details to determine if a tree is suitable for climbing. We can also use this knowledge to make determinations on how to climb the tree while minimizing our risks for injury. 
 
It also helps to know that there is specialized equipment and how it can be used to climb tall trees and minimize the associated risks with being at-height.
 
I’m sure you don’t need to have climbed a tree to imagine it being far more enjoyable and rewarding if we do so without injuring ourselves. Having the knowledge and understanding of how to determine if a tree is suitable for climbing can help minimize your exposure to risk of injury & suffering.

​RIGHT THOUGHTS/INTENTION: When it comes to fostering the right thoughts or having the right intention, we are looking at cultivating healthy thoughts as they determine our state of mind.
 
One of the biggest obstacles and hindrances new climbers encounter is comparing themselves to others. It appears that that some people are inclined to judge themself by comparing to others, yet how someone else is doing has no bearing on how you will do.
 
It makes no difference if he is doing better than you or if she is climbing faster than you, your path is up your rope, not someone else’s. 
 
If your thoughts are focused on how other people are doing, especially if those thoughts are envious or negative in nature, you will lose focus of what is most important - your own progress & success. 
 
To reach your goal, you will need a positive mindset and your focus should be on your technique and driven by your motivations.
 
Further, it appears to be reflex for some people to start right off the bat saying, “I’m not good at this” or “I can’t do it.”  
 
It’s been said, “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re exactly right.” 
 
That’s the power of thought. Positive thoughts cultivate a healthy mindset.

​RIGHT SPEECH: Right speech refers to refraining from divisive and abusive speech. 
 
Words of praise and encouragement have a positive impact on others who are headed up on their own journey. Such words can lift a person’s spirits and bring them joy. Whereas using words of criticism and judgement have the potential to negatively impact their psyche and performance.
 
Think back to the idea above; how another person is doing has no bearing on whether you achieve success of reaching your goal. We can either use words of positivity or negativity, keeping in mind that your words also impact your mindset. Abusive language towards others will negatively impact your own well-being. 
 
Maintaining positive thoughts and verbalizing them has a synergistic and karmic effect on your own state of mind.

​RIGHT ACTION: Right action is to refrain from unwholesome & harmful behavior. Instead, behave in accordance with truth and for the goodness of others.
​
During a climb, we are interacting with the tree and other climbers. Given our reliance upon the condition of the tree to keep us safe, common sense tells us to respect the tree and refrain from causing injury or harming the tree for our own sake.
 
Likewise, our actions should not be such that they cause harm to others, whether they are enjoying the area and tree from the ground or in the branches alongside us. This also goes for the animals and organisms that rely on the tree for food and habitat. 

​RIGHT LIVELIHOOD: Right livelihood refers to avoiding occupations that directly or indirectly harm others, in essence, provide for your needs in a way that is moral and respects all life.
 
Climbing higher takes energy and therefore we often take breaks to catch our breath and rest our muscles. Once we stop on a branch for a breather, we are able to look beyond the branches and leaves that envelop us. Our field of view has expanded far beyond that which we could see from the ground. 
 
This elevated perspective lends itself to a broader understanding of where you are in relation to the ground below and where the tree is situated in relation to its surroundings and the community. Viewing the broader picture, we have the opportunity to see how everything interacts and is connected to something beyond just itself.
 
Each individual has influence on everyone else, and it is in your control to be a positive influence on those you interact with and those who are impacted by your actions.

​RIGHT EFFORT: Putting forth the right effort means that we should refrain from unwholesome thoughts.
 
At the beginning of a climb, it is common to have a sense of apprehension. If you are overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions, you’re probably not going to leave the ground.
 
Once you start your ascent though, your focus turns inward – your body and mind is fully engaged and focused on your climbing technique, the situation and the perceived risks you are putting yourself in, and the wide range of emotions you encounter.
 
Any one of these challenges could become a distraction and a hindrance, and ultimately could have you heading back to the ground. 
 
Successfully reaching your goal and having a rewarding experience is very much dependent upon your ability to maintain a positive state of mind by keeping negativity from encroaching.

​RIGHT MINDFULNESS: The idea of right mindfulness involves actively contemplating sufferings in your body, feelings, and mind.
 
Reaching the top of the tree, your efforts have brought you to your goal.
 
As you sit up there taking it all in, your heart rate decreases. You can reflect on everything you encountered along the way. You are aware of obscure muscles you may have never realized where there. 
 
Sitting in the branches high above the ground, those types of thoughts eventually fade and you are able to sit, take in the view, and appreciate being where you are. You have the opportunity to appreciate all of the aspects you encountered along the way, everything around you, and yourself, without judgement.

​RIGHT CONCENTRATION: Right concentration involves bringing awareness to ways in which you can address hindrances to your clearing of the mind and bring all aspects of the 8-fold path in harmony. Each of them supports and relies upon one another.
 
You encounter a variety of thoughts and emotions during the ascent, from fears and feelings of unease being out of your comfort zone, to self-doubt. You can reflect upon each challenge you faced and how you dealt with them. 
 
If your focus remained centered on positive actions, thoughts, and words…
 
…sitting with a cleared mind, you have the opportunity for active assessment in how you might be able to adjust different aspects of your technique and mindset in order to improve and strengthen the impact of your climbing experience or practice.

Awakening Your True Nature

The tree-time state of mind is calmed and quiet. Being in the moment, brings clarity of mind. Stay up there long enough and even this state of bliss and wonderment might begin to subside.
 
Your physical, mental, and emotional states of well-being are in harmony. All is well, everything is perfect. You have the opportunity to experience total peace of mind and self. 

With a mind freed from desire and unwholesome thoughts, you can enter a state of perfect equanimity and wakefulness.
 
Climbing into the treetops can be a life-altering journey, one that might lead you to a state of samadhi and enlightenment.
​
Even if you don’t experience that deeper state, most people walk away feeling a deeper connection to the natural world and quite possibly, insight into their true self. ​

We have previously talked about the oldest and largest trees in the world. There are plenty of other questions we may have, such as, what is the fastest growing tree or tree with the widest spreading branches. Here are a few interesting trees and tree-related facts to entertain your curiosities.
 
FASTEST GROWING TREE
You may know a silver maple tends to grow faster than a white oak. You may be aware that bamboo grows very fast, which can grow 1.5" per hour /2.9 feet per day. You can literally watch it grow! Even though it may look like a tree, bamboo is actually a type of grass. So what is the fastest growing tree?

Albizia (Falcataria moluccana), is a tree species that is native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Growing in Malaysia, albizia has been documented in reaching 35ft in 13 months, or over 2.5ft per month! A white oak may need 35 years to reach that height.

Banyans are considered a single-trunk tree although they generate the prop “trunks”. Notice the 4 trunks in the distance to the left side of the picture above. These are part of this same tree.

Compare this to Pando, a quaking aspen which covers 106 acres in Fish Lake National Forest in Utah. Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a clonal species, meaning the underground root system sends up multiple trunks, each looking like an individual tree..

MOST UNUSUAL PROPERTY OWNER
Do trees have rights? Apparently one does. In the early 1800’s, a property owner so loved the white oak (Quercus alba) growing on his property that he reportedly deeded the land to the tree itself upon his passing. The tree owns itself.

That tree fell in 1942 and was replaced with a new tree grown from one of its acorns. While the deed is not known to exist, the residents and community of Athens, GA recognize the tree’s title to the land.
 
MOST TREES PLANTED IN A DAY
I'd like to think everyone reading this has planted at least one tree in their life. Preferably a handful. Some of us have planted hundreds or even thousands.

Having worked on tree farms and reforestation crews, I have planted hundreds of trees in a single day. Planting a bare-rooted seedling goes a lot faster than a larger tree from the nursery! While I am proud of the number of trees I have planted over the years, Antoine Moses holds the Guinness World Record as the individual planting the most trees in 24 hours.

He planted 23,060 trees in La Crete, Alberta, Canada on July 17, 2021! What did you do with your time during the Covid-19 pandemic?

I think most people who sign up for our public climbs do so because it sounds and looks like a lot of fun. It is!

While the climbing technique we introduce you to is quick and easy to pick up, you still have to do the climbing yourself. In doing so you realize it does take some strength and can understand how climbing regularly could provide a fitness workout. Usually a general level of fitness is all that is needed.

Once your feet leave the ground, the adventure begins! For some, the feeling of adventure is simply the sensation of being suspended at height, whatever height you find challenging. For others, the adventure heightens as they approach the top of the rope or working through the challenge of finding balance as they stand on a branch.

The longer we spend on rope, on branches, and in the tree, our body and mind begin to relax. We are energized, yet find ourselves at peace.

Recreational tree climbing is a unique and engaging activity that can compliment your personal fitness, mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation practices!

Revel in the energy of a majestic oak tree, breathing in oxygen directly from the source. Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku embraces the healing affects of the forest ecosystem. Tree-Time enables you to enjoy the rejuvenating affect of spending time embraced by the tree's branches. ​

Climb Big Trees

Tree climbing for most people means or meant climbing small trees with branches that could be used as foot & handholds. Climbing with us. you'll be climbing tall, mature trees. Trees that shade our houses and stand tall in the forest are probably not ones you ever thought about climbing given their hieght.

But these are the trees you get to climb with us! We offer facilitated climbs for the general public, where no expereince is neceessary and we provide all of the equipment and guidance.

Most of our facilitated climbs are appropriate for ages 7 to adult. We will show & work with you until you pick up the you the easy-to-learn technique. Once you have it down you'll be heading up to enjoy tree-time as you feel inclined.

Regardless if you decide to climb to the top, stay lower to the ground, or try swinging at height, ​the sense of security you feel in your harness and rope allows you to focus your mind on the experience and your time in the branches.

You will walk away having had a fun time, energized from your chosen level of adventure, and bursting with confidence and pride having been able to reach your goal!


* Recreational Tree Climbing is enjoyed around the world! If you are not able to climb with us here in Wisconsin, maybe you can find nother climbing outfitter to get you into the treetops: ​Map of GOTC Recognized Tree Climbing Facilitators & Instructors

There are notable trees around the world that draw people’s attention for historic reasons or because they are sizeable. Old trees are respected as they can live for centuries and even millennia, providing us a connection to our ancestors.

Some of us are drawn to the tallest and largest tree of a particular species. We might be interested in knowing which tree is the oldest, the tallest, or the largest in the world.

These may seem like simple questions with straight-forward answers, but we do need to dig a little deeper when looking for the answers.

What is a Tree
​
When you think of a tree, do you picture a tree with a single trunk that divides into larger branches forming the crown? Some trees appear to have a couple trunks emerging from the same point at the ground. Trees like this could be the same tree or possibly different trees that are growing immediately next to each other.

​If you are interested in measuring the tree, you’d obviously need to determine if it is in fact a single tree. 

Most trees we come across are individual trees with a single trunk. This is the form of the trees we usually have in mind when talking about the oldest tree, tallest tree, and largest tree.

Oldest, Tallest, Largest

The oldest known trees are Great Basin bristlecone pines. One of these trees known as Methuselah, grows in the White Mountains in California and has been aged over 4,850 years. This tree is often recognized as the oldest tree in the world, yet there is another one nearby that has been estimated to over 5,070 years. 

Stay tuned as an alerce tree in Chile was estimated last year as close to 5,400 years old (Is This the Oldest Tree in the World - LiveScience). Regardless of which one is truly the oldest, all three of these trees are remarkable beings that have survived for 5 millennia.

The tallest known tree in the world is a coastal redwood known as Hyperion, measured at over 380 feet in height. Coastal redwoods grow along the Pacific coast of northern California into southern Oregon. 

While the tallest tree measurement focuses solely on the height of the tree, when looking for the largest tree, we are looking at total volume of the tree (which brings in height as well as width of the tree's trunk, branches, etc.). 

The General Sherman Tree, a giant sequoia in Sequoia National Park, is currently the largest known tree in the world. To qualify, this title of largest tree is in relation to the measured volume of its trunk and crown. The amount of space this individual takes up is impressive, standing roughly 275 feet tall and its trunk measuring over 36 feet wide at the base.

The vast majority of those who have climbed with us have been through a Rec Climb, Open Climb, or private climb. We love these climbs as they are where most people are introduced to the excitement and reward of climbing tall trees. If you have climbed, you likely reached a point where you were energized by the feel of being high above the ground.

This height is quite variable depending on the person, and of course there is much more to experience up there in addition to the distance you are above the ground. Many climbers love the feel of making it up to the branches. For some, just reaching them or touching them is enough. Others like being able to pull themselves over to sit on them. Some have a level of comfort that allows them to stand on a branch and even swing off of them.

Branching Out Into New Trees

We offer our Open Climbs so returning guests can change it up and enjoy climbing in a different tree. Not only do we pick our favorite trees for these climbs, we get to share the experience of hammocking high above the ground. We meet a large number of new climbers at these climbs as well given they are offered on weekends (Rec Climbs primarily offered on weekdays). 

Under the guise of just another fun thing to do while tree climbing, the hammock actually adds a level of challenge as getting in and out of it while hanging on rope further engages a climber's problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Since our Rec & Open Climbs are open to the general public and do not require experience, our procedures and the situations can be limiting to some climbers. ​

Out on a Limb

Our Open-Advanced Climbs cater to people who have already climbed with us. This means that you are likely sharing climb-time with others who have worked through the initial fears and learning curve that limits first-time climbers.

Open-Advanced Climbs attract participants who have really taken to the climbing experience and want to do even more up there. Climbers who are more comfortable at-height, would like to try new challenges, and excited to expand our movement around the branches.

There are participants who are still working through fears of heights or maybe simply enjoy swinging. The common factor among the participants who come to these climbs is to take advantage of the longer sessions and not having to wait in line.

There are more ropes than climbers, fewer people, and everyone has climbed with us previously. That enables us to allow climbers to try advanced challenges and more movement - like walking out further on a limb. We can even have a climbing guide in the tree to help participants work on various skills next to each other.

Professional climbers enjoy much more movement and freedom when climbing, whether reaching higher points or more lateral movement and use of the climbing knot. Each month we offer up a new experience that we cannot allow in Rec & Open Climbs.

Former students of our learn-to-climb classes are often in these climbs as well, working on the same skills; which makes for an exciting dynamic! Aspiring climbers of all levels, enjoying tree-time together. Each person focussed on their personal experience and intention for the day.

For me, these types of experiences are what make the climbing experience more enjoyable, provide greater connection to the tree, and promote personal growth.

If you or your child have climbed with us before & would like to continue to pursue the many benefits and rewards of climbing trees, I encourage you to learn more about our Open-Advanced Climbs. They are a great option for those who are too young learn to climb on their own and those not ready to make the investment in the equipment.