Wondering if anyone has had occasion to climb a bombax tree... have a tall specimen in my area and would like to attempt a climb. Researching the variety indicates very light wood, useless for lumber - would this necessarily mean that it is not safe to support the weight of a climber? Can the tie-in point be tested beforehand? Any thoughts??

Originally posted by garynofire
would this necessarily mean that it is not safe to support the weight of a climber?
No

Originally posted by garynofire
Can the tie-in point be tested beforehand? Any thoughts??
You can bounce test on it but that just means it's not going to break easily

Really have to approach it from a generic tree assessment point of view. Is it a healthy tree from top to bottom? How does the root crown look? How's the bole, any fungus, bark falling off, exposed deadwood, cavities? Inspect the whole tree with this kind of eye up to the top and outer branches. If everything looks good find a limb more than 6" diameter. Position the rope near the trunk and branch union. If still in doubt put a second rope on another branch and tie in twice. Do a bounce test after you tie in.

Every tree has to be approached with careful assessment before a climb. I don't believe there is any tree species that can't be climbed if the tree is in reasonably good health. After all if a large tree is holding itself up it can likely hold you up too.

Check out the tree assessment section of Treeman's Tree Climbing Basics DVD for more detailed info on assessment practices.
-moss

Moss gives good advice. And I can personally attest to having climbed bombax trees before. They're cool trees. Where do you live Gary?