With DRT, the rope is draped over a branch and both rope ends, in conjunction with a series of climbing knots, are used to ascend and descend. When the climber isn’t moving, the main knot, also called a modified Blake’s hitch, also holds him safely in place automatically. Whenever climbers want to pause and enjoy the view, all they have to do is let go!

With SRT, one end of the rope is anchored to a branch or to the base of the tree, and the climber ascends the other end of the rope by means of some type of mechanical device attached to it. The most common of these is a set of mechanical ascenders: two one-way metal handles attached to the rope by which the climber “inchworms” up the rope. This method of climbing makes better use of the climber’s legs, so it is less strenuous than DRT; but it also requires more equipment. Most SRT systems require the climber to switch to a different device in order to descend, which makes it more complicated and adds additional risk to the novice.

No matter which system is used to climb, there are two primary concerns: safety for the climber, and care for the tree being climbed. With this in mind, there are five cardinal rules for recreational tree climbing:

• Never take yourself off rope protection while aloft!
• Use appropriate equipment.
• Always use some form of branch protection with DRT.
• Never climb with leg spikes.
• Do not unnecessarily prune tree branches.

See our “Rules” page for additional information and guidance on safe and responsible tree climbing.

A Brief Look at How It Works

What we describe here is the more commonly used doubled-rope technique.

To set up the climbing system, the climber must loop the rope over a branch. To do this, he uses some sort of rope placement device, usually a throw bag attached to a thin throw line. The throw bag and line are thrown over a branch; the throw bag is then detached and the rope attached to the throw line and pulled up and over. At the same time as the rope is being placed, climbers also position their branch protection device (through which the rope passes) to minimize damage to the bark and the rope itself. The climber then prepares the climbing system by tying a series of knots which work together to advance the climber.

Once the climber has put on his harness and helmet, he attaches himself to the climbing system. Now he’s ready for the ascent! Some climbers (primarily children) use only their arms to climb; others use either a Prussik (foot) loop or other “foot assist” method to easily push themselves up. DRT is usually a breeze for children, who are lighter in body weight. For adults, it's a bit harder, but you certainly do not need to be an athlete in perfect physical shape to climb trees.

Eventually the climber reaches the branch the rope is looped over. Now there is a choice: he can either secure himself to the branch and prepare to go higher, or descend. To climb higher into the treetops requires placing new rope settings, or pitches, over branches above. Several methods for doing this are available, depending upon the climber’s experience and the tree itself. Suffice it to say here that this can be a complicated process, but also it is where most of the challenge of tree climbing comes from.

On the other hand, descending is easy! All that’s required is to lightly grasp the modified Blake's hitch and gently pull down. A too-rapid descent can be dangerous, so climbers often place safety (slip) knots to prevent themselves from coming down too quickly. Another protection from getting hurt is the Blake’s hitch, which, as we said previously, automatically stops the descent when the climber lets go.

We cannot describe what you will experience while up in a tree. Most people find a calmness, a disconnect from the busy world below. You’ll probably see, hear, and feel nature in a whole new way. You may feel invigorated. Whatever your experience, tree climbing takes you into another world, and it can be as close as the tree in your own yard.