Never use leg spikes or gaffs like those used by pole climbers. The punctures they leave can open up a tree to attack by fungus, bacteria, viruses, and insects that often carry harmful diseases. In some cases these punctures can lead to a tree's death. Puncture wounds also create unsightly scars that take away from a tree's natural beauty.

Leg spikes should be used only on dead trees, which you, the recreational climber, should not be climbing!