Rock-climbing ropes are not suitable for tree climbing unless you are using static ropes with mechanical ascenders. Rock climbers use dynamic ropes with elasticity designed to take falls (shock loads); these are not appropriate for tree climbing because they have too much stretch. The main technique used by tree climbers, double rope technique, requires the rope (or even better, a friction saving device) to run over a branch while fully loaded with body weight. If you were to use one of those pretty mountain-climbing kermantle ropes, you'd melt the thin outside sheath on the first climb! Not good!

Arborist ropes come in three different diameters. The standard diameter is ½ inch (13mm). This rope diameter is easiest to grip. A 7/16 inch diameter (11mm) static (low stretch) arborist rope has recently been introduced to the tree climbing world along with an 11.5mm static arborist rope. The thinner diameter static arborist ropes are lighter in weight, which makes them easier to pack in. But the thinner ropes are a bit harder to grip because the exterior sheath has a tighter weave, making it more slippery; and the smaller diameter makes gripping more difficult. Seasoned climbers often have one thicker ½ inch diameter rope (13mm) for local climbs; and a lighter weight static rope for climbs requiring a hike in and exceptionally tall trees requiring a longer rope, or smaller diameters that better accommodate mechanical devices such as ascenders.

Ropes 150 feet long are your best bet unless you are climbing shorter trees, such as 50-footers, where you will need a 120-foot rope. To figure out the rope length you need, double the height of the tree. If you plan to travel to taller trees in the future, purchasing a second, longer rope would probably be in order.

A short, secondary climbing rope, called a daisy rope, is used by more advanced climbers for many purposes. This is a 25-foot piece of rope with two figure eight on a bight loops on each end. This rope can be used when you need to set up a higher rope placement, for climbing short distances, and as a backup. This type of rope is also known as a lanyard, but it is much longer than standard lanyards.

Tree climbing ropes will last for years of daily use if cared for properly. It is always wise to inspect the rope before rope set-up, during the climb, and after every climb while you are coiling it for storage. If you see a nick or damaged section, cut the rope immediately with a knife. It is easy to forget about a damaged section of rope that you would never want to use!