Tree-climbing school goes out on a limb to teach safety to pros and homeowners alike

Saying that a recent tree-climbing school was hands-on is a bit of an understatement.

As an arboreal activity that requires a whole-body commitment, the course held Aug. 12-15 by Penn State Extension drew 11 participants, from professionals looking to brush up on their skills to homeowners interested in doing their own tree care.

Brian Wolyniak, an urban and community forestry educator for Penn State Extension, explained the skills being taught at the event.

“Participants are learning tree climbing using rope systems for the purpose of performing arboricultural work within a tree, such as pruning. Participants are learning about climbing equipment and its safe use, knots used for climbing and rigging, how to enter, move about and work, and exit a tree safely,” said Wolyniak, who also is on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

The course also covered basic tree terminology, tree care, culture and pruning.

Former sailors and Scouts might have had a leg up on the course’s coverage of tying 12 types of knots, such as the triple fisherman or the bowline.

But that isn’t what instructor Dave Ruyak felt was the most difficult skill to learn.

“The hardest is to trust the equipment,” said Ruyak, executive director of the Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter.

Participants were supplied with all the equipment necessary for tree climbing, including helmets, ropes, harnesses and other tools used to safely take a climber to varying heights in a tree. He said it’s difficult for climbers to learn that their climbing equipment is going to provide the safety support they need.

But the class isn’t meant to turn everyone into professional arborists.

Participants already might work in tree care and have some basic climbing skills, while others might be working on the ground or in related landscaping work and looking to expand their skills and start climbing, Wolyniak said.

“Some may be complete novices, not working in tree care or landscaping, but may be looking to transition to a new career or looking to learn how to climb to work on trees on their own properties,” said Wolyniak of Pittsburgh.

The school occasionally pulls in local instructors experienced in climbing to help with the course, including Kolbi Tucker, 30.

Tucker, who is a production climber arborist with Northwood Tree Care based in McCandless, was happy to see a few women take part in the class because the profession is traditionally a male-dominated one.

“I like being an arborist, being in nature with trees and working with my hands, and having a different perspective of trees,” said Tucker of Sewickley.

A woman can learn tree climbing just as well as their male counterpart, by doing the same thing a bit differently and still successfully accomplishing the same task.

Katie Whitewood, 27, of Pittsburgh, who works for TreePGH, was there as a participant.

“I want to expand some skills and get my ISA certification,” she said.

Basil Stein of Pittsburgh cares for property in area and wanted to know how to do it safely.

Leigh Winston of Regent Square, as a homeowner, took the class out of “curiosity.”

“I like to take care of the trees on my own property,” she said.

The same went for Scott Herbert, 48, who also owns property and wants to take of it with the proper knowledge.

“Better to be safe than sorry. It’s a lot to learn,” he said.

Arch Autenreith, owner of Northwood Tree Care and a ISA board certified master arborist, helped to guide participants through some of the knot-tying and use of the equipment. He said arborist work is mentally and physically demanding.

“This is a really cool skill set to have. This is a difficult job with inherent hazards. You have to be passionate about it,” said Autenreith of McCandless.

Ruyak of Allentown has been working in the tree care industry since 1995. He said the group that day ranged from teenagers to retirees. Most importantly, the class taught students about being safe in a tree.

“Safety is huge,” he said.

For details about upcoming Penn State Extension events, visit extension.psu.edu.