Switched from rope to cambium saver after a close call last spring

I used to just throw a rope over any branch and climb without a second thought. Did that for about 8 years until a maple limb snapped while I was 30 feet up. Now I always use a cambium saver or a friction saver before I even start my ascent. It takes an extra minute but I figure that minute beats a hospital visit. My buddy still laughs at me for being careful but I saw that branch break and it changed how I work. Anyone else had a rope or branch fail on them out of nowhere?

2 comments

2 Comments

ray_mitchell23d ago

You ever notice how most safety lessons only stick after something bad almost happens? I think that's true for a lot of stuff, not just tree work. We all drive a little slower after a close call on the road, or double check the locks after a friend gets their place broken into. It's like our brains need a real scare before they'll let us break an old lazy habit. Your buddy will probably keep laughing until his own branch snaps.

jesse29023d ago

Banged my head on a low beam in my own garage so many times I could probably tell you the exact height of it now... finally put some padding on it after my wife watched me do it twice in one week. That's exactly what you're talking about, I needed to get knocked silly before I'd admit I kept forgetting. Your buddy sounds like he's got that same kind of hardheadedness, just waiting for the tree to make the point for him. Nothing like a good bruise to teach you to duck next time.