How to Climb a Tree

Climbing a tree is something that everyone needs to do at one time in their life at least. Many people, for some reason, have a fear of climbing a tree. If you think that knowing how to climb a tree is a waste of time, keep in mind it might just save your life one day for one reason or another. Here are some tips on how to do it best and safely.

Image via Wikipedia

• The best type of tree to climb is a big sturdy one with branches that are big enough and strong enough to hold your weight. There is not much point in trying to climb a young tree as you won’t get very far.
• It is not just young trees that you should avoid climbing, trees that are dead or are dying should be avoided as the branches will be very brittle.
• Try to avoid trees that are wet. It is surprising just how slippery wet bark is and we don’t want you slipping off the tree and hitting the ground; it hurts.
• Before climbing the tree, do some stretching exercises. You don’t want to pull a muscle half way up the tree.
• The main key to climbing a tree is to always have 3 points of contact for safety.
• Trees often have knots and smaller branches that will help you with your footing and thus help your ascent towards the top of the tree.
• Before stepping out onto any branch, make sure it will support your weight.
• Don’t rush your climb, the best way and the safest way is to go slow and steady.
• If at any point you start to feel uncomfortable with the height you have climbed too, don’t go any higher.
• At this point you may want to climb down, the best way to do it is always to face the trunk of the tree.
• Always keep in mind (if you are feeling scared) that if you managed to climb up, getting down should be easy.