When removing limbs from a tree that is being pruned, care must be given not to damage the remaining branches and trunk. When rigging for removal, the climber does not have to worry about further damage to the tree. The simplest form of rigging involves the use of ropes, wraps on the trunk, and natural unions used at rigging points.
There is always more than one way to get the wood and brush to the ground, but the best method is the one that maximizes productivity while still maintaining safety. If a tree is being climbed for pruning, we do not wear spikes to climb the tree. Spikes will damage the tree.
Sometimes, the branches or wood to be removed can be landed safely on the ground without ropes. If pieces must be roped down, the generally preferred method is the position of the rigging point about the work. This technique helps minimize the load on the rigging line and provides more control of the piece. The load line (rigging line) runs through a rigging point above the limb or piece to be removed and then tied to the piece.
If the rigging line is attached at the butt end of the piece to be removed, it is said to be butt tied. The piece will typically drop tip down. The climber must be positioned to avoid contact with the rigging line to avoid being hit by the butt.
There is a lot of skill involved in rigging techniques, and we have only touched a small portion of techniques here. I encourage you to look into this further.
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