Climb a Tree With No Branches

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Need to get up one of those rare trees without branches? Or perhaps you just need to get up a few feet before reaching a branch? It's not impossible but it does take lots of muscle power and concentration. Time to climb the tree without branches...

Steps

  1. Find your perfect climbing tree. The tree should not have rotted or look dead as it could collapse or make you fall. Once you have found your tree with no branches, you need to adopt a good mindset to help you climb it. View the challenge of climbing the tree as meeting an adversary you need to overcome. This will put you in the right frame of mind.
  2. Get a firm grasp on the tree. If you can interlock your hands behind the tree's trunk, you can get a nice grip. Otherwise, try to get your fingers into the bark. The goal of using your fingers is not to pull/hold yourself up, but to pull your body closer to the tree.
  3. Don't use spiked shoes on the tree. This will cause damage to the soft plant tissue just under the bark. Use shoes with good, strong-gripping rubber or synthetic soles on the bottom.
  4. Jump up and plant both feet on the tree. Quickly push out and up. Do this diagonally towards your face. In terms of physics, you must overcome gravity with your force pushing upwards while your outwards force will be met with the opposing force of your hands.
  5. Practice just holding this position. If you can't stay there for close to a minute, you need more practice.
  6. Move higher. To move up, push up with your feet, slide your hands up the tree and continue pulling. Then slide or shimmy your feet up to establish the position from step 4.
  7. Keep safe. Only go as high as you feel comfortable. Don't take unnecessary risks and keep a buddy on the ground in case you get into any difficulties. Then, come back down again as carefully and slowly as possible. Don't challenge yourself to climb a tree too big for you.

Tips

  • Wear long pants and long shirts to help prevent scratches.
  • Don't expect to succeed at your first, second, or third attempts. You will have to keep practicing. Remember, practice makes perfect.
  • Clothes made from denim and other tough material help keep you safe from cuts and scratches.
  • Have a spotter around in case you slip, or climb a tree with a padded area underneath in case you fall. Grass, soft earth or even bringing out mats will be safer and prevent you from breaking a bone or seriously injuring yourself if you fall.
  • Look at how animals climb trees, it might help.
  • Try gloves. Some people like them, some don't; you won't know until you have tried, though.
  • Try going barefoot to get a grip on the tree.
  • Try wrapping your feet around the tree so you don't fall, then pull up with your arms.
  • If you can, use some paracord or make a twine. Make a loop on each end for your hands. When the cord is wrapped around the tree, and both hands are in the loops, your arms should be able to fully extend; no more and no less. Start with the rope at a 45° angle and place your feet on the sides of the tree. Use your knees, calves, and feet to push off until the cord is parallel with your shoulders. Lock your legs and throw the cord back up to a 45° angle and keep going.
  • Look out for any signs of decay or fungi on the tree that may cause your hands or feet to slip. And just like any other outdoor activity: wash your hands properly when you're done climbing.
  • Climbing trees can be fun, but know your limits. Try smaller trees before scaling the big ones.
  • Keep in mind that many palms trees have bugs such as spiders or fire ants.
  • Check to see if it is safe. If it is wet or bark is falling off you could fall and that could cause bones to break!!!

Warnings

  • If you're going to go barefoot, be careful, as you might hurt your feet.
  • Expect to fall; don't climb too high unless you feel comfortable.
  • For extra safety, you can use a harness and have someone below you.

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Sources and Citations

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