How to Use Tree Climbing Spikes | Arborist Safety & Technique

But for the arborist on a removal job, spikes are the only way to get up a dead or dying stem fast. This guide covers the real equipment, the technique that keeps you safe, and the mistakes that send beginners sliding back down. If you are in the market for your first set, our roundup of the best climbing spikes for professional arborists covers what to look for in gaff sharpness, pad comfort, and shank fit.

When Are Spikes Actually Used?

Tree climbing spikes (also called spurs or gaffs) belong exclusively to removal and emergency work. The only exceptions are trees already slated for removal or rare emergency situations where no other access method exists. Recreational tree climbing, pruning live trees, and any work on a tree you intend to keep require rope-and-saddle technique only. This is not a suggestion; it is the ethical and professional standard across North American arboriculture.

Setting Up Spurs Correctly

Before you take a single step, fit matters more than anything else. The shank—the metal bar connecting the gaff to the pad—must sit two finger widths below the knee. If it is too high or low, the gaff angle changes and your climb becomes unstable.

Here is the setup sequence:

• Position the stirrup so it sits just in front of the heel, not under the arch or past the toes.
• Tighten both upper and lower straps until the spur cannot flop or twist. A spur that moves on your leg is a safety hazard.
• Verify gaffs are sharp before every climb. Blunt spikes slip on rough bark and may fail to penetrate smooth-barked trees like alder or madrona entirely.
• Attach your lanyard (flipline) to the harness before stepping into the tree. On large stems, a steel-core lanyard is preferred because the rigid core makes it easier to flick up the trunk. A rope-core lanyard works but may require a “sloop” technique—creating slack by looping the line—when flipping is difficult.

The Climbing Technique That Works

The mistake beginners make most often is hugging the tree, which causes the gaffs to align vertically and slip. The correct position is upright with straight legs, standing slightly away from the trunk so the gaffs bite at roughly a 45-degree angle into the wood.

Ascending

Take short, deliberate steps: one, two, flick. Dig the gaffs in, then pull yourself into the tree using your legs—not your arms. Lean forward just enough to drive the spikes deeper. Keep the lanyard positioned above your knees throughout the climb. If the tree has smooth bark or is wet, wrap the flipline twice around the trunk to prevent it from sliding down. Beginners should practice below five feet until the movement feels natural.

Descending

The same straight-leg, short-step technique applies in reverse. Flick the lanyard down, take one or two steps, and keep your weight centered. For larger or slippery trees, consider using a separate climbing line with a friction hitch for a controlled descent—this is safer than relying on spikes alone on the way down.

Common Mistakes and Field Fixes

• Hugging the tree. Gaffs slip when your body is too close. Step back until you feel the bite.
• Blunt gaffs. Sharpen after every use. A sharp gaff is a safe gaff.
• Loose straps. If the spur flops, you lose control. Re-tighten on the ground before climbing.
• Leaning too far back. You want a stable triangle between the tree, your arms, and your torso—not a lean that pulls the gaffs sideways.
• Walking on the ground with spikes. This damages the gaff tips and can injure you and others. Remove them as soon as you are on the ground.

After the job, clean the spikes, sharpen according to the manufacturer’s specs, and store them in a dry bag with gaff covers. Good maintenance keeps a set working for years.

FAQs

Can beginners use tree climbing spikes?

Only professional arborists should use spikes, and only on removal or emergency jobs. Beginners should focus on rope-and-saddle technique and practice low on spurs under supervision before attempting any real climb.

Do tree climbing spikes hurt the tree?

Yes.

What is the most important safety rule for using spikes?

Always use a flipline or lanyard attached to your harness and the tree before you start climbing. The spikes hold your weight, but the lanyard is what catches you if they slip—which they will on smooth or wet bark without proper technique.