: While climbing spikes are used for removals, they are avoided for pruning because they cause "wounds" that can lead to disease.
| Feature | Physical Spiral-Bound | PDF (on Phone/Tablet) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | No | Yes | | Durability in Mud | High (can wipe off mud) | Low (touchscreen hates mud) | | Glove-Friendly | Yes (turns pages easily) | No (capacitive touch issues) | | Night Climbing | Requires headlamp | Backlit screen | | Learning Curve | Tactile, linear | Searchable, non-linear | | Cost | ~$20 USD | ~$10-15 USD | tree climbers companion pdf
Now that we've covered the essential equipment and gear, let's move on to some basic climbing techniques: : While climbing spikes are used for removals,
Before Jepson's guide, much of the trade's knowledge was passed down through word-of-mouth or learned the hard way—through "bruises and rope burns". Jepson, who founded in 1989, realized that for arboriculture to professionalize, climbers needed a compact, "battle-tested" reference they could actually carry into the field. A Legacy of Survival and Skill A Legacy of Survival and Skill : Step-by-step
: Step-by-step instructions on the critical knots every arborist must master to trust their life to a line.
The by Jeff Jepson is widely considered the "Tree Bible" for both aspiring and professional arborists. Whether you're looking for a digital PDF for quick reference or a physical copy to keep in your gear bag, this field manual provides essential training on safe and efficient climbing techniques. Why Every Climber Needs This Book