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Choosing the right SRT branch/crotch

D

Dirk Dangler

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2021
Messages
54
Is it ok to throw over a branch we know is too small to climb and then girth hitch the tree at that point? Or is it asking for trouble to use anything but a crotch that would be acceptable for DRT?
 
Dirk Dangler said:
Is it ok to throw over a branch we know is too small to climb and then girth hitch the tree at that point? Or is it asking for trouble to use anything but a crotch that would be acceptable for
Dirk Dangler said:
Is it ok to throw over a branch we know is too small to climb and then girth hitch the tree at that point? Or is it asking for trouble to use anything but a crotch that would be acceptable for DRT?
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That's acceptable. As long as your line is girth hitched to the tree.
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You want the rope to be as close to the trunk as possible, wider angled branches are more securely attached than ones that grow at a sharp angle. There are two types of branches, those that are formed as the tree grows, strong depending the angle, and those that are waterspouts, first start out as small suckers, but can continue growing. It is these that are dangerous because they are only attached to the outside of the tree, the others come from the center of the tree. Double trouble if these weaker branches grow at a sharp angle. In the past I’ve pulled on these to climb up a tree and have them pull completely out. Wedging your foot in a sharp angle branch can also cause it to fail. So be careful, tree workers will try to get the rope over multiple branches when tying off at the base of the tree if they are smaller.
 
This is absolutely safe if you are able to isolate and girth hitch the trunk. If the main or large stem is supporting your weight, it's effectively acting like your tether would. This would be similar to creating a false crotch for recreational or arborist climbing.
 
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