ASWP03 Ascending Trees
Note: Further assessment of the root system may be
necessary.
Consider the history of the site to determine if
there have been activities that could weaken the
holding capacity of the root system (e.g.
compacted soil creating rotting of roots)
Assess stem structure
Visually inspect stem for: signs or symptoms of wood
decay such as:
• Fungal fruiting structures
• Conks
• Cankers
• Open wounds
• Abnormally loose bark
• Irregularities in trunk taper or normal round profile
• Localized ridges or seams
• Abrupt changes in normal linear configuration of
trunk; whether the tree is alive or dead. Further
assessment of the stem may be necessary
Note: This may involve techniques such as trunk
sounding or the use of special tools and devices.
However, all of these methods require special training
and may be beyond the scope of an entry level arborist
and should be verified by a more experienced arborist
prior to ascending.
Assess branches and crown of tree
Visually inspect the crown of the tree for:
• Deadwood
• Dieback
• Stunted growth
• Hanging or broken limbs
• Weak unions
• Splits
• Cracks or missing sections
Assess proposed interim anchor
points
• Assess anchor points for appropriate diameter,
strength, and angle of attachment
• Consider species of tree, current weather
conditions, health of branch/stem and branching habit
of tree
• Anchor points must be able to withstand the
anticipated load applied to them
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