Why Spiking Live Trees Is Harmful – What Homeowners Need to Know
If you've ever seen a tree climber using spurs (also known as climbing spikes) to ascend a tree, you may have assumed it's standard practice. While spiking has its place in arboriculture, using climbing spikes on live, healthy trees is harmful and should be avoided except in specific situations.
At Green River Tree Works, our arborists follow industry best practices—and that means never using climbing spikes on live trees. Here’s why.
What Are Climbing Spikes?
Climbing spikes are sharp metal spurs attached to a climber’s boots that dig into the tree trunk to provide traction while ascending. They’re commonly used for:
Tree removals
Utility pole climbing
Dead trees (where bark or structure is compromised)
When used on a living tree, however, spiking causes serious and lasting damage.
Why Spiking Live Trees Is Bad
1. Creates Wounds in the Bark
Each time a climber drives a spike into the trunk, it punctures the bark and cambium layer—the tree's living tissue responsible for nutrient flow. A single climb can result in dozens of wounds.
2. Opens the Door to Disease & Decay
Open wounds are an easy entry point for fungi, bacteria, and wood-boring insects, which can lead to internal decay, structural weakness, or long-term decline in tree health.
3. Permanent Scarring
Spike holes don’t “heal”—they compartmentalize. The tree walls off the damage, but it doesn’t repair it. Over time, repeated spiking can lead to scarring, deformities, and reduced lifespan.
4. Damages Tree Aesthetics
For ornamental or landscape trees, visible spike marks can ruin the appearance of the trunk, especially on smooth-barked species like beech or birch.
5. Violates Industry Standards
According to ANSI A300 standards (the industry benchmark for tree care), spurs should not be used on live trees unless the tree is being removed or climbing is necessary for aerial rescue.
When Spikes Are Acceptable
There are only a few exceptions where spikes may be used:
Tree removal – Since the tree is coming down, damage is no longer a concern.
Dead trees – These are unsafe to climb with ropes alone due to brittle wood.
Emergency rescues – When speed is more important than tree preservation.
What Should Be Used Instead?
Professional arborists rely on modern rope climbing systems such as:
SRT (Single Rope Technique)
MRS (Moving Rope System)
Climbing harnesses and friction savers
These techniques allow climbers to ascend and work in the tree without injuring it, ensuring both the safety of the worker and the health of the tree.
How to Know If Your Arborist Is Using Safe Practices
When hiring a tree care company in Asheville or Western North Carolina, be sure to ask:
Are your climbers ISA Certified Arborists?
Do you use climbing spikes on live trees?
What climbing methods do you use for pruning or inspections?
If they use spikes for anything other than tree removals—it’s a red flag.
Serving Asheville, NC and WNC with Tree-Safe Practices
At Green River Tree Works, we take pride in using only tree-friendly climbing techniques that protect your trees while getting the job done safely and efficiently. Whether it’s pruning, hazard assessments, or tree preservation, your trees are in expert hands.
