ORIGINAL: Surf62
Everything Korak stated is spot on. Climbing with spikes isbest left to the pros. Tree damage from spikes if done right isminimal and will heal quickly, I have been climbing and pruning the same trees in some instances for the last 20 yrs (certified arborist) and have yet to find one in decline due to climbing spikes. Screw in steps will do much more damage and take far longer to heal.
Try a set ofLone Wolfclimbing sticks they are lighteasy to useand will cost less than a good quality set of climbing spikes.
Paul
I'm glad another "climber" chimed in I was trying to dissuade(sp)him from doing it simply from a safety standpoint(for him not the tree)and I guess I did not do a real good job.