Will screw in steps kill...
 

Will screw in steps kill a tree? The reason I ask is because I would rather use a lock on stand than a ladder stand, but I only have one tree big enough where I want to hang the stand and I dont want to kill it. I already have the screw in steps so I dont want to buy any climbing sticks or that sort of thing.

My Dad has had screw in steps in three or four of our stands for every bit of 15 years, and I don't think the tree has noticed yet. Givin that your not screwing them into a really small diameter tree, which would be pointless IMO, I would think your good.

I think certain tree yes. But not all.

No. I know a guy who's been using screw in steps for the same about 15 years and he's never had a problem with the tree. Drops acorns every year. Usually pretty dang heavy also.

Ryan.

Been wondering about this myself. Also, do you take them out each year, or leave them in? And if you leave them in how long does it take before they rot in two. The last thing I want to do is step on a step that breaks under my foot.

It won't kill a tree, and if you leave the steps in for a long period of time the steps will actually get harder to unscrew out of the tree. Actually, doesn't take but about one season for the steps to get harder to remove.
Will the steps eventually rot, probably. BUT it'll take many years for that to happen.
One thing I do to make them easier to screw in is to use a short piece of 1/2" pvc pipe that I slip over the step and this allows the step to rotate easily while I have some thing to hang onto firmly as I screw them in.

They will damage the value of any tree that may be cut for lumber - especially veneers.

Yeah, that's true however most of the trees that they use for veneers they also have to make about 45 passes around before it will make the tree square enough that it will peel a long piece, just think about all the times you've missed a deer with a gun. That's as bad or worse because you can remove the steps, the bullett you can't.
I wouldn't worry about damaging the trees.


Ryan.

I have used screw in tree steps for many years. I have never seen them kill a tree. When you go back the next year to put them in, the old hole from the step is closed up.

Screw in steps can harm a tree, it depends if you own it or not. What I have found is that timber owners are protective of there trees!!!!!!!!!!!

No they won't kill a tree. I wouldn't leave them in if you are worried about the trees however. You will have a hard time getting them out in the future if left in.

I would recommend starting to save your money and get a set of climbing sticks. I used screw in steps for years but there is no comparison to a set of sticks. You can set a hang on stand with them as quick as you can get up a tree with a climber. They really are amazing. Best investment I have made in years.

A couple things with the steps. Make absolutely SURE they are tight in the tree before you step on them. They don't work very well in Trees with deep bark like an old Cottonwood, they will pull out of bark. If there is frost and they are just metal they will be slick when climbing, be carfeful on cold mornings. Be very careful when climbing them, if you fall or slip and land on one it will be like a gut hook.

The REAL reason PA does not allow you to use screw in steps. They use the b/s line that it "kills" the tree. ..to be expected from the pgc though...

Hell no they won't kill the tree. My dad's used them for 40 years and I've been using them for 24 years. Don't use the same hole's though If you pull them out one year and put them back In the same hole, your asking for It then.

Wont kill a tree but it might reduce the value of the tree if cut for lumber.States that prohibit using them or constructing stands do so in case they do a cutting to prevent possible injury to the worker if there's a step or nails left in the tree.I'd suggest using strap on steps.Screwing steps into hardwood trees is not fun where allowed.