Tree Climbing: Not Just for Kids

Some people delight in the simple pleasures of life, such as climbing a tree. Tree climbing is now offered as a physical-education course at a college in New York. Students at the school were previously learning climbing skills on indoor climbing walls. However, the program claimed to offer outdoor education. In an effort to solve the problem, instructors investigated their options. Suitable rock-climbing opportunities were over one hundred miles away—too far to travel for a college course. Additionally, inclement weather could make rock climbing hazardous. Their area had an abundance of trees, and climbing trees has practical career applications. The solution was simple—a course in tree climbing! A course was soon designed to focus primarily on recreational tree climbing, lacking the time and expertise to focus on career training.

Whether as part of a college course or independently, certain factors must be considered when participating in a sport. Risk factors and safety concerns must be addressed. Climbers should maintain respect for the environment, seeking little or no damage to trees during the climbing process. To prevent damage to the tree and potential personal injury, climbers are encouraged to consider the overall health of the tree before embarking on their adventure.

One career application of tree climbing is forest canopy research. As concern about the environment grows, the field of conservation and research has continued to expand. Scientists now recognize and study forest characteristics in temperate and urban forests as well as the rainforest. Another practical application that requires a good understanding of tree structure is that of arborists. These are the people who trim trees for utility companies and private citizens. They help people in urban and rural areas manage trees wisely.

More than one institution offers tree-climbing courses, including the United States Forest Service. For some reason, people seem to love being in trees.