What’s one Climbing, Rigging, or Rescue Technique that you picked up that made your job 10x easier or safer? (Share your pro tips- big or small- that others can use in the canopy.) In rescue, simplicity saves lives. This 3-piece setup, I always keep on my saddle — and proven itself in training and emergencies — A Tri-Locking Carabiner, Prusik Cord, and a Pinto Pulley. This 3-piece setup, you can set up a quick haul or controlled lower when someone aloft needs medical attention. 1. Purpose of Each Piece of Gear • Tri-lock carabiner: Rock-solid connection that won’t pop open while you’re managing a casualty. • Prusik cord: Versatile friction hitch — grabs rope, holds load, acts as progress capture. • Pinto pulley: Smooth and compact, reduces rope drag and makes lifting/lowering efficient. 2. Rescue Haul System (3:1 Mechanical Advantage) If a climber is suspended and needs to be raised slightly to transfer them of free them from their system, you can create a 3:1 mechanical advantage: 1. Clip the Pinto pulley to their bridge/central tie-in with the tri-lock. 2. Run the main line through the pulley. 3. Tie the prusik above the pulley as a progress capture. 4. Haul the free end — the pulley cuts friction, the prusik holds progress, and you’ve built a mini 3:1 system. 3. Controlled Lowering If the climber is injured and needs to be lowered. 1. Rescuer ties in above the casualty. 2. Use the prusik + Pinto pulley as a friction combo for a smoother, safer descent. 3. Tri-lock keeps everything secure at the master point. 4. Why This Works • The Prusik acts as a progress capture (critical if you need to lift slightly). • The Pinto Pulley reduces friction, so you waste less energy and have more control. • The Tri-lock Carabiner ensures no accidental opening while loaded in a high-stakes rescue. ✅ Important Note: These are supporting tools for a rescue. In real aerial rescue, you should already be tied in on your own independent system, and you may need additional gear (like a descent device or extra pulleys) depending on the rescue scenario. Practice with your crew before applying in the field — aerial rescues are fast-moving and high-risk. This setup has saved me serious time and effort when practiced with my crew.

Today’s about honoring the hard work that keeps this country moving- and arborists embody that every day. Long hours in the sun, climbing with saws on our hips, working in tough conditions while keeping safety front and center. Tree work isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. We protect homes, care for the earth, and keep our neighborhoods and environments clean and safe. It’s one of the toughest trades out there, and every single one of you deserves recognition. So today, Celebrate the work you do. Spend time with your loved ones, share laughs and yummy food! Take a moment today to reflect with gratitude for everything you’ve accomplished. Rest up, Recharge & Be Proud. - You’ve earned it! 🇺🇸🤎 What’s one thing you’re most proud of in your work this year? I’m most proud of the amazing group of guys I’ve had the pleasure of knowing & learning from in my years of being an arborist. I’ve grown a second family from my Life in the trees! 🌳🤎

Every climber has their go-to. Let’s talk Climbing Systems, What’s in your kit thats been a game changer for you? Tell me why? Bonus points for pictures! ✨ My current climbing system is… - the ZigZag Plus: The Petzl ZigZag is a popular ascender for arborists with smooth and fluid action - and now comes with a larger pulley and a third attachment hole for linking to a Petzl Chicane. The pulley is mounted on sealed ball bearings so slack can easily be taken up, and when paired with a Chicane, the ZigZag becomes a device capable of running as a super-smooth SRT device. Once the friction chain extends, the device locks automatically onto the rope--making the Petzl ZigZag one of the most intuitive ascenders in the field. The ZigZag Plus can be used for moving rope without the Chicane. Though not recommended due to it potentially side loading in tight canopies, puts a lot of strain on the pulley links. https://www.treestuff.com/petzl-zigzag-2019-edition-pre-sale/ - Petzl Chicane Auxiliary Brake: Used for a single rope configuration with the ZigZag. The Petzl Chicane Auxiliary braking device allows for continuous additional friction on descents and is uniquely designed to work with the ZigZag and ZigZag PLUS mechanical Prusiks - so it ensures smooth rope glide during ascents. The ergonomic handle gives you an excellent grip while limb walking, and the openable side plate means quick and easy installation. https://www.treestuff.com/petzl-chicane-auxiliary-brake/ - Petzl Knee Ascent System: Round out your ZigZag SRT climbing gear with the Petzl Knee Ascent System. Designed to work with the ZigZag when used on a single rope, the Knee Ascent System helps you climb more efficiently with the attached Croll rope clamp and adjustable lower strap. Choose either a foot loop bottom strap or a clip-style bottom strap. https://www.treestuff.com/petzl-knee-ascent-system-pre-sale/

Hey everyone, my name is Landon Carter, and I’m a tree climber in Utah. This industry means so much more than most people realize. As climbers, we put in long, hard hours—40 to 60+ a week, rain or shine, carrying chainsaws on our hips, moving through canopies from ropes, where every decision matters. Our job is dangerous, demanding, and unlike any other “day at the office.” Every tree company works differently, but one thing stays the same: consistency in learning is crucial. It’s what ensures we make it home safe to our families every day. I created this community to provide a consistent, fun, and efficient learning space—one that keeps your brain sharp and your canopy wisdom pruned. Together, we’ll share safe, efficient techniques to take stress off the day-to-day grind, and stay up to date on the skills, gear, and safety practices that keep us, our crews, and our tree friends safe. At the end of the day, we don’t just provide a service to customers—we take care of the earth we’ll leave for generations to come. We have one of the best jobs out there: working outside, caring for these giants, and supporting one another. Thank you for joining Life in the Trees! I can’t wait to see how big we can grow this community, and how much support we can give each other. Here, we’re all family. 🌲💪 ⸻ 1. Introduce Yourself 👋🏼 2. Where do you climb? 3. Do you have a favorite tree? (I’d love to know!)