How to Climb a Tree With No Branches



Need to get up one of those rare trees without branches? Or perhaps you just need to get up a few feet before reaching a branch? It's not impossible but it does take lots of muscle power and concentration is a definite asset. Time to climb the tree without branches...

Steps   [edit]

  1. Find your perfect climbing tree. Once you have found your tree with no branches, you need to adopt a good mindset to help you climb it. View the challenge of climbing the tree as meeting an adversary you need to overcome. This will put you in the right frame of mind.
  2. Get a firm grasp on the tree. If you can interlock your hands behind the tree's trunk, you can get a nice grip. Otherwise, try to get your fingers into the bark. The goal of using your fingers is not to pull/hold yourself up, but to pull your body closer to the tree.
  3. Don't use spiked shoes on the tree. This will cause damage to the soft plant tissue just under the bark. Use shoes with good, strong-gripping rubber or synthetic soles on the bottom.
  4. Jump up and plant both feet on the tree. Quickly push out and up Do this diagonally towards your face. In terms of physics, you must overcome gravity with your force pushing upwards while your outwards force will be met with the opposing force of your hands.
  5. Practice just holding this position. If you can't stay there for close to a minute, you need more practice.
  6. Move higher. To move up, push up with your feet, slide your hands up the tree and continue pulling. Then slide or shimmy your feet up to establish the position from step 4.
  7. Keep safe. Only go as high as you feel comfortable. Don't take unnecessary risks and keep a buddy on the ground in case you get into any difficulties. Then, come back down again as carefully and slowly as possible.


Tips   [edit]

  • Don't expect to succeed at your first, second, or third attempts. You will have to keep practicing. Remember, practice makes perfect.
  • Have a spotter around in case you slip, or climb a tree with a padded area underneath in case you fall. Grass, soft earth or even bringing out mats will all be helpful breaks if you fall.
  • Wear long pants to help prevent scratches.
  • Try gloves. Some people like them, some don't; you won't know until you have tried, though.


Warnings   [edit]

  • Expect to fall; don't climb too high unless you feel comfortable.
  • For extra safety, you can use a harness and have someone below you.