Arbor Day, a day dedicated to planting and nurturing trees, it’s important to recognize the skilled professionals who work with trees every single day—arborists. These hardworking individuals are out there rain or shine, scaling towering trunks, managing tree health, and keeping our communities safe and green.

But there’s one tool that makes it all possible—rope.

In arboriculture, rope isn’t just a tool—it’s a lifeline. Arborists use ropes to:

• Climb safely into trees where lifts and ladders can’t reach.
  
• Lower heavy limbs and sections of trees with precision during removals.
  
• Secure themselves while working high off the ground, often in complex, windy, or uneven conditions.
  
• Hoist tools and equipment when extra hands aren’t available.
• Safety and Redundancy-High-quality ropes offer redundancy in a system. If one part fails, another can catch the load or climber. Rope systems are tailored with knots, hitches, and hardware to create reliable life-support systems.

Whether it’s rigging, climbing, or rescue—rope is at the center of it all. Without strong, reliable rope, the job wouldn't just be harder—it would be downright dangerous.

Not all rope is created equal. Arborists need rope that can handle serious tension, resist wear, and stay flexible through heavy use. Here are some of the most common types:

CLIMBING ROPES: Used for ascending, descending, and moving around the tree.

Static Rope (SRS / SRT):

• Low-stretch rope (minimal elongation)
  
• Ideal for Single Rope Systems (SRS/SRT)—more efficient for long vertical climbs
  
• Example materials: Kernmantle polyester or nylon
  
• Popular sizes: ~11–11.8mm
  
• Smooth sheath for easy ascent with mechanical devices

Dynamic Rope:

• Not commonly used for arborist work because it stretches more (used in rock climbing)
  
• Arborists want control, not bounce—so this is rarely used except for very specific rescue situations.

Double Braid Climbing Rope (MRS / DdRT):

• Used in Moving Rope Systems (MRS/DdRT)
  
• Has a braided core and braided sheath—flexible, good for hitch cords
  
• More stretch than static rope, but not as much as dynamic rope
  
• Popular sizes: 11.5–13mm
  
• Great for traditional tree climbing techniques
  

RIGGING & BULL ROPES: Used for lowering limbs and wood during removals.

Static Rigging Rope:

• Strong and durable, but with controlled stretch (helps absorb shock loads).
  
• Not for life support—purely for moving wood and branches.
  
• Larger diameters: 12mm to 19mm+
  
• Core strength and abrasion resistance are key.
  
• Some ropes have high-tenacity polyester or nylon blends.

Lightweight Rigging Line:

• For smaller limbs and lighter loads.
  
• Easier to handle, but still very strong.

Heavy-Duty Rigging Rope:

• For big removals—logs, trunk sections, etc.
  
• Often paired with pulleys and lowering devices.
  
• High strength and shock absorption.
  

ACCESS LINES: Used just to get the rope into the tree, not for climbing.

• Super-static ropes for setting lines with throw weights.
  
• Smooth sheath for minimal friction.
• Small diameters and vibrant colors.

THROW LINES: Not load-bearing—just for line placement.

• Thin, lightweight cord used with a throw bag to get the climbing line into the canopy.
  
• Usually 1.75–2.2mm thick.
  
• Made of Dyneema or similar slick, strong materials.

PRUSIK/HITCH CORDS:

• Short lengths of smaller diameter rope (typically 8–10mm).
  
• Used to create friction hitches on the climbing line.
  
• Needs to have heat resistance and grip.
  
• Often made from aramid fibers like Technora or Kevlar.
  

Strength & Load Ratings:

• Breaking strength (tensile strength): How much force the rope can take before it fails.
• Working load limit (WLL): Safe weight the rope can handle—usually a fraction of its tensile strength.
• Especially important for rigging ropes where the load can vary and shock loads happen.
  
  Rope Diameter:
• Affects grip, friction hitch compatibility, and what hardware (pulleys, devices) it fits into.
• Climbing ropes: Typically 11–13mm
• Rigging ropes: Can range up to 19mm+
• Smaller = lighter and more flexible, but can be harder to grip and less durable.

Rope Construction:

• Kernmantle (core + sheath): Common in climbing ropes—strong, static, and resists abrasion.
• Double braid: Both core and sheath are braided—good for strength, flexibility, and handling.
• 12-strand or 16-strand: Often used in rigging or climbing depending on the situation—each type has pros and cons in terms of durability and splicing.

Heat Resistance:

• Important for friction hitches, descents, or rigging under load—ropes can heat up fast.
• Some ropes are blended with Technora or Kevlar fibers to resist glazing and melting.

Abrasion Resistance:

• Trees = rough surfaces. Bark, branches, rigging hardware—all can wear down ropes. Urethane coatings are often applied to prevent cuts and tears.
• A good arborist rope has a tightly woven sheath to withstand friction and abrasion over time.

Compatibility with Climbing/Rigging Systems:

• Some ropes work better with mechanical devices like ascenders, descenders, or rope-walking setups.
• Others are optimized for traditional friction hitches or knot-tying.

Certification & Standards:

• Look for ropes that meet ANSI Z133, EN, or UIAA standards for climbing or rigging.
• Certified gear ensures it’s tested and trusted for professional use.

Whether they're scaling towering oaks, carefully rigging limbs, or preserving the beauty of a city canopy, arborists remind us how powerful and personal the connection between people and trees really is.

So today, and every day, we say thank you. For the hands that hold the ropes, the hearts that care for our forests, and the dedication that keeps our green spaces thriving. So go hug that tree or maybe an arborist.

Happy Arbor Day—from our shop to the top of the tallest tree. 🌲