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High climbing
July 10, 2008
The growl of chain saws interrupted the usual sleepy atmosphere of upper campus in June, as tree trimmers from Tree Resource shimmied up the 100-foot Douglas firs flanking the east side of Mary Baker Russell Music Center.
The crew pruned the weakened or dead branches to prevent them from flying off or pulling the tree down during a windstorm.
Think extreme sports, except using a 150-foot vertical surface instead of a rock face or a wave, workers say. The two men working in the trees on that windy day, Doug Smith and Michael Harrell, both admit they are into some wild sports, but climbing up trees beat them all.
Squinting up at the men in harnesses, Sara Paz, PLU’s ground’s maintenance manager, said she chose this Federal Way-based company because of its careful treatment of the trees. No spikes are used. Instead slingshots throw ropes over the tops of the trees, providing lines for the workers to climb up. The company also uses biodiesel to fuel its trucks. Paz talks more about the company and PLU’s mission to care for its trees in this podcast.
Smith’s crew also cares for the branches at the top, or crown of the tree, by wrapping them with cords. The cords allow the branches to grow, while also stabilizing the tree.
In addition, this summer, a student worker is cataloguing all the trees on campus, noting the species, general health and the last time they were checked, Paz said.
“We’re now looking at checking on all the trees in an eight to ten year rotation,” she said.
Think extreme sports, except using a 150-foot vertical surface instead of a rock face or a wave, workers say. The two men working in the trees on that windy day, Doug Smith and Michael Harrell, both admit they are into some wild sports, but climbing up trees beat them all.
Squinting up at the men in harnesses, Sara Paz, PLU’s ground’s maintenance manager, said she chose this Federal Way-based company because of its careful treatment of the trees. No spikes are used. Instead slingshots throw ropes over the tops of the trees, providing lines for the workers to climb up. The company also uses biodiesel to fuel its trucks. Paz talks more about the company and PLU’s mission to care for its trees in this podcast.
Smith’s crew also cares for the branches at the top, or crown of the tree, by wrapping them with cords. The cords allow the branches to grow, while also stabilizing the tree.
In addition, this summer, a student worker is cataloguing all the trees on campus, noting the species, general health and the last time they were checked, Paz said.
“We’re now looking at checking on all the trees in an eight to ten year rotation,” she said.