ETHICS

First, do no harm

In order to climb trees, we need to protect trees. To protect trees we need to protect the environment. This includes ensuring that we have clean air, clean soil, clean water, and healthy and biodiverse ecosystems.

Climb barefoot, and with bare hands. If using fall-arresting equipment, only use removable textile gear.

Do not needlessly break living branches. Most trees exhibit self-pruning (cladoptosis). This results in dry, dead branches which have effectively been cut off by the tree itself. If you dislodge one of these branches, you’ll probably cause no damage to the tree. However, take note of who or what the falling branch may hit. Also, be careful not to use the branch as a primary handhold, since you may fall out of the tree.

[In high traffic areas, avoid going off of official paths]

[Mosses and lichens on trees]

When going into nature areas, as and when possible, pick up litter, even though it’s not yours. In high traffic urban areas this can feel futile, since rain will often wash garbage from the surrounding streets into parks. However, picking up clearly visible litter from main paths will help dissuade people from dropping more. In protected wilderness areas I will pick up any litter no matter what.

Consider the specific culture. law and ethics of the place where you’re climbing. In public spaces be considerate and set a good example; in private spaces ensure you have permission from relevant landowners about what you may do.