Watching a climber use spurs on a live oak has me rethinking standard practice

I was helping with a crown reduction on a mature oak yesterday, and the climber went up with spurs. He argued that on thick-barked trees, the damage is minimal and it lets him work faster with less set-up. But my training always stressed that any puncture wound can lead to decay, especially on oaks which are prone to diseases. I've seen trees with old spur marks that developed cankers years later. Yet, for some jobs like emergency removals after storms, using spurs might be the only safe way. I'm really torn between following best practices for tree care and the practical needs on the job site. What's your take on using spurs for pruning versus removals?

3 comments

3 Comments

laura_ward4d ago

Oaks often heal from spur marks without issues, don't they?

richardthompson4d ago

Actually thought they hurt trees, but looks fine now.

stellaw914d ago

Heard foresters say trees compartmentalize wounds pretty well. The cambium layer grows over the damage.