The static redirect, as illustrated above, is a simple way of establishing firm work position on lanky stems that may be individually unable to safely or effectively support the climber, especially when working on aged epicormic growth like in some instances of crown restoration and reduction pruning operations.

Multiple static redirects worked into the climbing system can be linked together with the climbing rope and appropriate knots, in order to capture more of the tree’s architecture to strengthen the climber’s work positioning system.

Gerry Beranek highlights this tactic in his book The Fundamentals of General Tree Work, where he writes:

“In many small trees and in the tops of many large trees, a climber will not always find a single good top strong enough for a tie-in. But when there are a number of tops in a tree, their combined strength may offer you a tie-in position…Slings or straps can be used to draw the tops together and a thimble fixed for the tie-in,” (Beranek, 73).

Although some gear and hardware has evolved since 1996, Beranek’s concept of incorporating several tops really shines in the light of the static redirect.

This piece of tradecraft can offer essential comfort in an area of the tree’s crown that is very challenging and delicate to work. Do not underestimate the danger of deploying this technique though, as Beranek also notes:

“Sucker tops are notorious for splitting off the trunk and being a major cause of bad falls out of a tree,” (Beranek, 73).

This post is not meant as a training manual, but rather as a journalistic adventure through my life as a contract climber and as an intimate student of arboriculture. Always seek proper and professional training.

And always seek the truth.