2.5.2 Guying a tree
The use of tensioned guy ropes to support trees where the integrity of the stem or root system has been compromised can be a powerful technique . Ultra-static lines of sufficient strength installed to suitable anchors under minimal tension will significantly increase the safety of a rescue operation .
Guy lines can also be mechanically tensioned to ‘ stand up ’ leaning or partially failed trees . This technique is used by arborists when dealing with hung-up trees that must be climbed and may be the most appropriate way to secure a hung-up tree when it must be climbed to access a casualty .
The following pages provide several considerations for tree guying during rescue . Guying trees can be both a simple operation , for example where a smaller tree is moderately secure and could probably be climbed without the guy ; or highly complex , for example where a very large tree has almost completely failed and is precariously lodged . Rescuers must identify and respect the limits imposed by their own skill and experience . Climbing , rigging and dismantling partially failed trees requires a level of experience that many working arborists do not obtain even after many years . It is not something that can be worked out ‘ on the fly ’.
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