Climbing wall on a tree

This came up in a conversation today, I'm probably not going to do it but it would be interesting to see if anyone else has done it and how to do it. That is, how to make a sick climbing route with climbing wall holds on a tree. I've got some fairly big Eucalyptus trees in my backyard and I think it would be cool to make a route up one. Possibly even with hangars installed somehow for a sportlead?

Trees have feelings too man, geez

yea but they dont have souls, like gingers, so its okay

JJ Brunner wrote:yea but they dont have souls, like gingers, so its okay

I have actually done this with a poplar tree in my yard, plus a hangboard. It's not as fun as you would think. Hard to keep the holds from spinning for one thing.

I like the small board mounted on the tree, much better than just nailing holds into the tree it self. Photos look like fun!

I'd be concerned about rot or decay. I know tree steps for bow climbing aren't the same as installing a route on a tree, but I've had tree steps rip out of a tree before. I can't help but think the samething could happen.

I would think your safest bet would be to build a wall that is supported by the tree. You want your support(tree) to stay nice and healthy. As I have taken a two story plunge from a tree house that collapsed under me I am a bit hesitant to trust nailed structures in trees long term.

Also consider that if your tree blew down in a storm and say crushed part of your house, your insurance company would likely deny the claim if you had a bunch of climbing holds and plywood screwed to it. They would consider your alterations as cause for the trees demise verses the storm.

BTW Eucalyptus is very soft wood....

I had a friend screw holds to a tree, climbed it once, and never climbed it again.

If you want to climb trees, it is a blast without holds, bring a grip of long runners for pro, there are forests full of fun climbing.

I built this wall on our Oak tree in the backyard, included a top rope off a main branch. Lots of fun and even got requests from neighbors to have their kids birthday parties in the backyard of my home!