On Work Position.

I often hear climbers champion Single Rope Technique, claiming that they couldn't imagine working a tree any other way. I agree with this, because I mostly climb utilizing SRT for most of my work positioning.
When I started climbing I learned on a traditional dynamic system. For me, the biggest problems with this technique were: ascending, managing friction and retrieving my friction management device. Naturally, SRT answers the problematic questions that DRT posed for me.
I think that SRT also owes itself to the production climber because of some of the steps that it eliminates when setting up a tree. When basal-anchoring, there's no need for limb isolation, just a suitable suspension point to carry the load. I can set two primary lines basal anchored in the time it would take to isolate one limb in a DRT configuration (not to mention the pain of sending up a ring and ring). In the same respect, there's no secondary gear retrieval (ie. a friction management device), only rope to pull when the climb is complete. The 1:1 movement along the system as compared with  that of 2:1 in DRT is also a favorable case in point. Of course, these are the obvious characteristics when we're comparing these two climbing systems. I don't want to beat a dead horse.
I don't want to get into the load forces that each system presents either, as that could be a whole discussion in itself that I'll save for another time. Let's assume for this article that the suspension point is strong and can either carry a basal anchored system which would exert twice the load when compared to that of a canopy anchored system.
What I do want to get into is what I call exposure. I'm going to define it, and then I'm going to talk about why an SRT system lends itself to mitigating exposure for the climber in a very effective way. Let's imagine a broad tree with no one central anchor to access the entire crown. Decurrent in character if you will. As a climber crosses over the center of the crown while anchored on the opposite side, rope angle begins to flatten. The potential for a dangerous swing increases. This is exposure, and it has everything to do with rope angle, and the distance to your anchor, and not beng lanyarded to the tree. In order to mitigate this exposure, the climber must change their rope angle. This is for me, the biggest benefit of an SRT system verses a DRT system.
When the climber redirects the climb line in an SRT system, the rope is static, so there's no friction other than that on the climbing device. When redirecting a DRT system, more friction must be managed. This is the deal breaker for me, the re-direct. It has the most DIRECT effect on achieving a comfortable, non-exposed work position.
Remember the broad tree with no central anchor I mentioned a paragraph ago? Well, your on the far side of the tree, far away from your anchor, your climbing higher and higher and the rope angle is getting dangerous. Instead of taking a selfie, you decide that maybe you should mitigate your exposure. For the SRT climber, you can install a simple false-crotch redirect, or drop your climbing system through a natural crotch redirect. Done. The DRT climber runs into a problem, they either can install a fancy redirect with pulleys and other gear that makes an attempt to manage the friction introduced, or they can retrieve their original anchor and reset all together. Meanwhile, the SRT climber has already updated Instagram and called for rigging.
When I study all the hype around the discussion of SRT verses DRT; it always comes down to this one simple concept of being able to easily change my rope angle in an SRT system. My biggest fear in canopy access is exposure. In big crowns I think it's a very real danger. Changing my rope angle diminishes the anxiety that bad rope angle creates. This leads to a safer and more comfortable climb all the time. And that's really why SRT is awesome.

The Work Plan.

Everything starts here. The objective, tree inspection, the specs, site hazards, traffic control, additions to the contract and the list can go on and on. The work plan can be more important than setting a throw line. Coming up with a solid plan in tree work not only keeps people and property safe, but it also leads to a greater amount of production because of the focus it renders on a work site.

I'll start with tree inspection, because honestly I feel it's one thing that I sometimes take for granted. Quickly scanning for large defects or decay just won't cut it. Don't be afraid to rap on an old trunk with a rubber mallet to sound for internal compartments. Take a few minutes, step back and scan the crown for buzzing insects or other animals that can be troublesome. A 360 degree walk around the tree may reveal a defect or hazard that you hadn't seen from a particular angle. This can also open up other options and angles for throwing or shooting lines into the crown for access. I know I get caught up rather easily in the fast paced world of production, but if there is ever a time to slow things down, it's during the planning and prepping stages.

I think we've all heard the old adage, "plan the work and work the plan." For me this carries a lot of weight as a production climber. Understanding what the goals of the contract are is vital in sound execution. Wondering what to do next can slow work down and cause confusion. I like to think about my next move, but I don't try to dwell on it because this can cause stress and anxiety. Don't become overwhelmed with the amount or scope of work, just focus on the work step by step. Things change, especially when you're aloft and realize that certain angles look different, certain rigging schemes may change because of the new view on the project. The ability to adapt, and the ability to communicate those changes to your ground support will no doubt add to a smooth operation and execution of the contract.

Personally, I like to carry many different items of gear for many different types of trees. Especially different hanks of rope. One thing that slows me down quite often is line management, and although I'm not going to get into that on this blog post, I will say that in the planning stages of the climb, I like to study the architecture of the tree in order to pick a rope length that will minimize my time spent managing my lines. Everything from a 15' ornamental to a 150' hardwood will require special tools in order to make the work enjoyable and efficient. This balance really pays off, and there's a real   satisfaction in deploying the right tools in the right situations.

Finally, have a rescue plan in place. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it should be full proof. I think one of best rescue plans is having multiple climbers on a sight. Persons that can access an injured climber and get them out of the crown on whatever system they normally climb on is critical. This means letting crew members know any specifics of your system, and any time you change those configurations during the climb. And be sure to practice. Thinking you know and knowing you know could mean the difference between someone making it home to their family or not.

Don't overlook the importance of the planning stages of work. If you've seen one tree, you haven't seen them all. Don't let reptition or experience cloud the pre-work inspection and planning. Fill up your coffee mug, walk the site with your crew, enjoy the morning and make the site as safe and as fun as possible.