Top 5 things an Arborist wants for Christmas

Jason LaRose
ISA Certified Arborist, CTSP
Staunton, Virginia

#1 Chainsaw- This one is easy.  Commercial grade top handle Arborist saw.  Preferably a Stihl 200T which is the best climbing saw ever made (except maybe it’s predecessor the “020”).  Good luck finding one though, this saw went out of production 9 years ago.  Prices are high for a decent specimen that runs and they don't last long on the open market, because we all know how awesome they are.  
Be warned: most tree guys will at least consider using it for a pillow the first few nights after it arrives.
Price Range: $500-$1000
Brands: Stihl and everyone else



​#2 Rope- There are many kinds of rope and cordage that get used in day to day tree work.  Lets focus on climbing rope here.  So many options to choose from and none of them are “bad”.  I personally like to have several different climbing lines on the truck every day.  The one I get most excited about is my new 200ft “hank” of static line, touting kernmantle construction with spliced eyes at both ends.
Your tree buddy may want to get the rope out and roll around in it on delivery day, to get his scent on it and vice versa.
Price Range: $175-$300
Brands: Sterling, Yale, Teufelberger


​#3 Boots- Specifically boots made for tree climbing, not to be confused with high quality logging boots or even the cheaply made look alikes at the local shoe store.  In this author's opinion the best arborist climbing boots are made in Italy (big surprise) and are akin to having frog feet on in the tree.  Comfortable ankle support, rubber coping around the toes and sides, kevlar laces and vibram soles.  
Your arborist sweetie will want to wear them for date night tonight, you know, to “break them in”.
Price Range: $225-$375
Brands: Arborpro, La Sportiva, Salewa

#4 Pants- Arborist climbing pants have come a long way from the old days of blue jeans or canvas.  Sure we could still get ‘er done with that stuff on but we would need an attitude adjustment at the end of the day.  These days we have options like breathable fabric touting 4 way stretch technology with kevlar threaded support, gusseted crotch for extra maneuverability, reinforced knees and ankles, and zipper pockets to keep the man glitter out.  
Often used as lounge pants on snow days.
Price Range: $75-$350
Brands: Arborwear, Pfanner, Stein

#5 Handsaw- Not surprisingly another item used for cutting appears on the list.  However handsaws are more than a cutting implement, they become a working part of the body, an extension of the arm.  Used almost as much for retrieving items that are just out of reach as it is for removing branches from the tree.  Old school handsaws resembled carpentry saws, they were long, not real sharp, and cumbersome to use and move around with.  Today we have blades with hundreds of razor sharp teeth made from hardened japanese steel (I love saying that), and pistol grip configuration, that attach beautifully to the lower leg for ease of access even in the most awkward positions aloft.
People at the local convenience store may give you some weird looks when you forget it’s on and walk in to get a gatorade at the end of the day.
Price Range: $35-$125
Brands: Silky, Samurai, ARS

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