The Ultimate Tree Climbing Quiz

More people are climbing trees for fun, joining the arborists who climb trees to care for them.

Arborists, or tree-care specialists, perform a wide range of tree-related tasks such as pruning and removing dead branches, diagnosing diseases and insect infestations, supervising tree plantings, overseeing general tree health, advising in matters of tree safety and of course, planning some great Arbor Day festivities.

People trained as facilitators can lead group climbs, but they aren't qualified to teach tree-climbing techniques to beginners. For that, they have to be professional instructors.

People trained as facilitators can lead group climbs, but they aren't qualified to teach tree-climbing techniques to beginners.

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service offers training sessions for instructor certification.

Tree-climbing gear is suitable only for people who've been climbing trees for a while and have the experience needed to try new tricks.

Tree climbing ropes are typically made out of braided polyester, which is soft and pliable for easy knot tying.

Tree climbing can also cause little bits of debris to rain down on climbers, so it's smart to wear safety glasses.

While 150 feet (45 meters) is an oft-cited length, a good rule of thumb is to estimate the height of the tree you want to climb, then double it. That's how much rope you'll want.

Tame trees have been climbed by others and cleared of safety threats.

Wild trees are best left to tree-climbing experts and arborists.

Arborists, or tree-care specialists, perform a wide range of tree-related tasks, such as pruning and removing dead branches, diagnosing diseases and insect infestations, supervising tree plantings, overseeing general tree health, advising in matters of tree safety and, of course, planning some great Arbor Day festivities.

Tree climbing is good exercise and, once you have the basic gear, it's a lot cheaper than going to the gym.

A few items that should be used on any basic climb include a helmet, a saddle (the harness that climbers sit in), carabiners, rope, and a throw bag and line to launch the rope over the first branch.

In the case of tall trees, a slingshot or a bow and arrow may be needed to lob a line over a desired limb.

Tree climbers can't go wrong with nonslip gloves, which protect hands from blisters and help maintain traction.

Some climbers haul up hammocks or portable platforms so they can spend time relaxing on elevated perches, enjoying the view and sometimes even spending the night.

The doubled-rope technique is the more commonly practiced of the two.

Helmets should be worn by all climbers and also by any spectators on the ground. They not only offer protection in the event someone falls, but help guard against injury from dangerous hazards like falling branches.

Even if an insect infestation or fungi growth haven't damaged a tree, still keep an eye out for wasps and bees, as well as plants such as poison ivy and poison sumac.