A Yosemite formation on the traditional bowline increases the amount of rope in the typical breakpoint and, therefore, can add strength to the knot. All photos courtesy of the author. As working arborists, ropes are a vital part of our [...]

Photo 1. Moving the lowering device (LD) to another tree lessened the force on the rigging point and loaded the leaning hemlock in compression along its main stem (green arrow). All photos and diagrams are courtesy of the author. As [...]

If we reduce aerial friction at the rigging point, where does that friction go? The author ran a series of tests to try to find out. This drill was used in the tests to run rope through the system at [...]