Let’s take a look at old-school, natural-union rigging and what it created – friction! This same principle is in play with the new rigging rings that are becoming more and more prevalent in the industry. A rigging ring creates consistent friction aloft, just as a port-a-wrap or bollard-type lowering device would at ground level. It’s easy to create artificial unions with these rigging rings by using a variety of sling configurations. The ability to create anchor points anywhere the tree can support them – not just at the branch unions – really opens up rigging possibilities.
Travis Vickerson, CTSP, QCL, is vice president of operations with Chippers, Inc., an accredited, 21-year TCIA member company with offices in Vermont and New Hampshire.
