Artmann expertly throws a small 280-gram bag on a throw line over a thick branch in the upper part of the crown of the old chestnut tree. He uses this to pull in a 60-metre-long rope, the end of which he has tied around the tree’s mighty trunk. A few more adjustments and Artmann’s staircase in the form of a rope is ready. He attaches the foot ascender and the foot sling to the ascent rope and then climbs up into the treetop with movements similar to climbing stairs. Experts call this method the single-rope technique.
Flexible sole with grip
The 62-year-old wears the ELTEN MADDOX BOA® black-red Mid ESD S3S safety boot so that he always has a good grip on the branches when working with the handsaw. Its MAXXIMO sole offers sufficient flexibility and the necessary grip for a secure hold on the narrow branches. Artmann removes the dead wood with a handsaw, the holder of which is attached to his belt for safe transport. “I also work with a chainsaw from time to time. Then, of course, I need chainsaw safety trousers, chainsaw safety boots and ear protectors,” explains the arborist. But today the handsaw is sufficient to skilfully remove dead or rubbing branches.
Important for the climate
Looking after natural monuments such as these chestnut trees in Uedem is a special responsibility for Artmann. “Natural monuments are trees that have been placed under protection due to their age, might and meaningful significance for the location. Such trees must be cared for and preserved.” Not just so that they look beautiful, but because they are extremely valuable for the ecosystem. “When this kind of tree falls, a diverse interconnected community of microorganisms, fungi, insects, small mammals, bats and birds loses its habitat. It takes 200 to 300 young trees to replace the oxygen production of a giant tree,” explains Artmann, pointing out how important the conservation of old trees is for the climate. He specialises in preserving large trees and ensures that these trees remain as healthy as possible and continue to play their important role for the environment.
“Trees don’t need us”
The expert knows that this care is not even that crucial for the trees’ health. “Trees don’t need us, but we need them,” he says. And his work is important so that we can continue to sit safely in the shade under the trees. “I check the chestnut trees here in the villa’s garden every year and prune them slightly every four years due to their trunk rot,” explains Artmann. In road areas, trees need to be checked even more frequently to avoid hazards. Thanks to his safety boots, the arborist does not put his feet at risk. Should a branch fall on his foot when he is working, the steel toe cap in the MADDOX BOA® black-red Mid ESD S3S protects him from injury. And the metal-free anti-perforation protection guards against dangers from below.
The water-repellent upper material of the S3S safety boot also benefits the arborist. “I work in all weathers,” he says. “In windy conditions, it’s actually quite pleasant up to a certain point, but in damp conditions it’s much less fun.” It’s good if at least your feet stay dry. The safety boots also deliver when it comes to comfort on wear: the sole core made from BASF’s Infinergy® ensures excellent cushioning and returns more than half of the energy expended by the arborist with every step when walking on the ground. This means less stress on the joints so that feet stay fit for longer. In addition, the BOA® Fit System twist fastener makes them quick to put on and take off and ensures a custom fit. And even readjusting the fastener with one hand high up in the treetop is no problem.
Fitness must be right
With tree care, the passionate climber has combined his two hobbies: nature and climbing. Stefan Artmann loves his work, even if it is physically demanding. “The job used to help me to stay fit for off-road motorbiking. Today I do endurance training to stay fit for the trees,” he says. Because climbing through the trees using the single-rope technique requires more than just experience – fitness is also a must. “After all, I have to get my weight up there. But as long as I can still reach the points in the tree, I’ll do the job,” says the 62-year-old as he clears away the cut branches from under the chestnut trees in the Haus 3 Eschen villa’s garden.
