MIS301 Arborist Knots

First Published in Australia in 2018 by Arboriculture Ratified and distributed in New Zealand by the New
Australia Ltd. Zealand Arboricultural Association.
Address: PO Box 80, Marleston Address: 23 Alma St, Nelson,

SA 5033, Australia 7010, New Zealand
Telephone: 1300 664 374 International: +64 4 472 6330
International: +61 8 8293 1522 Email: admin@nzarb.org.nz
Email: enquiries@arboriculture.org.au Website: www.nzarb.org.nz
Website: www.trees.org.au
Acknowledgements
Arboriculture Australia™ is a not-for-profit institution and is
Arboriculture Australia™ and NZArb™ would like to thank
the peak national organisation promoting and representing
the following volunteer technical experts, industry
tree workers, arborists, professional tree management,
representatives and reviewers who spent countless hours
utility vegetation management and urban forestry
contributing information to this document, reviewing draft
throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
versions or working to move this project forward.
Arboriculture Australia™ is proud to be the publisher of the
Arboriculture Australia™ and NZArb™ gratefully
Minimum Industry Standards series. Printed in Australia.
acknowledge their contribution, personal time, their
© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 The copyright invaluable expertise and their ongoing support to bring this
includes all text, drawings, sketches and images, project to fruition:
except where otherwise marked.
Barton Allen-Hall Paul Java
All rights reserved. This book is subject to copyright. Except Guy Badger Richard Kenyon
under the conditions described in the Australian Copyright
James Bade Kiah Martin
Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system Maja Blasch Juri Megarrity
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, Michael Bryne Jeremy MIllar
mechanical, photocopying, recording, duplicating or
otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright Jessie Carson William Mittins
holder. Grant Cody Anthony McConchie
The information in this document has been reviewed and Will Dunn Michael Palamountain
validated by state, national and international industry Scott Forrest Paul Poynter
representatives and deemed to be an accurate description
of appropriate applied-practice skills and techniques, Craig Hallam Michael Ramsden
however neither Arboriculture Australia Ltd or the New Sam Hardingham Mark Roberts
Zealand Arboricultural Organisation accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information Andrew Harrison Adam Tom
contained in this document or the consequences of any Daniel Heyburn Dave Vizer
person relying on such information. All arboriculture work
undertaken or advice given is at your own risk.
All enquiries should be addressed to the publisher. This document is based in part on material created by
Scott Sharpe in 2008 to 2010. This project was
ISBN 978-0-6486866-1-3 something he often discussed. The loss of his
knowledge and enthusiasm is strongly felt.
Written and illustrated: Joseph Harris
Into Trees The Minimum Industry Standard series is
Editor: Kerry Jennings dedicated to all our fellow workers who have
Aerial Consultancy lost their lives or have been permanently
Design and Layout:
injured working in the arboriculture and
Joseph Harris
Into Trees vegetation management industries.
Document code: MIS301

Document title: Arborist Knots
Revision date: May 2020
Version 2nd Edition
A Minimum Industry Standard for arborist knots
This book is one in a series of Minimum Industry Standards produced by
Arboriculture Australia Ltd and the New Zealand Arboricultural
Association in consultation with the national arboriculture community in
both countries. These industry peer-reviewed documents provide a ‘body
of knowledge’ which is shared by practitioners and can be used as the
basis for training, dissemination of skills and professional development.
This book covers the basics of knot selection and knot tying, and
presents the range of core knots every competent arborist should know.
Many other knots exist, some of which may be superior to these core
knots for specific work tasks or functions – the knots presented form a
solid foundation on which practitioners can build.
Users are advised to consult MIS302 Arborist Ropes for more details
about rope type, rope properties and rope inspection. Details of the use
of knots for climbing and rigging operations are contained within the
relevant MISs for those work tasks.
Industry partners
The Minimum Industry Standard series was produced by Arboriculture
Australia Ltd and the New Zealand Arboricultural Association in
partnership with the following state and national industry bodies.
i
Table of Contents
A Minimum Industry Standard for arborist knots................................ i
Industry partners ............................................................................i
Knots for arboriculture ......................................................................... 1
Rope terminology and knot tying principles ........................................ 2
Types of knot ....................................................................................... 4
Tying knots .......................................................................................... 6
Knots ...................................................................................................... 7
1: Bowline ....................................................................................... 7
2: Running bowline ....................................................................... 10
3: Bowline on a bight..................................................................... 12
4: Alpine butterfly .......................................................................... 14
5: Scaffold knot ............................................................................. 17
6: Figure-8 loop ............................................................................. 18
Stopper knots ...................................................................................... 20
7: Double-overhand knot .............................................................. 20
Hitches.................................................................................................. 22
8: Clove hitch ................................................................................ 22
9: Cow hitch with a better half ....................................................... 24
10: Timber hitch ............................................................................ 26
11: Round turn and two half-hitches ............................................. 28
12: Girth hitch................................................................................ 30
13: Constrictor knot ....................................................................... 32
14: Marlinspike hitch ..................................................................... 34
15: Pre-knots – half-hitch and marline hitch ................................. 36
16: Rolling hitch ............................................................................ 38
ii
Bends.................................................................................................... 39
17: Twin bowline bend .................................................................. 39
18: Sheet bend and slippery sheet bend ...................................... 40
19: Zeppelin bend ......................................................................... 42
20: Double fisherman’s bend ........................................................ 44
21: Flemish bend .......................................................................... 46
Friction hitches .................................................................................... 48
22: English prusik hitch ................................................................. 48
23: Blake’s hitch ............................................................................ 50
24: Klemheist ................................................................................ 52
25: Valdôtain Tresse (VT) ............................................................. 54
26: Distel hitch .............................................................................. 56
27: Schwäbisch hitch .................................................................... 58
28: Knut......................................................................................... 60
29: Munter hitch ............................................................................ 62
Using knots for tree work ................................................................... 64
Appendix A: Knots chart ............................................................ 65
References ........................................................................................... 66
Minimum Industry Standards ............................................................. 67
Using the MISs in training and assessment ...................................... 69
Disclaimer for MISs and all associated documents ........................... 71
Industry stewardship program ........................................................... 72
iii
iv
Knots for arboriculture
Arborists use a huge variety of knots for climbing, aerial rigging,
attaching hardware and many other work tasks. Choosing the correct
knot for each task is just as important as tying the knot properly.
Before choosing the knot, arborists should consider the job that the knot
will be doing, and what properties of the knot will help it to do that job
well:
• For rigging, is it important that the knot is strong, doesn’t slip during
dynamic rigging operations, or is easy to untie?
• For climbing, is it important that the knot cinches onto hardware,
doesn’t creep, can be tied mid-line, or is compact or strong?
The right knot must be selected for the right purpose. A small selection
of knots could be used for almost every requirement in tree work – in fact
almost every task in tree work can be performed knowing just a bowline
and a prusik – but that does not mean the tasks would be done well.
To do a good job safely, the correct knot must be selected, tied, dressed,
set and finished.
Good habits adopted from the start will not need to be unlearned. Sloppy
knot tying or poor knot choice have proved fatal for arborists in the past.
© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 1 of 72

Rope terminology and knot tying principles

The correct arboricultural terminology should always be used to refer to
the respective parts and configurations of rope, and to easily identify and
communicate which part of a rope is being used at a particular stage of
tying a knot.
The working end is the end that is used to tie a knot; the running end
is the end not used. The running end may still be in use in
climbing/rigging situations.
The rope in between the two ends is the standing part.
There are other various loops and turns are made in the rope to help
form knots called either a bight, a loop, an elbow or an uncrossed
loop.
A turn is where the rope loops around an object; a round turn is where
the rope loops an additional 360° around the object.

Types of knot

Knots
Knots are used to form a fixed eye in the rope, or to secure a rope
around an object. If the object is removed, the knot will usually remain.
Stopper knot
Stopper knots are used to prevent the end of a rope slipping through an
adjustor, or to prevent the end of a rope slipping through a knot.
Hitches
Hitches are used to bend a rope to or around an object, such as timber
or to another rope when climbing.
Bends
Bends are used to join the ends of two ropes, or to join both ends of a
rope to each other to form a fixed loop.
Friction hitches
Friction hitches are a specialised category of hitch, where the hitch can
be moved along the object it is tied to. Friction hitches are tied onto other
ropes as part of climbing or rigging systems.

Tying knots • Tie the knot and attach it to
any structure or hardware.
• Make sure every part of the
rope is in the correct place.
• With some knots, it is easier
to inspect them before pulling
them tight (e.g. a Flemish
bend).
• Dress the knot by tightening

it until it looks correct.
• Check that every part is
correctly aligned and ‘sitting’
in the right place. It should
already look like a completed
knot.
• Set the knot by loading it.

• The different parts of the
rope will only fully tighten into
their final positions when the
knot is ‘set’.
• With some hitches that move
on the rope, this step allows
you to ensure that the hitch is
functioning correctly.
• Finish the knot by inspecting

it one more time after it has
been loaded – make sure
that any tie-off or backup has
been installed and that the
knot is fit for purpose.

Knots
Knots are used to form a fixed eye in the rope, or to secure a rope
around an object.
1: Bowline
• Also known as the standing bowline, bowlin or bowling knot.

• Possibly the most versatile arborist knot, commonly known as the
‘king of knots’ though becoming less common as a climbing knot.
• When tied correctly, as pictured above, the working end of the rope
finishes on the inside of the loop.
• When tied with the tail on the outside of the loop it is called a
cowboy bowline or left-handed bowline.
• ‘Right-handed is always the more secure variation. Whether there
is a difference in the breaking strain is still undecided.’ (Dirk
Lingens, Tree Climber’s Knotbook, p. 206).
• Because the tail end ‘creeps’ when the knot is loaded and
unloaded it must be tied off or backed up with a stopper knot if
used for life support.

Bowline
uses an end-line attachment knot,
used in many rigging and
climbing systems
approximate strength 60% to 75% of rope strength
cinching no
life support only with backup or tie-off
rigging yes
backup required yes if used for life support

(see bowline with tie-off)
tail creeps yes
minimum tail length 5 x rope diameter, but tail must

be tied off or backed up with
stopper knot for life support
ease of untying very easy even after heavy
load

Double bowline
• The bowline is not suitable for an end-line life-support knot without a
tie-off or backup knot – as noted above, the tail can creep through
the knot when it is loaded and unloaded.
• A double-overhand knot or similar can be used in the tail of the
rope as a backup.
• A tie-off such as the Yosemite tie-off can be used. There have been
a number of incidents relating to the incorrect use of the Yosemite
tie-off; it is easy to attach to the wrong loop in a sloppily tied or
unfinished knot.
• The image below shows a double bowline. This version of the knot
is more secure and less prone to creep.
The right-hand image below shows how to tuck the tail back through
the knot. Tucking the tail in this manner prevents creep and does not
require an additional backup knot.

2: Running bowline
• Running bowlines can allow rigging and tag lines to be set at a
distance by throwing the rope through a union and then pulling the
running bowline tight.
• Running bowlines (when the bowline is backed up with a stopper
knot or tied off) are also a secure way to anchor a life-support line for
climbing.
• Often used with a half-hitch pre-knot (see image on following
page).

Running Bowline
uses attaching ropes to branches for

rigging or climbing
approximate 64% to 68% depending on branch

strength diameter
cinching yes – to structure; can loosen when

unloaded
life support yes – with tie-off on bowline
rigging yes
backup yes if used for life support

required
(see Bowline with tie-off)
tail creeps yes
minimum tail 5 x rope diameter, but tail must be

length tied off or backed up for life support
ease of untying very easy even after heavy load
Running bowline with half-hitch

pre-knot

3: Bowline on a bight
• Solid, easy to tie in-line knot.
• Cannot be tied ‘around’ an object - if this is required then use the
alternate version ‘bowline tied with a bight’ pictured on following
page.

Bowline on a bight
uses in-line attachment knot
cinching no
life support yes
rigging yes – more frequently used for pulling
backup required no
tail creeps no
minimum tail length –
ease of untying very easy even after heavy load
Bowline tied with a bight

4: Alpine
butterfly
Butterfly knot: tying
method 1
• An excellent mid-line
knot for integration into
many different climbing
systems.
• Comparatively weak –
may decrease rope
strength by over 50%.
• Can be confusing to tie
at first.
• Can be loaded multi-
directionally.
• Sometimes used as a
‘running alpine
butterfly’ (see page 16)
to secure canopy
anchors, or to choke
lines against wide
stems for access via
footlocking techniques.

Butterfly knot: tying method 2
!
Alpine butterfly
uses multi-directional in-line knot
approximate 45% to 48% of rope strength

strength
cinching no
life support yes
rigging yes, but weak and binds up
backup required no
tail creeps no
ease of untying difficult after heavy loads

Running alpine butterfly
• The running alpine butterfly (shown above not dressed or set) is tied
exactly like the normal alpine butterfly, and then the working end of
the line is fed through the eye of the knot.
• By pulling on the working end, the system can be choked against a
branch or stem as shown, to anchor one side or to bring both sides
of the rope closer together.

5: Scaffold knot
• Also known as a poacher’s knot or a double fisherman’s
loop.
Scaffold knot
uses end-line attachment knot
approximate strength 60% of rope strength
cinching yes
life support yes
rigging yes – for fixed attachments
backup required no
tail creeps yes
minimum tail length 5 x rope diameter
ease of untying very difficult after heavy

loads

6: Figure-8 loop Figure-8 loop
stable
in-line or
uses
end-line
knot
approximate
80%
strength
cinching no
life support yes
rigging yes
backup
no
required
tail creeps yes
minimum 5 x rope
tail length diameter
may bind
ease of
if used for
untying
rigging
• Makes a stable eye that is stronger than a bowline and can be

loaded in multiple directions.
• It can be tied as an end-line knot, midline by using a bight (as shown
above) or around an object by retracing the knot (see following
page).

Retraced figure-8 loop
• Can also be tied
around an object.
Begin by tying a
figure-8 in the line as
shown, then pass the
running end around
the object.
• The running end can
then be retraced back
through the figure-8
knot, making sure that
both sides of the line
remain adjacent
throughout the knot.
• Note that a similar
method of tracing the
end of a rope through
a figure-8 knot can be
used to join two ropes
– this is called the
Flemish bend or
retraced figure-8
bend.

Stopper knots
Stopper knots are used to prevent the end of a rope slipping through an
adjustor, or to prevent the end of a rope slipping through a knot.
7: Double-overhand knot
Also known as a barrel knot.
• A simple, secure end-line stopper knot.
• Opposing double-overhands are used to make the
double-fisherman’s loop.

Double-overhand knot or barrel knot
uses end-line stopper knot
approximate strength not directly loaded;

will reduce strength
tail creeps yes
ease of untying will bind if loaded

Hitches
Hitches are used to bend a rope to or around an object, such as timber
or to another rope when climbing.
8: Clove hitch
• Second only to the bowline (knot #1) in versatility.

• Commonly used as an end-line attachment knot in many rigging
situations such as attaching limbs to be lowered (must be backed up
in this situation – see below).
• Also used to send up items to a climber, where the items do not
have a karabiner attached such as a drink bottle, hand saw, etc.
• If used as an end line attachment knot it must be backed up with a
minimum of two half-hitches to stop this hitch from potentially
rolling out (see following page).
• Can be tied mid-line.
• Can be tied by bending two loops, inverting and ‘dropping over’ an
object, or by passing the object through to tie an in-line clove hitch.

Clove hitch
many rigging
uses and climbing
uses
approximate
60% to 70%
strength
cinching yes – to object
life support yes
rigging yes
yes – must be
backup required tied off with two
half-hitches
yes, during
tail creeps
rollout
minimum tail tail must be

length tied off
fairly easy even

ease of untying after heavy
load

9: Cow hitch with a better half
• Could be used instead

of a clove hitch to attach to
branches.
• Vulnerable to twisting on
stem if loaded rotationally
‘around’ stem in wrong
direction – dress this knot to ensure
that the load works against the bight.
• Quick to tie and untie.
• A good choice for attaching hardware such as
rigging blocks or pulleys.

Cow hitch with a better half
uses attachment knot for rigging
approximate strength 57% to 76%
life support uncommon
rigging yes
backup required the ‘better half’ is the backup
tail creeps yes, under load
minimum tail length heavy loads can pull through lots of

tail
ease of untying very easy

10: Timber hitch
• Very easy knot to tie and is very secure under load; easy to untie
and does not jam. The timber hitch also uses minimal rope.
• It is important to have at least four wraps around the ‘standing part’
of the hitch; they need to be wrapped at least halfway around the
circumference of the object. A stopper knot can also be added to the
running end. Turns must be against the trunk – they are less
effective when not in contact, such as over a hollow or buttress.
• Not to be used for life support.
This hitch is very susceptible to
direction change and it is
important to load the hitch
vertically or ninety degrees
(90°) to the bight, instead of
horizontally. If the hitch slips
sideways the wraps could
bunch up severely
compromising its hold on the
object. Placing a half hitch
below the timber hitch
will reduce this risk.!

Timber hitch
uses attachment knot for rigging
highly variable depending on trunk

approximate strength
diameter
life support no
rigging yes
backup required no
tail creeps if tied with insufficient wraps
ease of untying very easy

11: Round turn and two half-hitches
• Also known as a rigger’s knot.
• Technically a running knot rather than a hitch, but included here

because it serves a similar work function to neighbouring hitches.
• An excellent knot for heavy loads – the turns applied to the timber
will reduce the force applied on the hitches. Taking additional turns
will make the knots stronger and easier to untie.
• With sufficient turns, this knot can be untied under load.

Round turn and two half-hitches
attaching ropes for rigging or

uses
climbing
very strong, particularly on large

diameter logs or with extra turns
life support yes – with tie-off or stopper knot
rigging yes
backup required no for rigging, yes for life support
tail creeps no
ease of untying easiest knot to untie after load

12: Girth hitch
• Useful way to quickly cinch a rope loop or webbing sling to an

object.
• Much better than attaching a karabiner to a loop when used for life
support – helps to maintain alignment and prevent cross-loading.
• Can be tied in several different ways:
o method 1 – pass bight through loop around object
o method 2 – make opposing loops in the rope and pass
object through
o method 3 – pass a bight of a rope or loop through an object
and then around and over the object (on following page).

Girth hitch
uses cinching loops onto objects
depends on object diameter – weak if

used to join 2 slings
cinching yes
life support yes when used to cinch suitable loop
rigging yes
backup required no
tail creeps –
easy if object removed – can bind tightly

ease of untying
under load

13: Constrictor knot
• A modified version
of the clove hitch,
known to be one of
the most effective
binding knots.
• Can be extremely
difficult to untie
after loading.
• Earliest record of
this knot is a
description called
the timmerknut
(timber knot) in the
1916 Swedish book
Om Knutar (On
Knots).
• Useful when a firm
grip is required on a
smooth object, such
as when sending a
drink bottle or pole
saw up to a climber.
• More stable and
dependable than a
clove hitch.
• Must be backed up
with half-hitches if
used for life support.

Constrictor knot
sending up equipment; tie-offs where

uses security is the most important
consideration
approximate strength unknown
cinching yes
life support yes – with tie-off
rigging yes but would bind
backup required yes
tail creeps yes
extremely difficult – may be

ease of untying
impossible

14: Marlinspike hitch
• Also known as a marline spike hitch.

• Quick, easy knot that can be tied with one hand, slips undone once
attachment removed.
• Take care not to tie ‘upside down’
when sending up
equipment
– see tied
knot in red
below –
because the
tail can
pull
through.

Marlinspike hitch
sending up equipment; quick

uses
attachments
approximate strength not used for heavy loads
cinching yes
life support no
rigging no
backup required -
tail creeps yes if tied in wrong direction
minimum tail length mid-line knot
ease of untying easy if object removed

15: Pre-knots – half-hitch and marline
hitch
marline hitch
half-hitch
• Both are supplementary hitches to protect a primary knot from

slipping, to possibly improve strength by distributing load, or to
change the balance point when rigging.
• Both pre-knots will become the weakest point in the configured
system – the rope will usually break at the pre-knot rather than the
primary knot.
• Rope should be pre-tensioned to avoid excessive heat from friction
as tension is applied.!

Half-hitch and marline hitch
uses supplementary hitch in rigging systems
as part of system with suitable primary

life support
knot
rigging yes
backup required no
tail creeps –
easy if object removed – half-hitch slightly

ease of untying
easier to remove from log

16: Rolling hitch
Rolling hitch
uses send up a rope or attach a rope to a log
approximate
will depend on use – varies
strength
cinching yes – to rope or object
life support no
rigging yes
backup required yes
tail creeps yes
must use backup or tie-off – will roll out similar to

minimum tail length
clove hitch if not backed up with half-hitches
ease of untying will bind if loaded

Bends
Bends are used to join the ends of two ropes, or to

join both ends of a rope to each other to form a fixed
loop.
17: Twin bowline bend
Twin bowline bend
Easy to untie
uses
bend
approximate unknown, likely

strength about 60%
cinching -
life support must be tied off
rigging yes
yes, will loosen

backup
when unloaded –
required
use tie-off
tail creeps yes
minimum tail
5 x rope diameter
length
ease of untying easy

18: Sheet bend and slippery sheet bend

Sheet bend and slippery sheet bend
uses joining ropes to send up to aerial worker
45% to 55%; prone to collapse before

break
cinching -
life support no
rigging no
backup required not required for sending up ropes
tail creeps no
minimum tail length -
• Quick, easy way to join two ropes to send up to an aerial worker -

works with ropes of different diameters.
• Can be installed mid-line by making a bend at any point.
• Can be tied on a bight if required.
• Not for use for rigging or life-support – slips and rolls easily.
• Use a slippery sheet bend (B) to make it easier and quicker for an
aerial worker to separate ropes even where significant rope weight is
applied.

19: Zeppelin bend

Zeppelin bend
uses joining ropes
varies depending on similarity of rope

diameters
cinching -
life support yes
rigging yes
backup required yes if used for life support
tail creeps yes if loaded and unloaded
• A reasonably stable knot to join two ropes.

• Can loosen, particularly on stiff cordage when loaded and unloaded.
• Use backups or tie-offs if used for life-support.
• Looks very similar to several other bends such as the Ashley,
hunter’s and butterfly bends – all of which can be mistaken for this
knot without close inspection.
• Very similar to an extremely weak knot called the ‘evil imposter’ –
inspect this knot very carefully before using it.

20: Double fisherman’s bend
!

Double fisherman’s bend
permanently joins two rope ends; often
uses
used when making prusik loops
cinching no
life support yes
rigging not common for rigging use – binds
backup required no
tail creeps yes
very difficult – can be impossible after

ease of untying
load
• Once loaded it can be very difficult to untie and is most commonly

used in a permanent situation.
• Some modern high-modulus rope fibres are very slippery and can
creep slowly, so it is advisable to ‘whip’ or stitch the tail of the knot to
the standing part of the rope once loaded.
• Ensure LONG TAILS from either side of the knot to avoid problems.

21: Flemish bend
• Also known as an interlaced figure-8 bend.

Flemish bend
uses joining climbing ropes
approximate strength 70%
cinching -
life support yes
rigging yes but may bind
backup required no
tail creeps yes if loaded and unloaded
easy after moderate load – will bind if

ease of untying
used for rigging

Friction hitches
22: English prusik hitch
• A good, simple hitch with many

applications.
• Commonly used as a friction hitch
for Moving Rope Technique or
similar climbing applications.
• ‘4-wrap’ version shown – can be
tied with additional wraps if
required. Friction will depend on
variables such as rope
construction, grip, diameter and
climbing system used.

English prusik hitch
uses climber's friction hitch
approximate strength will usually slip on rope before breaking
cinching yes
life support yes
rigging yes
backup required no
tail creeps no
ease of untying usually easy
• Called an ‘English prusik’ in Australia and New Zealand, but usually

described as a ‘prusik hitch’ in most other countries.
• Named after an Austrian mountaineer called Karl Prusik.
• Often misspelled as prussik, prussick or prussic.

23: Blake’s hitch
• 5 wrap Blake’s hitch shown – a minimum of 4 wraps must be used

but climbers may add more wraps depending on rope construction,
diameter and hitch performance.
Closed climbing system made with

Blake’s hitch on tail of climbing line and
clove hitch to attach to karabiner

Blake’s hitch
cinching yes
life support yes
rigging yes – not common
yes – must use stopper knot or tie-off as

backup required
shown
tail creeps yes – can creep significantly
minimum tail length must use backup or tie-off
• A popular friction hitch for climbers, particularly in the United States

of America.
• Easy to adjust the distance of the hitch from the climber; can be tied
using the tail of the climbing rope (closed climbing system) if a
second climbing system is needed.
• Not recommended for extended use as a primary climbing system if
tied with tail of climbing rope – climbing rope will not be heat
resistant.
• Wear/fraying is concentrated on the part of rope that is tucked
under.

24: Klemheist!
• A quickly tied and easily adjusted friction hitch. Additional wraps can
easily be added if required.
• Can bind under load and may need to be loosened – not used as a
work positioning hitch.
• Very easy to advance when unloaded. A good way to join
mechanical advantage systems to rigging ropes.

Klemheist
uses climbing and rigging friction hitch
cinching yes
life support yes
rigging yes
backup required no
tail creeps no – tied with loop
minimum tail length tied with loop

25: Valdôtain Tresse (VT)
!
• Also known as a French prusik.

• Very fast and smooth friction hitch. Works well on almost any
rope type. Releases the rope and ‘fairleads’ the climbing line
very well.
• Very simple to tie and can be ‘tweaked’ by the quick addition or
subtraction of wraps or braids. Usually tied with 4 wraps and 3
crosses (see image above).
• One of the very few prusik hitches that holds securely on a rope
that is already under load. When tied using a loop, this variation
is called a Machard Tresse (MT) Prusik.
• Very fast! Can deform when unloaded; may need regular
dressing during use.
• The French prusik only operates in one direction.!

Valdôtain Tresse / French prusik
uses climber’s friction hitch
cinching yes
life support yes
rigging yes
backup required no
tail creeps –
The French Prusik is an unforgiving knot that has shortcomings with

potentially fatal consequences. The primary shortcoming is that it
sometimes fails to grab the rope if not tied exactly right. This typically
occurs when not enough wraps and braids are taken with the cord.
The length, diameter, and pliability of the cord also strongly influence
how the hitch will perform. As with all knots, the French Prussik must
not be integrated into a climbing system until the climber has mastered
tying and operating it while on the ground.
(J Jepson, The Tree Climber’s Companion, p. 84)

26: Distel hitch
!
• A compact and easily adjusted friction hitch. When tied well it has
less setting distance (inefficiency) than the more popular Valdôtain
Tresse (VT).
• Usually tied with a minimum of 4 wraps – 5 wraps shown above
• May need regular adjustment to function smoothly.
• Grabs more reliably than the ‘looser’ VT but may not tend as
smoothly. Can bind easily.
• Named after its inventor, Ulrich Distel.

Distel hitch
cinching yes
life support yes
rigging could be used but not common
backup required no
tail creeps –

27: Schwäbisch hitch
• An asymmetric version of the English prusik, which operates more

smoothly.
• Usually tied with a minimum of 4 wraps – 6 wraps shown above.
• Cannot be tied using a prusik loop – only eye-and-eye or split tail.
• In contrast to the other eye-and-eye hitches, both arms of the hitch
cord leave the hitch on the same side of the primary rope – can be
useful with some systems to prevent overloading of karabiners.
• Also known as a Swabian hitch.

Schwäbisch hitch
cinching yes
life support yes
backup required no
tail creeps –

28: Knut
• A distel hitch variation that allows one-handed tending without need

of a prusik-tending pulley.
• Usually tied with a minimum of 4 wraps – 5 wraps shown above.
• Invented and popularised by Knut Foppe.
• Pronounced ‘kuh-noot’ by most English-speaking arborists.

Knut
cinching yes
life support yes
backup required no
tail creeps –

29: Munter hitch
• The Munter (or Italian) hitch can

be used to control friction in a
belaying system.
• If used as part of a life-support
belay system, it must be backed up
(‘fail to safe’) either with a prusik
hitch, or by using a different
locking system that would
prevent the climber from
slipping if the rope was
released.
• The falling part of the
rope must be against
the spine of the
karabiner (as shown)
and not the gate to
avoid rollout.
• Ensure that the
karabiner used is
suitable for this
purpose and
compatible with the
rope diameter – oval
karabiners may
inhibit proper knot
function on larger
climbing rope
diameters.
!

Munter hitch
uses belay hitch
approximate
-
strength
cinching yes
no – must incorporate
‘fail to safe’
life support
mechanism such as
prusik hitch
could be used for

additional friction on
rigging
small pieces – would
hockle rope
backup
-
required
tail creeps -
minimum tail
-
length
ease of
very easy
untying

Using knots for tree work
Please see the following MISs for further details about how to use
arborist knots for tree climbing and rigging:
• MIS305 Tree Climbing
• MIS303 Dismantling Trees
• MIS304 Aerial Rescue
Arborists use many different knots beyond those discussed in this book.
Experience and tenure in industry will guide arborists in selecting knots
that ‘work for them’.
Knots selected should have solid merit for the intended work task and
should stand up to the rigours of testing and dependability, including
critical analysis from experts.
When adopting knots that are not discussed in this document, ensure
you understand their risks and weaknesses, and that the knots you
select are appropriate for the intended work task.

Appendix A: Knots chart
Knot Page Strength reduction* Life support Rigging
Alpine butterfly 14 52% to 55% Yes Binds
Blake’s hitch 50 Slips Yes Uncommon
Bowline 7 26% to 53% No Yes
Bowline on a bight 12 - Yes Yes
Bowline with tie-off 8 26% to 45% Yes Yes
Clove hitch 22 25% to 45% With tie-off Yes
Constrictor knot 34 - With tie-off Binds
Cow hitch 24 17% to 38% With tie-off Yes
Distel hitch 56 Slips Yes Uncommon
Double fisherman’s bend 44 21% to 26% Yes Binds
Double-overhand knot 20 30% - No
English prusik hitch 48 Slips Yes Yes
Figure-8 loop 18 80% Yes Uncommon
Flemish bend 46 70% Yes Yes
Girth hitch 30 - Yes Yes
Half-hitch 36 7% to 43% - -
Klemheist 52 Slips Yes Uncommon
Knut 60 Slips Yes Uncommon
Marline hitch 36 36% to 41% - -
Marlinspike hitch 32 - No No
Munter hitch 62 - With backup Small bits
Rolling hitch 38 - No Yes
Round turn with two half-hitches 28 6% to 30% Yes Yes
Running bowline 10 32% to 36% With tie-off Yes
Scaffold knot 17 40% to 43% Yes Binds
Schwäbisch hitch 58 Slips Yes Uncommon
Sheet bend 40 50% No No
Slippery sheet bend 40 50% No No
Timber hitch 26 7% to 31% No Yes
Twin bowline bend 39 Possibly around 60% With backup Yes
Valdôtain Tresse 54 Slips Yes Uncommon
Zeppelin bend 42 20% to 25% With tie-off Yes
* Note: strength reduction varies enormously – many of these results are from limited tests
on a small range of ropes. Strength reduction on ultra-static technical fibres may exceed
90%. Use these figures as a rough guide only.

References
• Ashley, CW 1993, The Ashley Book of Knots, Faber & Faber,
London, United Kingdom.
• Brudi & Partner TreeConsult and Treevolution Arboricultural
Services, Chris Cowell (Treepartner), and Paul Howard (ArBO)
2008, Evaluation of Current Rigging and Dismantling Practices
used in Arboriculture, Health and Safety Executive, London,
United Kingdom.
• Jepson, J 2007, The Tree Climber's Companion: A Reference
And Training Manual For Professional Tree Climbers, Beaver
Tree Publishing, Longville, Minnesota, United States.
• Lilly, S 2005, Tree Climbers’ Guide, International Society of
Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois, Untied States.
• Lingens, D 2006, Tree Climbers Knotbook, Schlauverlag,
Stockelsdorf, Germany.
• Philpott, L 2006, Pocket Guide to Knots, IMM Lifestyle Books,
New Holland, London, United Kingdom.
• Richards, D 2005, Knot Break Strength vs Rope Break Strength,
Cordage Institute, Sugar Land, Texas.
<caves.org/section/vertical/nh/50/knotrope-hold.html>
• SampsonRope, 2005, Professional Arborist Ropes, Samson
Rope Technologies <www.samsonrope.com>.
• Yale Cordage <www.yalecordage.com>.

Minimum Industry Standards
This document is one in a series of Minimum Industry Standards (“MIS”)
produced by Arboriculture Australia Ltd in partnership with the New
Zealand Arboricultural Association and the wider arboriculture
community to ensure that all people working, assessing and providing
advice in relation to trees (excluding commercial forestry) have access to
industry peer-reviewed documents explaining the core standards of skills
and equipment with which competent practitioners should be familiar.
Where a MIS exists for a particular task, it is deemed by industry experts
to:
• Provide an overview of the task, as it is practiced in industry.
• Define an industry consensus regarding the current appropriate
applied-practice ways of conducting that task.
• Specify the minimum skill and knowledge requirements for
performing particular tasks in the workplace.
At times, the complexity of a task may surpass the level of skill described
in a MIS. It is the practitioner’s responsibility to clearly understand and
interpret the level of skill described in the MIS and whether that level is
adequate for the task before them. In many cases a person will need to
refer to several MIS documents to complete one task.
The prime purpose of the MIS is to provide minimum standards for the
safety of tree workers, while still encouraging and fostering innovative
practices.
Equipment, tests, inspection or practices other than those in this
document may be perfectly satisfactory. Organisations are at liberty to
provide different equipment, to specify different tests, or to inspect
equipment in a manner or at intervals assessed as appropriate to
particular circumstances, provided that these alternatives are based on
sound design or reasoning and that the outcome of worker safety is not
prejudiced.

Both Arboriculture Australia Ltd and the New Zealand Arboricultural
Association encourage any worker in any industry to conduct annual
continued education and training to grow their competency in specific
tasks and ensure they have appropriate training in the task being
conducted prior to commencing any work.
The following diagram outlines the framework into which this MIS fits:
This MIS does not substitute for, or override, any legislation or regulation
enacted by jurisdictional regulators or safety rules implemented by
organisations. As depicted above, it is merely a guiding tool within the
system.
Association will monitor the use and impact of these MIS and,
consequently, may review and amend as the industry continues to
evolve.
It is not the responsibility of Arboriculture Australia Ltd or of the New
Zealand Arboricultural Association to notify users of these documents
when reviews and reprints occur.

Using the MISs in training and assessment
This document provides information that can be used to assist
students/learners in gaining knowledge and understanding industry
terminology and norms. Learning and practising skill components must
be conducted under the supervision of a competent person or trainer. Do
not attempt to practice any of the techniques described in this document
without the supervision of a competent practitioner.
In Australia
A key outcome for the production of national MIS documents is their use
to support training aligned to the units of competency from the Australian
AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management
Training Package, in particular the arboricultural industry sector-specific
units of competency.
The MIS for each work task defines an industry consensus of the
benchmark of competence in a work task. Therefore, it is an assessment
requirement for each unit of competency that the performance criteria,
performance evidence and knowledge evidence demonstrated by the
candidate is at least to the level described in the MIS for that work task.
Where units of competency are not specific in their description of the
industry techniques or benchmark of ability expected of holders of that
unit, RTOs should use the relevant MIS document as a supplementary
guide for industry expectations when conducting training or designing
assessment instruments.
This does not mean that techniques or equipment not described in the
relevant MIS should not be taught or assessed. There are many ways to
appropriately complete each task and some methods and equipment
may be more advanced than those in this document.

In New Zealand
A key outcome for the production of national MIS documents is their use
to support training and education towards the New Zealand
Certificates in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) and Arboriculture.
These Certificates (Levels 3 to 5) are designed to provide the
arboriculture industry with individuals who have the technical skills and
knowledge to safely undertake and manage arboriculture operations to
maximise effectiveness.
The MIS for each work task defines an industry consensus of the
benchmark of competence in a work task. The level at which the work
task is assessed will reflect the New Zealand Qualification Authority
(NZQA) Level, the Strategic Purpose of the qualification and the
corresponding Educational and Employment Pathway. Depending on
the relevant Graduate Profile, work tasks described in the MIS may
address the content of more than one qualification and may progress
more than one Education Pathway.
This does not mean that techniques or equipment not described in the
relevant MIS should not be taught or assessed. There are many ways to
appropriately complete each task and some methods and equipment
may be more advanced than those in this document.

Disclaimer for MISs and all associated documents
This document refers to various standards, guidelines, calculations, legal
requirements, technical details and other information. It is important that
readers and parties who implement this MIS are aware of the duties and
recommendations contained in these other sources.
Over time, changes in Australian and New Zealand Standards, industry
standards and legislative requirements, as well as technological
advances and other factors relevant to the information contained herein
may affect the accuracy of the information contained in this document.
Accordingly, caution should be exercised in relation to the use of the
information in this document.
Association will regularly update the MISs as deemed necessary. It is
the responsibility of the user to ensure the version they are using is
current. It is not the responsibility of Arboriculture Australia Ltd or of the
New Zealand Arboricultural Association to notify users of these
documents when reviews and reprints occur. Please go to the
Arboriculture Australia Ltd website at trees.org.au or to the New Zealand
Arboricultural Association website at nzarb.org.nz to confirm that you are
using the current version.
The information in this document has been reviewed and validated by
state and national industry representatives and deemed to be an
accurate description of appropriate applied-practice skills and
techniques. Arboriculture Australia Ltd and the New Zealand
Arboricultural Association accept no responsibility or liability for the
accuracy of any information contained herein, or the consequences of
any person relying on such information. All arboriculture work is
undertaken at your own risk.

Industry stewardship program
The development of the Minimum Industry Standards has been made
possible by generous support from the following businesses who
provided financial seed funding to the project to improve and increase
education and safety in the arboriculture and vegetation management
industries.
Project partners
Project sponsors
Project supporters

MIS301 Arborist Knots

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

MIS301 Arborist Knots

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

MIS301 Arborist Knots

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

First Published in Australia in 2018 by Arboriculture Ratified and distributed in New Zealand by the New

Australia Ltd. Zealand Arboricultural Association.

Address: PO Box 80, Marleston Address: 23 Alma St, Nelson,

Document code: MIS301

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 1 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 2 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 3 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 4 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 5 of 72

• Dress the knot by tightening

• Set the knot by loading it.

• Finish the knot by inspecting

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 6 of 72

• Also known as the standing bowline, bowlin or bowling knot.

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 7 of 72

life support only with backup or tie-off

backup required yes if used for life support

minimum tail length 5 x rope diameter, but tail must

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 8 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 9 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 10 of 72

uses attaching ropes to branches for

approximate 64% to 68% depending on branch

cinching yes – to structure; can loosen when

life support yes – with tie-off on bowline

backup yes if used for life support

tail creeps yes

minimum tail 5 x rope diameter, but tail must be

ease of untying very easy even after heavy load

Running bowline with half-hitch

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 11 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 12 of 72

uses in-line attachment knot

approximate strength 60% to 75% of rope strength

life support yes

rigging yes – more frequently used for pulling

minimum tail length –

ease of untying very easy even after heavy load

Bowline tied with a bight

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 13 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 14 of 72

uses multi-directional in-line knot

approximate 45% to 48% of rope strength

life support yes

rigging yes, but weak and binds up

minimum tail length –

ease of untying difficult after heavy loads

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 15 of 72

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 16 of 72

uses end-line attachment knot

approximate strength 60% of rope strength

life support yes

rigging yes – for fixed attachments

tail creeps yes

minimum tail length 5 x rope diameter

ease of untying very difficult after heavy

© Arboriculture Australia Ltd 2018 Page 17 of 72

life support yes

tail creeps yes

• Makes a stable eye that is stronger than a bowline and can be