Vent: I was hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains last weekend and saw a huge oak with about 20 climbing anchors drilled into it.

I mean, it was a popular spot but the sheer number of permanent bolts in a single mature tree, some looking really rusty, has me worried about decay and safety, has anyone else dealt with this kind of damage from recreational climbers?

3 comments

3 Comments

zara_hunt1mo ago

Is it just me or does this kinda mirror how people treat public charging stations or bike racks too? They just slap stuff on without any thought for the long-term damage, and then everyone's surprised when things fall apart.

claire_fisher413mo ago

Did you happen to notice if there were any signs of rot or fungus around the drill holes? I've seen a few trees in my local park that got really sick after people put in bolts and the wounds never sealed right, the bark just started peeling back. Makes me wonder if the climbing groups that use these spots have any rules about checking the trees first.

cameron7633mo ago

Reminds me of how people trash public spots without thinking about the damage they leave behind.