Arborist Chris Larson Quoted by LNP Following Zip Line Fatality
Robson Forensic tree expert Christopher Larson was cited in the LNP/Lancaster Online coverage of an incident where a backyard zipline caused a tree to break and fall, fatally injuring a child. LNP cites Larson's article System Failures of Zip Line Hardware in Trees:
In a March 2023 article published by Robson Forensic, Christopher Larson, a certified master arborist from Chicago, said anytime [sic] a hole is drilled into a tree to install a zip line, it opens up the possibility of infection and decay that can undermine the tree’s structural integrity.
Before installing a zip line, Larson recommended consulting an arborist to assess the health of a tree and determine whether the species can tolerate the damage from drilling a hole and the stress caused by use of a zip line.
An arborist inspecting a tree also will have to consider the health of the tree’s root flare — which anchors the tree to the ground — as well as any branches that could potentially fall onto the zip line.
Larson said wooden poles also used for zip line anchors can decay as readily as trees, even if they are treated. He advised they be regularly inspected.
Read the full story:
‘Tragic accident’ involving backyard zip line in East Hempfield Twp. raises safety questions
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