Liriodendron Tulipifera - Tulip Poplar

The tulip tree is one of the largest of the native trees of the eastern United States. Its ordinary height is 70 feet to 100 feet. It prefers deep, rich, and rather moist soil; it is common, though not abundant, nor is it solitary. Its roots are fleshy. It is fast-growing, without the common problems of weak wood strength and short lifespan often seen in other fast-growing species.

I have two of these trees in my yard. Although the trees are not that old they are fast approaching 50' high. Because the trees have good exposure to sun, a large canopy and many large limbs are present. These trees are an easy climb. I often find myself climbing the trees not the rope due to well spaced limbs. This was the first year I have attempted to climb the trees. The need to deadwood and remove some "hangers" forced a work/rec. climb. I won't be setting any height records, but these tulip poplars are good for a quick evening climb, maybe even a limb walk or two.

I'll post picture when I can.....

Tulies are nice climbers. Especially if you're lookin for a height fix. Here where I live in central PA, most are over 100'. Enjoy.

Tulip Trees are not very good at compartmentalizing decay that occur from trunk wounds. Never the less they are fun to climb and usually have a great view at the top.

Here is a picture of a 90' tulip tree I dismantled. It was leaning over power lines and there were sheds and fences in the way.

I don't know why that particular tree had to come down, but from what I can see from this pic, I would've had it removed too. Tulies are usually barrel straight, singular trunked. That one had an odd forked trunk near the top. With the targets nearby that you mentioned, it was definitely a good candidate for removal.

Ron

Tulip poplar have weak wood that's probably why they hardly ever uproot. Most of the time the to breaks out before the tree uproots. Unlike, many oak trees. Also tulip poplars don't hold a hinge very well when you cutting a notch. The wood is very brittle. They don't make the best Firewood either but luckily they are easy on a chainsaw and chipper.

Www.trmmaryland.com

The current tallest deciduous native tree in North America and tallest tree conifer or deciduous/broadleaf tree is a 190' tuliptree in western North Carolina. Forest grown tuliptrees are challenging and all round great trees for rec climbing.
-AJ

I love climbing the Tulip trees for that reason (tall). The tulips and pines are the tallest trees in "my" woods, and it's great to get up there and look out over the tops of all the other trees.

Hey guys,

I have some nice, tall Tulips in my area that I am looking to climb. I am a beginner climber. I have heard that Tulip's have weaker wood and was wondering if climbers generally anchor to larger branches than normal because of this.

Any advice you might have will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

T-Man

Tulips are wonderful trees to climb. Here's a shot of a 145' tulip we climbed a week ago in Hillsborough NC. I think this shot captures what many of us love about them; really tall with a great view. I'll have to post a couple more.

thats a beauty !

You are correct T-man tie in to Larger diameter crotches. I would add watch out for co-dominate stems they are usually even more dangerous.

Here is a Tulip that I took down a few years ago. It had three trunks and the tallest was 125'

Here is another from the same tree.

How about one with a view?

Thanks Treezybreez,

Those trees look awesome!