You'll need to care for your climbing tree once it has been selected. The first job consists of clearing out dangerous dead branches and irritating sucker shoots that grow off the trunk and large branches. You can use a hand-pruning saw for this task if the branches and suckers aren't too large. If dead branches are large requiring a chain saw and are positioned over houses or other structures, call in a professional. Place gravel under the tree if you expect a lot of foot traffic.
People can compact the soil just as badly as automobiles and machinery.
Gravel permits air to penetrate the root system. Gravel also keeps the mud problem down after rain. Fertilizing the tree every other year is a good idea too. Always fertilize during cool or cold months of the year. Nitrogen found in fertilizers can bum the roots if applied during the hot months of summer.