Lewis Read, aged 12, was in a horse chestnut tree in Gildingwells Road, Woodsetts, collecting conkers when a branch snapped and he was impaled by the railings.
His heartbroken parents - who today revealed Lewis' nickname was Tigger - have also decided to donate their son's organs to help others.
Lewis' mum Angela comforted the youngster while firefighters cut him free.
He was flown to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital by air ambulance where he underwent surgery but died later.
Today Angela and Lewis' dad Phil, a policeman in Nottingham, issued their own warning to anyone planning to collect conkers.
"We want to appeal to other parents to impress on their children the dangers of climbing - and to be aware of what dangers may be around when they are out playing," the couple said.
The family today paid tribute to Lewis - who was known as 'Tigger' to his teachers and schoolpals because he could not sit still.
"Lewis was a very popular lad, with people of all ages, from infants right through to pensioners," said his parents in a statement.
"He would always help other children in his class at school and his teachers referred to him as 'Tigger' owing to the fact that he could never sit still.
"Lewis loved animals, and had four pet chickens that he looked after daily. He often went fishing with his Dad but never caught any, which is probably just as well, because he would have been upset if he had done.
"Our son's organs will be donated. We know he would want to help other people in this way. We are struggling to come to terms with Lewis' death and he will be missed so much by so many people."
Lewis lived at the family home on Worksop Road, Woodsetts, with his father Phil, who is Deputy Secretary and Treasurer for Nottinghamshire Constabulary Police Federation, based at their Force Headquarters, and his mother Angela.
He had three brothers - Daniel 19, Lee 17, Harrison 18 and a sister, Anneka 19.
The youngster was in his second year at Dinnington Comprehensive School and had previously been a pupil at Woodsetts Junior & Infant School. His schoolmates are still coming to terms with their popular classmate's death.
Investigations are still going on into the tragedy, but police say they are not treating it as suspicious. An inquest was due to be opened today in Rotherham into Lewis' death. Firefighters who attended the scene have had to receive counselling.
Yesterday group assemblies for all year groups were held at Dinnington Comprehensive as news of the tragedy sank in. Headteacher Jean NIcholson said: "Lewis was a very special young man in our school. He had such a lively character and will be deeply missed by everyone."