Thanks for the help Zach, it was a fun job to do together. A bit strange being a groundie but it was a nice change of pace. Looking forward to working together on another sometime
Jon, what model of saw were you using at the end when you raced Zach? You mentioned an 029, an 044 and an 066 but I didn't catch which model you were holding.
I have a spot under my left eye from an Osage thorn that is 8 months old it will almost heal and then start bleeding and scab up again and another fella same property almost lost his eye from similar injury from a thorn ... you have any remedies just curious since your named like the tree that caused it lol be safe buddy
I used to be a competitive rock climber - I don't know a ton about tree climbing, but the single points of failure on this rigging got my heart rate up. Please take care dude - 2 anchors through at least 2 solid points on your harness, minimum, ideally with a 3rd anchor 10' below around the trunk for a worst-case scenario (better to have broken bones from a 10-20' fall than dead). Edit: got to the point where your sling and your safety line were tied into the same junction. And then casually walking 10-20 feet with only your safety line hauling you, casually walking around to eventually get your sling set back up. I had to step away. I mean absolutely no disrespect - you obviously know your craft, but you are also young - and I was just as bold (and had my own near-death experience that knocked some sense into me) around your age. Please stay safe! PS - never sacrifice safety for someone's landscaping or the occasional angsty client. It's a piece of cake to get some dirt/sand to patch a piece of grass if you absolutely need to. For this client - they had bigger ruts in the lawn from the tractor going the same paths over and over than you'd ever get from the tree.
@Chiberia I appreciate your concern, and I respect your experience. I've dipped my toe into outdoor rock climbing just a smidge, and it was enough to realize that tree climbing and rock climbing are two very different sports. Standard practice is to work a tree with one anchor and a second while working with a saw at minimum. Sometimes, we will use two or three anchor points for the purpose of traversing around the canopy or work positioning. We also climb on very static systems than do not offer fall protection of any kind. Ropes are only for positioning. A climber can easily produce a thousand pounds of force by falling only 5 feet into the rope system. A 10-20ft fall can result in death. I know what you're saying about a life always being worth more than some landscaping, and you're right. The whole tree industry would benefit if we did away with climbers altogether. With modern machinery, a lot of things are possible but not cost-effective. We could remove every tree with a helicopter, but with utility choppers costing between $10k-$20k per hour of operation, nobody would be able to afford it. All climbing has calculated risk. When you set a nut in a crack, you're depending on the integrity of the rock beyond what you can see. You have to calculate whether the experience of climbing is worth the risk. I have to do the same with my tree climbs, but I'm choosing between my compensation and solving a potentially life threatening situation for the residents of a home.
Zac is a little sensitive about critiscism of his safety measures but he's young and apparently hasn't had any failures in his kit...yet You don't know what you don't know
@@chronecro I will agree with you there, from the little I've seen. I've seen many other tree felling operations on youtube (that don't include a helicopter - that seems to be to be an ad absurdum argument) that seem right in line with the best-practices I was taught in my climbing (granted, with slightly different equipment - using multiple cams instead of anchors in tree branches, for obvious reasons). the response here, while I respect it, reads like something I would have written 10-15 years ago, but not today with my experience. the part that stood out to me the most was "I've dipped my toe into outdoor rock climbing .. and it was enough to realize that tree climbing and rock climbing are ... very different." It's the stark definition of "Dunning Krueger", or, as you put it, "you don't know what you don't know." This is _extremely_ common in young men, especially, to think they have enough information in front of them to make an informed decision and disregard those that are trying to share wisdom. I mentioned in another comment thread, but it applies here aptly - "there are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no bold, old pilots." - Zac, I fully respect your choice to make your own decisions on this matter. I do hope you open up to take advice a little bit more, though, as we are all working to be constructive and teach you lessons from our experience that were written with the blood and deaths of others. As always - good luck.
The tree was killed by Dutch Elm Disease. You can see another tree at 10:50 with classic early sign of yellowing leaves. It’s a fungal infection spread by beetles, which are what made the weird carvings you pointed out.
From a professional bow maker :) Most elms are very strong in tension and have particularly interlocking grain/fibers. It makes great bows for these reasons. Your branch held on so long because of the woods tension strength...even so I would've expected it to pop off sooner than that! The woodworms absolutely love the stuff as well - as seen by the patterns under the bark. Interesting to see your work - thanks.
@@zaccheus No problem :) Yes it makes very good axe handles. As I'm sure you know there are a lot of elms out there but in general the wood will be a little less dense than hickory with also a little less bend resistance. If you copied a good hickory shaft exactly the elm would feel a little 'springier' in the hand and it would weight a little less. If you wanted the same solid feel that hickory has (and the balance of the axe) then simply increase your dimensions a little. Stiffness goes up with the cube of thickness so you only need a little extra material to increase the stiffness significantly. I've booked onto an Arborist course here in England - time for a change of career....hence why I'm watching your videos. Thanks for putting them out there and taking the time/effort to make them. Very useful for us who want to learn :)
@@eclipsearchery9387 Oh wow, that's super cool! I'm still pretty new to the game, so don't refer to my videos as any final authority. My old ones especially are full of egregious mistakes 😬. There are some really good channels with really good, solid information though. "The Climbing Arborist" comes to mind. I think you might have some different standards across the pond there too. Thanks for your insight on wood types!
I tend to stay away from real dead trees in terms of climbing unless there’s a nearby tree I can tie into. However, every climber has their own personal tolerance for risk and what they are comfortable with. I think it’s very important to be in tune with that. Nice work, and good explanation of stuff.
Absolutely, I'd say it's super important to avoid climbing anything you're not confident it. I usually prefer to tie into another nearby tree when it's possible too. That can still be quite danger ous too though if you don't do it correctly.
Ya I wouldn’t have climbed that out. One wrong shock when lowering looks like it was enough to tumble that stick. Fortunate that your “groundie” understands rope work and lowering shock. I can see why 3 companies passed.
Balls of steel! Nice job man you do a good job explaining stuff. Keep up the good work man and keep posting, I think you’ll have a big channel in no time,
Great video with lots of useful information. As a 21 year old its cool to see a fellow young guy taking pride in his work and perfecting his craft. Stay safe man.
@@zaccheus No problem! We hardly have any companies here that still climb. Needed a big tree down and we’re getting quotes anywhere from $5k-$9k. Finally got ahold of a climbing company and they did it for $3k. Crazy job that takes lots of bravery and professionalism.
Great job Zach, you are proving to be a diligent student of your craft. I’ve been in many a dead elm. And they are quite stable through the second year, three year dead elms are definitely troublesome. Another option to consider on dead trees is to rig from the top down if the structure allows for it, to leave a dampening effect in the lower canopy. This looked like a pretty sturdy tree. Great job, you speak to the work well. Keep it up. Great seeing you yesterday. Thanks for stopping by.
That's an interesting thought. I've rarely considered working the tree from the top down, but I think I can imagine how that would benefit. Thanks for sharing! It was indeed and absolute pleasure to meet you yesterday. I look forward to when our paths might cross again.
That comment on reaction wood behavior for angiosperm and gymnosperms was an eye opener for why some cuts I made in the past didn't behave as I anticipated. All the information helps thanks for the great videos👍
Hey Zack that was a nice piece of work I appreciate your professionalism I see you have a lot of potential to be one of the best in our business I've been climbing for 17 years and what I seen with a very good job young man I hope you make a boatload of money and stay safe and remember when in doubt rope it out will keep looking up
Hey Samuel, those are mightt kind words amd I really appreciate you sharing them 😊 I have a mentor who has encouraged me with that exact motto about roping things down. It really seems to be an excellent approach.
@@Liam-zz2ii Dictionary Definition: wid·ow-mak·er noun a thing with the potential to kill men. North American a dead branch caught precariously high in a tree which may fall on a person below.
Nice job on the tree - My first of your video's and would have to say you have a great style with explaining the simple stuff which is important. Bring it on!
Glad your are okay. When they are shedding their bark, I don't climb them. (Well I don't climb anything anymore, too old ) I do use static lines to direct the fall set at 90 degrees to the intended fall and dynamic lines to get the bole started in the good direction. As you mentioned,, all of that needs to be known and discussed and recorded with home owner in advance. But a little topsoil and some grass seed, glad to do it,, in exchange for not climbing something that is shedding its bark.
Thanks for bringing up reaction wood. Just defined it for the first time and did a DEEP dive. The tension for angiosperms (deciduous) and compression for gymnosperms (conifers except some broad leaf) is cool. And I’d be terrified to climb that. Great job, you’re good at teachin stuff while climbing dead trees
I just made it for the first time to your channel and found it very interesting and informative. Great job teaching and showing! Thank you for your work.
From one trade to another (commercial HVAC tech), I do appreciate the other companies turning the job down. Too often I follow behind another company for a call, and the company I followed had no business working on the system and ended up making my job much harder. Props to the companies for turning it down knowing it was beyond their scope of expertise. AND mad props to you for knowing your stuff and getting the job done for the customer. Keep up the great work. Love watching your vids while I eat lunch. Something very therapeutic about it. 👍🏼
I made it to 5:32. Probably watch the rest later. If one needs a hinge to hold longer, the hinge can be established closer to the trunk where there is the overlap of trunk and branch wood with a low, for lack of a better descriptor, back cut. Also, if roping having the rope farther out on the branch helps support the piece and aids the hinge. Your work positioning lanyard would have to be elsewhere because it is in the area where this cutting would happen. I use this method in black walnut and even white pine. Hope this makes sense. I climb a fair amount of dead trees as well. Thanks for the content.
Thanks for your thoughts John! I think I'm familiar with the two principles you describe. I guess I haven't made a habit of making hinges in the collar wood, but for the reasons you mention I might start trying that more.
@@zaccheus If it helps, great! Sometimes there isn't enough room and the branch must be cut shorter (obviously). I find that dead American and slippery elm both hinge well; dead Siberian elm less well. Anyway, I have had much help and learned from others and enjoy seeing others succeed in tree work. 👍
I saw your comment on Spencer Lawn care. You invited people to come over to your channel to watch you cut trees. Enjoying so far. I subbed and hit the bell for notifications. Be careful out there.
Great Video Zach. One of the best I have seen. Totally Safe and loaded with explanation. I think the rock climber dude didn't understand what you were doing. I always wondered how you descended the tree safely, Now I know.
Hi Zach, congratulations on winning the Chainsaw race. Glad that you were able to safely get down that dead and rotten tree successfully. That sure is a beautiful home with nice landscaping.
as someone with a fear of heights seeing you just casually climbing around a tree with some rope and a set of gaffs blows my mind. even if i fully trust my equipment and over anchored in id be sweating bullets XD
Just do what you do and be safe, foresight is a big deal, There are are people who can visualize a lot of scenerios in there head and make adjustments for the best way to do whatever it is, Do not back down from suggestions from others, you are one of those people, Do it your way but also listen to suggestions and keep everyone safe. There is always a better way.
A great way to see if you're working with a hollow tree (and only if the tree is big enough) is to do a vertical plunge cut straight through the tree. If the saw suddenly moves forwards you either have a cavity or some really rotten wood. Just don't do a horizontal plunge cut if you are about to climb the tree because that would weekend the tree far too much!! The vertical plunge cut is more on the same line as a vertical crack, so you'll still have the majority of the strength of the wood.
I'd climb that tree all day long but there's no way in hell I'd single line that tree with the rope ran through dead brush. I'd climb from the bottom up with spurs and cut my weight out as soon as humanly possible.
That a fair perspective. We could have sailed every piece out too, but since we didn't have to, I thought it might be best to preserve the landscaping below.
Elm wood is very strong and through being resistant to fungal decay, is very durable. These qualities, together with their upright habit, make elms one of the safest (or rather, least unsafe) trees to climb when dead. Underneath the bark of your tree many egg galleries of the Elm bark beetle are visible: many wavy grooves radiating out from a central short straight groove (which is where the beetle first bored into the tree). These beetles carry the fungus that causes Dutch Elm Disease, which was likely the cause of death of this tree. Elm wood used to be used for coffins and for funeral pyres; folklore holds that it burns with a cold smoke. But this is mistaken and true only when burning wet wood: the dense & fibrous nature of the wood means it holds onto the water content well and so it takes a very long time to season properly - 2 or 3 seasons for wood of any size. My experience is that it is wonderful firewood, burning hot and with very little smoke if really dry (15% or even less). Thanks for an interesting video - I notice and appreciate that you are a clear speaker, and articulate when describing your reasoning - which is well worth hearing. Though as Reg is the master of demonstrating, sometimes less is more.
Thanks for leaving an awesome comment and for sharing so much interesting information! I don't think I'll ever compare to a legend like Reg, but I'll do my best to share the information I come across. Thanks again for sharing!
3:39 Some beautiful patterns there in the grain. I would say those curves and paths we can see are totally normal. They've arranged themselves in an aesthetically pleasing way but I suspect the mechanism behind the scenes is the same as any other tree. We've got some torsion going on which can be explained by wind load. The way the fibres are meandering almost like a river is very nice but I think it's purely down to where the fibres have organized themselves to flow around branches. The patina like pattern I would say is down to the fact that the tree is very dead and very dry. It's a lot easier to see colour differences in dry wood. I'm fairly certain that the darker spots are compartmentalised sectors of decay.
Quick way to tell if a hickory is shellbark or shagbark, most of the bark on shagbark exfoliates from the top and bottom (making it shaped like a" C") while shellbark only exfoliates from the bottom (more of a "J" shape).
When doing this style of face cut you might find it easier to do the angled cut first. It's what they teach and actually do have in Scandinavia. I'm sure you can figure out the advantages if you try it out and think it through.
It what they teach here too. I started out making the bottom cut first and that's how I've allowed my skills to develope. I know the other way has its benefits, I just haven't gotten around to breaking old habits yet 😅
I've been pleasantly surprised by most trees that look bad by the amount of heartwood that is still solid. If you're in an area of severe weather, you know it's taken more stress than you will put on it by bombing or careful rigging. Of course a high tie in a close live tree is great when you can.
Absolutely! Although I'd say dead trees take way less beating from the wind with no leaves on them. I think it's all about doing the proper pre-climb checks.
This video I know it was successful. I know it was. However, I was praying the entire time. Oh my God what a video you have balls of steel.😮😮😮. I don't know who the patron saint of tree cutters is, but whoever it is, somebody needs to send you their medal, And their prayer.. My Arborist has a machine with a bucket on it that gets into my Walnut trees about 75' in the air; I don't care about my yard!
@nancyoffenhiser4916 Thats great! I have some friend who have machines like that and they are really handy. It wpuod have been nice to have something like that for this project for sure. There just wasn't a good way to get one into the backyard because all the hills to get back there were so steep. The Lord does keep me safe though. I tmdo my best and He covers the rest.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh I hate climbing dead trees especially Ash trees.. Great job.. You're groundie is a Heck of a good guy..very smooth..he be a great asset to any tree company..
Thank you for you kind words, I'll be sure to tell him you daof that. I've been more scared in dead ash trees than I have been in any other trees I think. I'm learning when to say no. That's most important.
Awesome job bro 😊❤ I should advise though for a electric chain saw. Its lighter , always ON , quiet and it will not produce toxic fumes you breath in. I have Makita with 2 packs of batteries. For tree like this you would use between 50% - 100% energy from one pack.
@@zaccheus I don`t know that model so I cant comment the weight , but still weight is not the biggest point. Electric chainsaw is really quiet , gasoline chainsaw screams for miles on, no need to start it and it is always "on" when you need it. The biggest benefit, you are not breathing toxic fumes produced by a gasoline chainsaw for years. Also electric chainsaw doesn't get hot the way gasoline chainsaw does. I sold my gasoline chainsaw and Ill never go back to it.
@ I’m glad you’ve found something that suits you. Battery saws have come a long way in the last few years. I’m not against them, they just haven’t made an electric saw with a better power to weight than gas saws. They have many benefits, as you’ve mentioned. The trouble is that one pound of gasoline contains the same amount of energy as 14 pounds of the most modern lithium battery. That being said, I am very excited for the new dual battery Milwaukee saw coming out soon. It’s supposed to beat a 60 cc gas saw.
Really good work, only one thing I'd say you did differently from how we have to do it in the UK is using a carabiner attachment for tops, we were always taught to run a half hitch around the piece (removing the need for a union/sidebranch and preventing failure of said union/sidebranch affecting the line's grip on the piece) then tie off with a timber hitch/running bowline, this reduces the possibility for human error and mechanical failure, and the ropes sit more flush to the piece reducing slip. I know its slower but I think the added security is well worth it sometimes. This is only important when snatching (block below the piece) as this is the only time the rope may loosen (during freefall portion) and the forces involved are much more powerful. Keep up the good work though, stay safe.
@davidadams7602 Thats some fair thinking. I often use a half hitch and running bowline if I'm not using the carabiner and sling. The biner and sling just help improve cycle time a little and if there is a branch or nub that I can put it above, it improves security with no extra risk.
Good didactic video with fine explanations. For me as a garden owner it important to know about the value of professionals making this work. Plus: Your video has strong entertainment character at 28:31 like STIHL Timbersports: Contestants ready, hands on the wood, Go! Stay safe and alway good jobs!
i was laughing when you guys were talking about the o44 in the late 90’s i was down in Miami felling after hurricane andrew in 92 , i had to go to vermeer in pompano beach and get 096 with a 72” bar to get through the pulp woods and huge cypress , and some of the Dade pines , they were like massive loblolly’s , but yeah , that’s another thing , i have huskies now with great damper systems but i have nerve damage in both hands from running old O series stihls with no dampers in the handles , just try to where impact gloves when you cut , because when you’re my age your wife might have to wipe ya !😂 nerve damage from saw buzz is no joke brother!!
Oh man, that sounds crazy. I can’t imagine. I’ve heard the vibrations can really mess up your hands. Might be an aspect of electric saws that put them ahead to the gas saws a little bit 😬
Balls of steel ! I'm a blue collar too, so I know the risks of our jobs (Lumberjacks, mechanics, masonry, oil rig tech, and any other jobs on an industrial site). But the lumberjack has to be the scariest for me. You have basically every industrial risks combined into 1 job. Work in high grounds, operating a power tool WHILE climbing at the same time, sharp tools (those climbing irons under your boots + chainsaw blade), encountering a nest (bee, wasps, hornets, etc), risk of falling debris on your head, risk of getting struck by a falling tree limb, and I'm probably forgetting some more risks. Yeah, a lot can happen while you're up there. Stay safe !
@alm_alb Aw man, I'm sorry if the video made you uncomfortable. Some of my friends feel the same way. Just watching someone uo high makes their palms sweaty. I live being uo high and seeing what I can see, but I've had lots of practice working up to it. There are definitely other things that make me uncomfortable, though!
I am learning a lot from this video, but would never take on such a job as a particularly untalented tree person! I found it fascinating to know more about the way you transfer your weight diagonally down the limb, replying mostly on your anchor point. That was never obvious to me when I watched people doing tree work.
that’s how i got the first plates in my foot , i was a bottom climber and my partner up in a crown of a 120’ oak , i had to put 2- 8’ flip lines to get spurred up , i couldn’t get one flip line till i got 60’ up and a 10’ piece of lightning struck bark fell 40 feet over me , it missed my helmet by an inch and hit my left gaff , shattered my foot in 7 places and tore the side of my tendon at the base of my shin , i had carolina knee hi’s on too , i rappelled down pretty quick and when i took my boot off my foot was purple , black and blue , when i sat down to take my boot off that was the last time i stood up on my own for a year , after 2 plates and a lot of pins and two surgeries it took 18 months to get spurs on and i was on ice every night for a month when i started climbing again, that was 5 years into my 45 year career, now my legs hurt pretty good after 1/2 hour in spurs , after two more knee surgeries i figured i would just rope climb most of my trees now , im the last guy living from my original crew , we all started in the 80’s i heard you say you haven’t had a limb fail , im wishing you lots of luck because i had one fail in a 120’ sycamore when i was 55 i swung 12’ feet on a bad swing and shattered my elbow, that’s been 5 years now and my elbow is good as new , but ive cut thousands of trees in my career and the first 15 years i thought i had trees figured out but fast forward 45 years i dont trust any of them and i think they were put on earth to thin the herd of climbers 😂 stay sharp and stay hitched in at all times brother, a prusik has saved all 9 of my lives many times over
In my area, they would have most likely brought in a crane for a tree like that and someone in a cherry-picker would be doing the cuts. To prevent lawn damage, they just put down mats for the vehicles.
@ricks5756 We use cranes and AWPs here too. There just wasn't any access to get anything like that into the back yard. The hill in both sides of the house was too steep to navigate with a truck or machine.
Dude at 24:00 that woulda made a really cool shot of like a mini charcutery board outa the flat cut you just made there. Maybe in one of your vids you can do a little story time chat while setting something up like that!
I ain't gonna be like all these know it all's and say something condescending. But thanks for taking us on this trip with you. It must be fun to relive your childhood as an adult eh? And to be up so high (in my smeagol voice). Must be hella cool to hear all them beaches break on the way down. I just wish it was like in the movies where it makes a big thudding sound when it hit the ground. 😢😢😢
@calvincharlie703 haha thanks for the kind comment 😅 I do love tree climbing and I always will. There is something special about dropping a huge, thick piece of wood and fealling/hearing it smack the ground. It never gets old.
I love those notch quickies. I use the same anchor, with a small eye and that quicky one can really choke the timber tips. I keep 2-one for attaching my RRP to my triple connect Rook pulley. I keep that on my bridge. I keep the other for that tight alpine butterfly.
Hey man I’m super late to this post. I appreciated the balance between your appreciation for the academic side and recognition that in-field experience cannot be replicated. With that being said, in this video you’re using some sort of clevis on the standing end of your rope and using that to choke the spar. I’m sure it’s rated and considered legit kit, but please don’t use it. Clevises are really dangerous. In a different context I had one fail and it caused a fall. I’m only saying this as someone who doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt, please don’t trust a clevis with your lifeline. Great video and good job on this tree, stay safe.
Hey thanks for your thoughts! I'd be interested in hearing more about your clevis failure experience. The quick shackle I use is a common life support product around here and is sold by many different dealers and manufacturers as a life support tool. I've been using it for a few years and I'd really like to know more about why you recommend against it.
A trick I learned from my grandfather was cutting two small side cuts where you put your rope. Helps on smooth bark trees and dead ones too. Keeps the rope from sliding off.
A tool called a bigshot. Like a massive sling shot. You tie a weighted bag to a small sting. Once you have the small string where you want you tie your climbing line to it and pull it up over
For sure, I've only run ropes a hand full of times and so my rope running skills are not at the top of the industry. I'm you're right, a climber should definitely have a good grasp of the principles
Climbing dead trees......as if there wasn't enough things to keep in mind with climbing healthy trees. But, people ain't calling to have their pretty trees taken out. Very vigilant work. Nice job.
I bought a stihl 021 chainsaw and on first use it still runs like a dream and that is 31 years old, just goes to show the quality of tools if looked after
I do belief the hickory is a shag ark because when I looked up shellbark, while they looked very similar, the shellbark hickory had smaller bark flakes. Don’t take my word because I’m no expert, I just have a hobby in trees and I’m planning on learning more still.
honestly if those two companies declined, that's good because they probably wouldn't have been able to do it safely and it's better that they admit to that rather than send some guy up who doesn't know what he's doing and gets himself or others hurt
I did one about that size in my yard. I didnt have the gear you do (or the skill) so i felled it in one shot. Your way is much less... dramatic. I dont think i couldve monkeyed around that tree like you did with yours even if i did have the gear. Good work.
@ScottLafray-dd2fp Thanks for the kind words man. Felling is definitely the way to go if you can do it. I enjoy climbing, but it's still alot of work 😅
When that tree rocks back and forth some part of you has to be listening for the dreaded CRACK!!! that brakes the camels back Great work man and I hope that never happens! What a major let down that would be.
@@RC-Heli835 Oh yeah, for sure. I've never had a tree break under me or had a rigging point fail, but I've had some scares when I heard cracking noise from somewhere else on a busy jobsite or something 😅
@@zaccheus If you ever get in a tree that your really worried about you could tie 3 guide wires to it and anchor them to another tree or ground with a screw auger?
@RC-Heli835 I have guyed a compromised tree. It's often challenging to develope the forces needed to be effective, but it's is possible. Trees weigh a lot and can develope forces greater than their own weight
Glad to hear it Art! Thanks for watching so many videos here recently. If there's anything in particular you'd like to see more of, don't hesitate to let me know
First time watching these tree removals. I used to work for a phone company and for a while I did climb telephone poles, (no bark. LOL) My highest was 30'. I was not the most confident climber, so seeing him gaffing this dead tree brought back my insecurities, got a little anxiety watching this. I was a lot younger back then too.
If it were oak, ash or maple, even locust I would have declined. Elm is good, your assessment was accurate. Most local tree guys tend to be more cautious than you tube celebs, most work from a bucket since it's faster but not as glamorous. My advice: stay local if you're moving around and tap into the native climbers, find out what they are saying. Err on the side of caution.
Thanks for your thoughts! This one was pretty close to home. The views aren't worth risking my life for, but if something hazardous comes my way, I try to capture it on film 🤷♂️
I've learned alot just from looking over ISA certification study guides. Even if it's not of benefit to take the tests to you in your position, the study guides have good stuff. Someone else in the comments suggested "The Body Language of Trees" by Claus Mattheck. It's supposedly used as a references in court cases and such. Looks like a good book and I hope to get one soon.
@@johnnienaber5693 That is true for sure. I feel like it's maybe a little more of a challenging topic to put into books. So many more factors than climbing green trees.
@kimboss8721 I learned from watching UA-cam video and then speaking with others in the industry to improve my skills beyond what I saw on youtube. The best was though is on the job experience if you can find a good company that is willing to mentor you. The hard part is finding that company.
@@drabsavage8571 it’s in some of my other videos. It’s in the early part of this video if you’d like to see. Professional Tree Climber In Super Tall Tulip Tree! ua-cam.com/video/3-ENNLD6H7Q/v-deo.html
@@realrigel I launch a weighted bean bag with a string on it up over my target branch union and use the string to pull my climbing rope up over the union. Once I ascend, I set up the rest of the ropes.
The apple or angiosperm is a plant in which the seed is located INSIDE a ripened embryo (the fruit ) think of an orange or apple. A pine tree or gymnosperm DOES flower, but the seed is not located inside an embryo. The seed is produced in the outside think of a pine cone, or corn cob.
Thanks for the help Zach, it was a fun job to do together. A bit strange being a groundie but it was a nice change of pace. Looking forward to working together on another sometime
It was a blast to work with you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next time already!
Superb ropework man!
Jon, what model of saw were you using at the end when you raced Zach? You mentioned an 029, an 044 and an 066 but I didn't catch which model you were holding.
@@v3124 It's an 064AV
I have a spot under my left eye from an Osage thorn that is 8 months old it will almost heal and then start bleeding and scab up again and another fella same property almost lost his eye from similar injury from a thorn ... you have any remedies just curious since your named like the tree that caused it lol be safe buddy
I used to be a competitive rock climber - I don't know a ton about tree climbing, but the single points of failure on this rigging got my heart rate up. Please take care dude - 2 anchors through at least 2 solid points on your harness, minimum, ideally with a 3rd anchor 10' below around the trunk for a worst-case scenario (better to have broken bones from a 10-20' fall than dead).
Edit: got to the point where your sling and your safety line were tied into the same junction. And then casually walking 10-20 feet with only your safety line hauling you, casually walking around to eventually get your sling set back up. I had to step away. I mean absolutely no disrespect - you obviously know your craft, but you are also young - and I was just as bold (and had my own near-death experience that knocked some sense into me) around your age. Please stay safe!
PS - never sacrifice safety for someone's landscaping or the occasional angsty client. It's a piece of cake to get some dirt/sand to patch a piece of grass if you absolutely need to. For this client - they had bigger ruts in the lawn from the tractor going the same paths over and over than you'd ever get from the tree.
@Chiberia I appreciate your concern, and I respect your experience. I've dipped my toe into outdoor rock climbing just a smidge, and it was enough to realize that tree climbing and rock climbing are two very different sports. Standard practice is to work a tree with one anchor and a second while working with a saw at minimum. Sometimes, we will use two or three anchor points for the purpose of traversing around the canopy or work positioning. We also climb on very static systems than do not offer fall protection of any kind. Ropes are only for positioning. A climber can easily produce a thousand pounds of force by falling only 5 feet into the rope system. A 10-20ft fall can result in death.
I know what you're saying about a life always being worth more than some landscaping, and you're right. The whole tree industry would benefit if we did away with climbers altogether. With modern machinery, a lot of things are possible but not cost-effective. We could remove every tree with a helicopter, but with utility choppers costing between $10k-$20k per hour of operation, nobody would be able to afford it.
All climbing has calculated risk. When you set a nut in a crack, you're depending on the integrity of the rock beyond what you can see. You have to calculate whether the experience of climbing is worth the risk. I have to do the same with my tree climbs, but I'm choosing between my compensation and solving a potentially life threatening situation for the residents of a home.
@@zaccheus fair enough! best of luck to you. stay safe.
Zac is a little sensitive about critiscism of his safety measures but he's young and apparently hasn't had any failures in his kit...yet You don't know what you don't know
@chronecro Just unfounded criticism. I throughly appreciate constructive criticism.
@@chronecro I will agree with you there, from the little I've seen. I've seen many other tree felling operations on youtube (that don't include a helicopter - that seems to be to be an ad absurdum argument) that seem right in line with the best-practices I was taught in my climbing (granted, with slightly different equipment - using multiple cams instead of anchors in tree branches, for obvious reasons). the response here, while I respect it, reads like something I would have written 10-15 years ago, but not today with my experience. the part that stood out to me the most was "I've dipped my toe into outdoor rock climbing .. and it was enough to realize that tree climbing and rock climbing are ... very different." It's the stark definition of "Dunning Krueger", or, as you put it, "you don't know what you don't know." This is _extremely_ common in young men, especially, to think they have enough information in front of them to make an informed decision and disregard those that are trying to share wisdom.
I mentioned in another comment thread, but it applies here aptly - "there are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no bold, old pilots." - Zac, I fully respect your choice to make your own decisions on this matter. I do hope you open up to take advice a little bit more, though, as we are all working to be constructive and teach you lessons from our experience that were written with the blood and deaths of others. As always - good luck.
The tree was killed by Dutch Elm Disease. You can see another tree at 10:50 with classic early sign of yellowing leaves. It’s a fungal infection spread by beetles, which are what made the weird carvings you pointed out.
There are heavy beatle track marks under the bark. Most likely the tree was killed by Bark Borer Beatles or similar destructive beatle.
@@ricks5756is that what causes Dutch elm disease?
Beat me to it! 😅😅😅
@@ricks5756 Both beetle species work together, the Bark Bore weakens the tree and the Fungal Infection does the rest, its such a dangerous combo.
interesting thanks
From a professional bow maker :) Most elms are very strong in tension and have particularly interlocking grain/fibers. It makes great bows for these reasons. Your branch held on so long because of the woods tension strength...even so I would've expected it to pop off sooner than that! The woodworms absolutely love the stuff as well - as seen by the patterns under the bark.
Interesting to see your work - thanks.
That's a super cool perspective, thanks for sharing! Do you think it would make good axe handles?
@@zaccheus No problem :)
Yes it makes very good axe handles.
As I'm sure you know there are a lot of elms out there but in general the wood will be a little less dense than hickory with also a little less bend resistance.
If you copied a good hickory shaft exactly the elm would feel a little 'springier' in the hand and it would weight a little less.
If you wanted the same solid feel that hickory has (and the balance of the axe) then simply increase your dimensions a little. Stiffness goes up with the cube of thickness so you only need a little extra material to increase the stiffness significantly.
I've booked onto an Arborist course here in England - time for a change of career....hence why I'm watching your videos. Thanks for putting them out there and taking the time/effort to make them. Very useful for us who want to learn :)
@@eclipsearchery9387 Oh wow, that's super cool! I'm still pretty new to the game, so don't refer to my videos as any final authority. My old ones especially are full of egregious mistakes 😬. There are some really good channels with really good, solid information though. "The Climbing Arborist" comes to mind. I think you might have some different standards across the pond there too. Thanks for your insight on wood types!
It was also a “first choice” wood for wooden wagon wheel hubs because it is so resistant to splitting.
@@kennethjackson7574 Very interesting information! Thanks for sharing!
I tend to stay away from real dead trees in terms of climbing unless there’s a nearby tree I can tie into. However, every climber has their own personal tolerance for risk and what they are comfortable with. I think it’s very important to be in tune with that. Nice work, and good explanation of stuff.
Absolutely, I'd say it's super important to avoid climbing anything you're not confident it. I usually prefer to tie into another nearby tree when it's possible too. That can still be quite danger ous too though if you don't do it correctly.
@@zaccheus frelisidadrs Po tu trabajo ases bien el yrabtajo
@@clementesoriano9164 Gracias!
I’d of dumped it backwards into the million acres behind it. No reason to die over grass.
Ya I wouldn’t have climbed that out. One wrong shock when lowering looks like it was enough to tumble that stick. Fortunate that your “groundie” understands rope work and lowering shock. I can see why 3 companies passed.
Balls of steel! Nice job man you do a good job explaining stuff. Keep up the good work man and keep posting, I think you’ll have a big channel in no time,
😊 thanks Jacob!
Great video with lots of useful information. As a 21 year old its cool to see a fellow young guy taking pride in his work and perfecting his craft.
Stay safe man.
Thanks! Yeah, we still have lots to learn, but don't let anyone slow down your learning! All the nay sayers are only jealous. Tree safe man!
This was fantastic. Two hard working professionals making a hard job look east. Homeowner was very lucky to have found y’all.
Thanks Nick! Mighty kind of you to say that!
@@zaccheus No problem! We hardly have any companies here that still climb. Needed a big tree down and we’re getting quotes anywhere from $5k-$9k. Finally got ahold of a climbing company and they did it for $3k. Crazy job that takes lots of bravery and professionalism.
Great job Zach, you are proving to be a diligent student of your craft. I’ve been in many a dead elm. And they are quite stable through the second year, three year dead elms are definitely troublesome. Another option to consider on dead trees is to rig from the top down if the structure allows for it, to leave a dampening effect in the lower canopy. This looked like a pretty sturdy tree. Great job, you speak to the work well. Keep it up. Great seeing you yesterday. Thanks for stopping by.
That's an interesting thought. I've rarely considered working the tree from the top down, but I think I can imagine how that would benefit. Thanks for sharing! It was indeed and absolute pleasure to meet you yesterday. I look forward to when our paths might cross again.
That comment on reaction wood behavior for angiosperm and gymnosperms was an eye opener for why some cuts I made in the past didn't behave as I anticipated. All the information helps thanks for the great videos👍
Thats great! I'm glad to hear it. I thought that was the coolest fact when I learned about it.
Hey Zack that was a nice piece of work I appreciate your professionalism I see you have a lot of potential to be one of the best in our business I've been climbing for 17 years and what I seen with a very good job young man I hope you make a boatload of money and stay safe and remember when in doubt rope it out will keep looking up
Hey Samuel, those are mightt kind words amd I really appreciate you sharing them 😊 I have a mentor who has encouraged me with that exact motto about roping things down. It really seems to be an excellent approach.
His assistance work was smooth and beautiful. You both did very well.
Thanks! Jon is always great to work with I always enjoy working on his jobs.
The higher you go, the more that tree looks like a widowmaker.
What's a widowmaker?
@@Liam-zz2ii Dictionary
Definition: wid·ow-mak·er noun
a thing with the potential to kill men.
North American
a dead branch caught precariously high in a tree which may fall on a person below.
Gov. Greg abbott be like: ♿
Nice job on the tree - My first of your video's and would have to say you have a great style with explaining the simple stuff which is important. Bring it on!
Thanks David!
Glad your are okay. When they are shedding their bark, I don't climb them. (Well I don't climb anything anymore, too old ) I do use static lines to direct the fall set at 90 degrees to the intended fall and dynamic lines to get the bole started in the good direction. As you mentioned,, all of that needs to be known and discussed and recorded with home owner in advance. But a little topsoil and some grass seed, glad to do it,, in exchange for not climbing something that is shedding its bark.
Thanks for bringing up reaction wood. Just defined it for the first time and did a DEEP dive. The tension for angiosperms (deciduous) and compression for gymnosperms (conifers except some broad leaf) is cool. And I’d be terrified to climb that. Great job, you’re good at teachin stuff while climbing dead trees
Thanks! I'm super glad to hear that was of interest to you. I think it's super fascinating aswell.
Good to see someone actually using the chainbrake. It’s there and easy to use, I don’t understand why so many people choose not to use it.
Definitely an underutilized feature on saws
It's like tying in twice when cutting, it just makes sense.
I just made it for the first time to your channel and found it very interesting and informative. Great job teaching and showing! Thank you for your work.
Hey thanks for watching! I'm glad the content was helpful!
From one trade to another (commercial HVAC tech), I do appreciate the other companies turning the job down. Too often I follow behind another company for a call, and the company I followed had no business working on the system and ended up making my job much harder. Props to the companies for turning it down knowing it was beyond their scope of expertise. AND mad props to you for knowing your stuff and getting the job done for the customer. Keep up the great work. Love watching your vids while I eat lunch. Something very therapeutic about it. 👍🏼
@phlixy Thanks man!
That is some nice firewood right there! Good job being safe and easy does it! Be safe and thanks for sharing!
The wood of the stem is way more valuable than just firewood.
And as firewood there is no need to dry it.
Splitting elm is a pain in the but! Even with a hydraulic splitter.💪
I made it to 5:32. Probably watch the rest later. If one needs a hinge to hold longer, the hinge can be established closer to the trunk where there is the overlap of trunk and branch wood with a low, for lack of a better descriptor, back cut. Also, if roping having the rope farther out on the branch helps support the piece and aids the hinge. Your work positioning lanyard would have to be elsewhere because it is in the area where this cutting would happen. I use this method in black walnut and even white pine. Hope this makes sense. I climb a fair amount of dead trees as well. Thanks for the content.
Thanks for your thoughts John! I think I'm familiar with the two principles you describe. I guess I haven't made a habit of making hinges in the collar wood, but for the reasons you mention I might start trying that more.
@@zaccheus If it helps, great! Sometimes there isn't enough room and the branch must be cut shorter (obviously). I find that dead American and slippery elm both hinge well; dead Siberian elm less well. Anyway, I have had much help and learned from others and enjoy seeing others succeed in tree work. 👍
@@john.massing That's great! I really do appreciate you taking the time to share what you've learned as well.
I saw your comment on Spencer Lawn care. You invited people to come over to your channel to watch you cut trees. Enjoying so far. I subbed and hit the bell for notifications. Be careful out there.
Thanks for stopping by! Shawn has been a great encouragement to me as of recently. He's a swell guy for sure.
Great Video Zach. One of the best I have seen. Totally Safe and loaded with explanation. I think the rock climber dude didn't understand what you were doing. I always wondered how you descended the tree safely, Now I know.
@@markdavies4307 Thanks man. Rock climbers just have a different approach to climbing. We just have different ways of reaching safe practice.
Like how you take care and go slow. I'm in Tennessee and can't find anyone to come cut my trees. So sad .... Thanks again!
@@susannahlance4437 I'm so sorry to hear that. I know there are some tree services down there. Are you in a really rural area?
You guys are amazing. Super talented and fantastic skills. Thank you for allowing us to see your magic! Awesome!!!
Thanks!
Hi Zach, congratulations on winning the Chainsaw race. Glad that you were able to safely get down that dead and rotten tree successfully.
That sure is a beautiful home with nice landscaping.
as someone with a fear of heights seeing you just casually climbing around a tree with some rope and a set of gaffs blows my mind. even if i fully trust my equipment and over anchored in id be sweating bullets XD
@@rock_it3685 haha I used to get plenty nervous up there. Comfort comes with experience. But can get too comfortable that you make mistakes either 😬
I love hearing your saws sing in harmony!
Great video brother, keep climbing and be safe!
Thanks, you too!
Just do what you do and be safe, foresight is a big deal, There are are people who can visualize a lot of scenerios in there head and make adjustments for the best way to do whatever it is, Do not back down from suggestions from others, you are one of those people, Do it your way but also listen to suggestions and keep everyone safe. There is always a better way.
A great way to see if you're working with a hollow tree (and only if the tree is big enough) is to do a vertical plunge cut straight through the tree. If the saw suddenly moves forwards you either have a cavity or some really rotten wood. Just don't do a horizontal plunge cut if you are about to climb the tree because that would weekend the tree far too much!! The vertical plunge cut is more on the same line as a vertical crack, so you'll still have the majority of the strength of the wood.
Excellent thought! I've considered that before falling a tree I suspected to be hollow, but I've been kinda scared of doing before a climb 😅
I'd climb that tree all day long but there's no way in hell I'd single line that tree with the rope ran through dead brush. I'd climb from the bottom up with spurs and cut my weight out as soon as humanly possible.
That a fair perspective. We could have sailed every piece out too, but since we didn't have to, I thought it might be best to preserve the landscaping below.
Super impressed with your content! Informative, humble, and refined. I’m looking forward to following along.
Thanks man! I'm always open to hearing constructive criticism. If you have anything you think I could improve on, let me know!
@@zaccheus likewise!
Impressive job, very professional. That's some excellent firewood, dead already partially seasoned elm, very good stuff.
Thanks!
Standing dead Elm is as good as it gets when it comes to firewood, 👍💪🪓🌲🇮🇪
Elm wood is very strong and through being resistant to fungal decay, is very durable. These qualities, together with their upright habit, make elms one of the safest (or rather, least unsafe) trees to climb when dead. Underneath the bark of your tree many egg galleries of the Elm bark beetle are visible: many wavy grooves radiating out from a central short straight groove (which is where the beetle first bored into the tree). These beetles carry the fungus that causes Dutch Elm Disease, which was likely the cause of death of this tree. Elm wood used to be used for coffins and for funeral pyres; folklore holds that it burns with a cold smoke. But this is mistaken and true only when burning wet wood: the dense & fibrous nature of the wood means it holds onto the water content well and so it takes a very long time to season properly - 2 or 3 seasons for wood of any size. My experience is that it is wonderful firewood, burning hot and with very little smoke if really dry (15% or even less). Thanks for an interesting video - I notice and appreciate that you are a clear speaker, and articulate when describing your reasoning - which is well worth hearing. Though as Reg is the master of demonstrating, sometimes less is more.
Thanks for leaving an awesome comment and for sharing so much interesting information! I don't think I'll ever compare to a legend like Reg, but I'll do my best to share the information I come across. Thanks again for sharing!
Elm, Oak and Beech are marvelous trees.
3:39
Some beautiful patterns there in the grain.
I would say those curves and paths we can see are totally normal. They've arranged themselves in an aesthetically pleasing way but I suspect the mechanism behind the scenes is the same as any other tree.
We've got some torsion going on which can be explained by wind load.
The way the fibres are meandering almost like a river is very nice but I think it's purely down to where the fibres have organized themselves to flow around branches.
The patina like pattern I would say is down to the fact that the tree is very dead and very dry. It's a lot easier to see colour differences in dry wood. I'm fairly certain that the darker spots are compartmentalised sectors of decay.
Nice job explaining your moves and why. Appreciate it.👍😀
Thanks! 😊
Quick way to tell if a hickory is shellbark or shagbark, most of the bark on shagbark exfoliates from the top and bottom (making it shaped like a" C") while shellbark only exfoliates from the bottom (more of a "J" shape).
Hey that's really helpful info! All I knew was that they were both similar in their extensively exfoliated bark. Thanks for sharing!
Looks to me like it’s already for the woodstove. I’ll be looking for morels around there this spring.🎉🎉
@modoc852 Haha yeah for sure! That root system will surely grow some stuff!
It’s so great when your ground man is a pro and can let the rope run as smooth as this guy. Excellent work!
Greetings from the BIG SKY of Montana. That tree is toast. Good luck.
That last top you took that brushed those other limbs was perfect to take up the momentum and lessen forces at the anchor. No limbs broken.
That's an excellent point. I guess I often forget about the benefits of such actions. Probably kept me from taking a wobble ride 😅
When doing this style of face cut you might find it easier to do the angled cut first. It's what they teach and actually do have in Scandinavia. I'm sure you can figure out the advantages if you try it out and think it through.
It what they teach here too. I started out making the bottom cut first and that's how I've allowed my skills to develope. I know the other way has its benefits, I just haven't gotten around to breaking old habits yet 😅
I've been pleasantly surprised by most trees that look bad by the amount of heartwood that is still solid. If you're in an area of severe weather, you know it's taken more stress than you will put on it by bombing or careful rigging. Of course a high tie in a close live tree is great when you can.
Absolutely! Although I'd say dead trees take way less beating from the wind with no leaves on them. I think it's all about doing the proper pre-climb checks.
Having little Saw Battles is so cute lol
This video I know it was successful. I know it was. However, I was praying the entire time. Oh my God what a video you have balls of steel.😮😮😮.
I don't know who the patron saint of tree cutters is, but whoever it is, somebody needs to send you their medal, And their prayer..
My Arborist has a machine with a bucket on it that gets into my Walnut trees about 75' in the air; I don't care about my yard!
@nancyoffenhiser4916 Thats great! I have some friend who have machines like that and they are really handy. It wpuod have been nice to have something like that for this project for sure. There just wasn't a good way to get one into the backyard because all the hills to get back there were so steep. The Lord does keep me safe though. I tmdo my best and He covers the rest.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh I hate climbing dead trees especially Ash trees.. Great job.. You're groundie is a Heck of a good guy..very smooth..he be a great asset to any tree company..
Thank you for you kind words, I'll be sure to tell him you daof that. I've been more scared in dead ash trees than I have been in any other trees I think. I'm learning when to say no. That's most important.
Awesome job bro 😊❤ I should advise though for a electric chain saw. Its lighter , always ON , quiet and it will not produce toxic fumes you breath in. I have Makita with 2 packs of batteries. For tree like this you would use between 50% - 100% energy from one pack.
@@MartinMartinX I have the Milwaukee top handle. I use it fairly often, it’s definitely not lighter than my 201 though.
@@zaccheus I don`t know that model so I cant comment the weight , but still weight is not the biggest point. Electric chainsaw is really quiet , gasoline chainsaw screams for miles on, no need to start it and it is always "on" when you need it. The biggest benefit, you are not breathing toxic fumes produced by a gasoline chainsaw for years. Also electric chainsaw doesn't get hot the way gasoline chainsaw does. I sold my gasoline chainsaw and Ill never go back to it.
@ I’m glad you’ve found something that suits you. Battery saws have come a long way in the last few years. I’m not against them, they just haven’t made an electric saw with a better power to weight than gas saws. They have many benefits, as you’ve mentioned. The trouble is that one pound of gasoline contains the same amount of energy as 14 pounds of the most modern lithium battery. That being said, I am very excited for the new dual battery Milwaukee saw coming out soon. It’s supposed to beat a 60 cc gas saw.
Really good work, only one thing I'd say you did differently from how we have to do it in the UK is using a carabiner attachment for tops, we were always taught to run a half hitch around the piece (removing the need for a union/sidebranch and preventing failure of said union/sidebranch affecting the line's grip on the piece) then tie off with a timber hitch/running bowline, this reduces the possibility for human error and mechanical failure, and the ropes sit more flush to the piece reducing slip. I know its slower but I think the added security is well worth it sometimes. This is only important when snatching (block below the piece) as this is the only time the rope may loosen (during freefall portion) and the forces involved are much more powerful. Keep up the good work though, stay safe.
@davidadams7602 Thats some fair thinking. I often use a half hitch and running bowline if I'm not using the carabiner and sling. The biner and sling just help improve cycle time a little and if there is a branch or nub that I can put it above, it improves security with no extra risk.
youtube is almost all garbage these days but sometimes it gives me a gem of just the most random topic and this is one if them.
@@EvelynNdenial haha, I’m super encouraged to hear that this video fell into gem territory for you ☺️
Good didactic video with fine explanations. For me as a garden owner it important to know about the value of professionals making this work. Plus: Your video has strong entertainment character at 28:31 like STIHL Timbersports: Contestants ready, hands on the wood, Go! Stay safe and alway good jobs!
i was laughing when you guys were talking about the o44 in the late 90’s i was down in Miami felling after hurricane andrew in 92 , i had to go to vermeer in pompano beach and get 096 with a 72” bar to get through the pulp woods and huge cypress , and some of the Dade pines , they were like massive loblolly’s , but yeah , that’s another thing , i have huskies now with great damper systems but i have nerve damage in both hands from running old O series stihls with no dampers in the handles , just try to where impact gloves when you cut , because when you’re my age your wife might have to wipe ya !😂 nerve damage from saw buzz is no joke brother!!
Oh man, that sounds crazy. I can’t imagine. I’ve heard the vibrations can really mess up your hands. Might be an aspect of electric saws that put them ahead to the gas saws a little bit 😬
Balls of steel !
I'm a blue collar too, so I know the risks of our jobs (Lumberjacks, mechanics, masonry, oil rig tech, and any other jobs on an industrial site).
But the lumberjack has to be the scariest for me. You have basically every industrial risks combined into 1 job.
Work in high grounds, operating a power tool WHILE climbing at the same time, sharp tools (those climbing irons under your boots + chainsaw blade), encountering a nest (bee, wasps, hornets, etc), risk of falling debris on your head, risk of getting struck by a falling tree limb, and I'm probably forgetting some more risks.
Yeah, a lot can happen while you're up there.
Stay safe !
Haha tell me about it 😂 it's easy to forget all the things that are tying to kill you sometimes too.
Nice work, Zach.
Even though elm wood is not appreciated much here,
I have great respect for it.
@arailway8809 thanks man! Its refreshing to have a positive comment here and there 😊
What you’re doing is awesome. I’m scared of heights. I don’t feel too good.
@alm_alb Aw man, I'm sorry if the video made you uncomfortable. Some of my friends feel the same way. Just watching someone uo high makes their palms sweaty. I live being uo high and seeing what I can see, but I've had lots of practice working up to it. There are definitely other things that make me uncomfortable, though!
I am learning a lot from this video, but would never take on such a job as a particularly untalented tree person!
I found it fascinating to know more about the way you transfer your weight diagonally down the limb, replying mostly on your anchor point. That was never obvious to me when I watched people doing tree work.
that’s how i got the first plates in my foot , i was a bottom climber and my partner up in a crown of a 120’ oak , i had to put 2- 8’ flip lines to get spurred up , i couldn’t get one flip line till i got 60’ up and a 10’ piece of lightning struck bark fell 40 feet over me , it missed my helmet by an inch and hit my left gaff , shattered my foot in 7 places and tore the side of my tendon at the base of my shin , i had carolina knee hi’s on too , i rappelled down pretty quick and when i took my boot off my foot was purple , black and blue , when i sat down to take my boot off that was the last time i stood up on my own for a year , after 2 plates and a lot of pins and two surgeries it took 18 months to get spurs on and i was on ice every night for a month when i started climbing again, that was 5 years into my 45 year career, now my legs hurt pretty good after 1/2 hour in spurs , after two more knee surgeries i figured i would just rope climb most of my trees now , im the last guy living from my original crew , we all started in the 80’s i heard you say you haven’t had a limb fail , im wishing you lots of luck because i had one fail in a 120’ sycamore when i was 55 i swung 12’ feet on a bad swing and shattered my elbow, that’s been 5 years now and my elbow is good as new , but ive cut thousands of trees in my career and the first 15 years i thought i had trees figured out but fast forward 45 years i dont trust any of them and i think they were put on earth to thin the herd of climbers 😂 stay sharp and stay hitched in at all times brother, a prusik has saved all 9 of my lives many times over
I am amazed at your skill doing the cuts and leverage
@robmclaughlin420 Thanks, Rob!
In my area, they would have most likely brought in a crane for a tree like that and someone in a cherry-picker would be doing the cuts.
To prevent lawn damage, they just put down mats for the vehicles.
@ricks5756 We use cranes and AWPs here too. There just wasn't any access to get anything like that into the back yard. The hill in both sides of the house was too steep to navigate with a truck or machine.
Hey man just wanted to let you know you showed up in my recommended! Whatever you are doing the algorithm likes keep it up man!
Haha, thanks Noah. The algorithm makes it quite a game sometimes. I just happen to be winning on this one 😅
Me too
Love it! You can say you pushed a vxfoot high tree over😂
Dude at 24:00 that woulda made a really cool shot of like a mini charcutery board outa the flat cut you just made there. Maybe in one of your vids you can do a little story time chat while setting something up like that!
@mortalace22 thats a great idea! I've kinda wanted to share my story of business growth up to this point. I just haven't had a good video for it.
I ain't gonna be like all these know it all's and say something condescending. But thanks for taking us on this trip with you. It must be fun to relive your childhood as an adult eh? And to be up so high (in my smeagol voice). Must be hella cool to hear all them beaches break on the way down. I just wish it was like in the movies where it makes a big thudding sound when it hit the ground. 😢😢😢
@calvincharlie703 haha thanks for the kind comment 😅 I do love tree climbing and I always will. There is something special about dropping a huge, thick piece of wood and fealling/hearing it smack the ground. It never gets old.
Wow great! I have also seen a giant tree getting removed by Clayton's Quality Tree Service. The did such amazing job.
Thanks! Thats great to hear! I'm always glad to hear about other people doing quality work
I love those notch quickies. I use the same anchor, with a small eye and that quicky one can really choke the timber tips. I keep 2-one for attaching my RRP to my triple connect Rook pulley. I keep that on my bridge. I keep the other for that tight alpine butterfly.
Hey man I’m super late to this post. I appreciated the balance between your appreciation for the academic side and recognition that in-field experience cannot be replicated.
With that being said, in this video you’re using some sort of clevis on the standing end of your rope and using that to choke the spar.
I’m sure it’s rated and considered legit kit, but please don’t use it.
Clevises are really dangerous. In a different context I had one fail and it caused a fall. I’m only saying this as someone who doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt, please don’t trust a clevis with your lifeline.
Great video and good job on this tree, stay safe.
Hey thanks for your thoughts! I'd be interested in hearing more about your clevis failure experience. The quick shackle I use is a common life support product around here and is sold by many different dealers and manufacturers as a life support tool. I've been using it for a few years and I'd really like to know more about why you recommend against it.
ngl that looks pretty fun
A trick I learned from my grandfather was cutting two small side cuts where you put your rope. Helps on smooth bark trees and dead ones too. Keeps the rope from sliding off.
Yeah, I bet that would help alot. I've seen people do that for big wood crane picks, but not for rigging. I'll have to keep that in mind for next time
Nice video,
I got books and talked to old timers for advice before I started.
I cut small pieces let drop.
@dm9860 Sure thing, small pieces, small problems! As long as your not cleaning up with a machine, that works great!
27:30 "Movin' real easy *EEUUUUUUUUNGGGNGHHH* "
The rope your climbing how did you actually get it up there in the first place?
A tool called a bigshot. Like a massive sling shot. You tie a weighted bag to a small sting. Once you have the small string where you want you tie your climbing line to it and pull it up over
@@caseycovert9631 thanks I always wondered how they got the rope. They were climbing up there before they climbed up.
Nice work brother from one tree trimmer to another Subscribed👍👍
Thanks man, stay safe out there!
@@zaccheus you too brother
Beautiful work man. Delaminating trees make my palms sweat lol
Hahaha, fair enough! Thanks!
I always thought climbers made the best groundies, as they’ve been on the rough side of rigging. Of course it’s rare to have a true climber to run it.
For sure, I've only run ropes a hand full of times and so my rope running skills are not at the top of the industry. I'm you're right, a climber should definitely have a good grasp of the principles
Climbing dead trees......as if there wasn't enough things to keep in mind with climbing healthy trees. But, people ain't calling to have their pretty trees taken out. Very vigilant work. Nice job.
Thanks!
I bought a stihl 021 chainsaw and on first use it still runs like a dream and that is 31 years old, just goes to show the quality of tools if looked after
@@Jogonjungle absolutely!
I do belief the hickory is a shag ark because when I looked up shellbark, while they looked very similar, the shellbark hickory had smaller bark flakes. Don’t take my word because I’m no expert, I just have a hobby in trees and I’m planning on learning more still.
Man U got some big balls climbing that bad boy lol
5K!! You are crushing it!!
Haha, thanks. This video has done exceptionally well and thays made a big difference. I see you're getting closer to the magical 1k every video too!
You’ve got some balls Zach
honestly if those two companies declined, that's good because they probably wouldn't have been able to do it safely and it's better that they admit to that rather than send some guy up who doesn't know what he's doing and gets himself or others hurt
@@BigYabai yes, I agree. I’ve declined to tackle jobs that were outside of my skill set before. I’ve never regretted it.
I did one about that size in my yard. I didnt have the gear you do (or the skill) so i felled it in one shot. Your way is much less... dramatic. I dont think i couldve monkeyed around that tree like you did with yours even if i did have the gear. Good work.
@ScottLafray-dd2fp Thanks for the kind words man. Felling is definitely the way to go if you can do it. I enjoy climbing, but it's still alot of work 😅
When that tree rocks back and forth some part of you has to be listening for the dreaded CRACK!!! that brakes the camels back
Great work man and I hope that never happens! What a major let down that would be.
@@RC-Heli835 Oh yeah, for sure. I've never had a tree break under me or had a rigging point fail, but I've had some scares when I heard cracking noise from somewhere else on a busy jobsite or something 😅
@@zaccheus If you ever get in a tree that your really worried about you could tie 3 guide wires to it and anchor them to another tree or ground with a screw auger?
@RC-Heli835 I have guyed a compromised tree. It's often challenging to develope the forces needed to be effective, but it's is possible. Trees weigh a lot and can develope forces greater than their own weight
I have really enjoyed this video! Art
Glad to hear it Art! Thanks for watching so many videos here recently. If there's anything in particular you'd like to see more of, don't hesitate to let me know
Thats some good firewood ritechear
I use strong polypropylene ropes to apply tension to pull tree . Also repel down rope, come alongs and anchor ropes to other secure trees.
@dm9860 Nice! I might recommend staying away from polypropylene though. It's not very tough stuff compared to quality polyester and nylon blend ropes.
First time watching these tree removals. I used to work for a phone company and for a while I did climb telephone poles, (no bark. LOL) My highest was 30'. I was not the most confident climber, so seeing him gaffing this dead tree brought back my insecurities, got a little anxiety watching this. I was a lot younger back then too.
@@marymulrooney1334 Pole climbing takes some real skills you're a champ for taking that work on
@31:58 can avoid most of a crater by placing another log on the ground, perpendicular to the one that's going to fall, that will cushion some of it
@DougCube I've dine that before. I've also completely buried the cross log that way.
If it were oak, ash or maple, even locust I would have declined. Elm is good, your assessment was accurate. Most local tree guys tend to be more cautious than you tube celebs, most work from a bucket since it's faster but not as glamorous. My advice: stay local if you're moving around and tap into the native climbers, find out what they are saying. Err on the side of caution.
Thanks for your thoughts! This one was pretty close to home. The views aren't worth risking my life for, but if something hazardous comes my way, I try to capture it on film 🤷♂️
This was enjoyable to watch!
Any books you would suggest? I have the fundamentals of general tree work and tree climbers companion so far.
I've learned alot just from looking over ISA certification study guides. Even if it's not of benefit to take the tests to you in your position, the study guides have good stuff. Someone else in the comments suggested "The Body Language of Trees" by Claus Mattheck. It's supposedly used as a references in court cases and such. Looks like a good book and I hope to get one soon.
There ain't a lot of info on climbing dead trees. That really is a thing that is passed down (more currently on UA-cam maybe??)
@@johnnienaber5693 That is true for sure. I feel like it's maybe a little more of a challenging topic to put into books. So many more factors than climbing green trees.
Awesome video dude. Good work too!
Thanks man!
Good going ! Clear headed competent climbers that can speak english that show up and WORK are hard to find , stay focused and safe 👍
@jtrocktree5409 thanks!
Wow enjoyed the heck out of watching this video,TY so much! Now I'm wondering where or how to get the training training to do this? 😇
@kimboss8721 I learned from watching UA-cam video and then speaking with others in the industry to improve my skills beyond what I saw on youtube. The best was though is on the job experience if you can find a good company that is willing to mentor you. The hard part is finding that company.
you made that look safe and easy, good job! can I come over and learn from you? thanks!
Haha thanks! I'm afraid I don't have enough work to share right now, but i might be willing to travel a little if you're not too far away.
Wish u included the part where you put up the climbing rope i care to know how you got that set up before you even started climbing
@@drabsavage8571 it’s in some of my other videos. It’s in the early part of this video if you’d like to see. Professional Tree Climber In Super Tall Tulip Tree!
ua-cam.com/video/3-ENNLD6H7Q/v-deo.html
Little bit confused about kind of the tree, because It looks like a maple but it seems to me that the wood is like a pine 🤔. Nice job man 💪
Tree is an elm specie
How did you get that rope up to the rigging point? Or the line that let you ascend up? Seemed like a heck of a throw?
@@realrigel I launch a weighted bean bag with a string on it up over my target branch union and use the string to pull my climbing rope up over the union. Once I ascend, I set up the rest of the ropes.
I used sacsdolmar and echo.
Stihl is more powerful but I like the comfort of echo. Know how to sharpen chain cuts great...
The apple or angiosperm is a plant in which the seed is located INSIDE a ripened embryo (the fruit ) think of an orange or apple. A pine tree or gymnosperm DOES flower, but the seed is not located inside an embryo. The seed is produced in the outside think of a pine cone, or corn cob.
@DavesBikeRides Thanks for straightening that out!
@@zaccheus I respect your skill in the tree. Be safe out there.