BIG Old Growth Tree Topping

A few clip from 2 hazard tree removals at Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island. This is not a logging operation, rather an annual management strategy by the park. No logs were removed from site. There was lots of other work and people involved over the 2 days, but this was all I was able to video.

[@AugustHunicke]

Only enough room for one person at a time up there, far from the rat race. Only by deliberateness does one go there and return consistently.

[@thornwarbler]

I'm in the U K . I was at cathedral grove over 20 years ago its well named i have never before or since seen such magnificent trees. My Dad and two of his brothers worked out in the woods at port Alice/ jeune landing in the 60's. I have family all over Vancouver island. I enjoy your videos and marvel at your work thanks for filming it. Oh and if you get a chance to film those massive trees in cathedral grove i for one would love to see them again..................Cheers

[@martinstreeworks3310]

Great job on the second leaner top, I see that you do the extra step of wrapping the top below your cut as I do too, many years back I was topping a huge redwood about 80+ feet up and I had to fight ivy all the way up to that point and when I went to top it the dia. there was roughly 24" or so, I could not clearly see which way it wanted to go on it's own since the tree was perfectly straight up and down and evenly balanced as far as limbs so I cut a notch in just a speck past center hoping that it would go that way but when I layed in on the back cut it clamped down on my bar/chain made a couple of cracking noises and began to split in two OMG! I thought and the tree split open about a foot then luckily snapped off sending the top 180 degrees opposite of where I was pointing it but luckily it was only hillside forest there and nothing got damaged besides my nerves. After that lesson I always wrap the top up so it cannot ever split on me besides I bring a couple of wedges but usually rely on a tag line being pulled by a ground person or better yet I put in the extra effort of removing most all of the limbs on one side making sure it is balanced the direction of desired fall, never again have I been so close to being squeezed into half by my flipline, EEKS it would of been bad and that was 30+ years ago and thousands of trees. Martin Sleep/Santa Cruz County Cal. USA

[@Johnnyreengo]

That was a good read. Thanks for sharing Martin

[@mattjordan6093]

Awesome work Reg, you are in a class of your own

[@ScreamingXMR-Mud-TV]

Great work and awesome video Reg! Those trees are tall there that’s for sure! Won’t ever forget visiting ! Those of you that haven’t been, you have to check them out when your on the island ! Thanks for sharing

[@Dan-fv7cp]

Awesome to see the master at work again. I hope i get to be as good a climber as you one day Mr Coates!!

[@andrewure6974]

Dear Reg I subribed today and you welcomed me and suggested I take a look at some of your videos .the first one that popped up was hazard tree removal in Cathederal grove that special place , I was fortunate enough to visit there more than twenty five years ago I'm an Aussie and my Canadian girlfriend at the time knew of my family's history in the timber industry and my interest in big trees so I flew to Canada we met up in Vancouver hired a car got on the ferry drove down there and you wouldn't believe it a big storm had gone through and broke these huge trees snapped them like carrots it was closed the orange plastic was across the entrance the dunny was flattened and the people out the front were saying what a shame no one could go in I said isn't that a shame . Anyway after I went in it was a mess but I'll never forget those big trees gun barrel straight , beautiful i look forward to following your work must go that Canadian wife's yelling at me again !!

[@billybarron7215]

Frigging hell you are as strong as an ox 30 inch bar up there I've done some big 1s with my 199 efco 30 inch bar on big beech trees not as high as your 1 so tired after pulling that saw up 55 years old now and still going brilliant love it and never want to stop 😂👍🏻

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video. Love to see the work you do, fascinating.

[@chriswebertreesurgeon]

Brilliant trick with the wedges, drilling and stringing a little lanyard through them.

[@shawnablake5102]

I love the top drops off, it’s like poetry....gracefully drops to the ground.

[@DeuceGenius]

SUCH A CALM VOICE FOR BEING A MANIAC :)

[@NHlocal]

Well done Reg. I appreciate you taking the time to post up your work. Keep yourself safe. Randy

[@Arfabiscuit]

Beautiful work Reggie my boy , beautiful work .

[@shade38211]

One of your best vids, could almost feel that top.

[@allenhuling598]

Enjoyed this again, after your posting of the link on Buckin's vid. Awesome work, Reg!!

[@Recoates]

Allen Huling Thanks Allen, it's a really cool place, which is why I put it in Bills comments section. Bills camera unfortunately gives a spread out distorted view....when in fact the fauna is a lot more tightly packed together. Very much has the feel of an ecosystem as opposed to a bunch of spread out trees.

[@allenhuling598]

Despite the camera view, I can appreciate the abundance and diversity of growth in there! Yeah, cool place!! Thanks for the reply, I look forward to the next time you post a video! Cheers!

[@mackenzietree7953]

Almost 6 seconds till it hit the ground. Nice work Reg.

[@willriseley]

Lovely trees and scenery as always reg. some nice moves with the saw, good to seee you still slaying trees. Happy Christmas to you and the family.

[@MCDTreeServices]

Brilliant stuff Reg 👍

[@robertheflin2400]

Much respect to you guys, I’ve done tree work but nothing like that, holy crap !

[@AndreRMeyer]

5:11 Mr. Coates you make this all look so swingin' easy.

[@dangertreez]

Very special honor to be able to the trees in that park.

[@KennysTreeRemoval]

You're going to be remember and recognized years from now just like Jerry Beranek and Graeme McMahon. Thanks for sharing your work always brother.

[@trefallerhighline2152]

Great show Reg thank you for sharing

[@kenweis2291]

Gotta love the 16" bar

[@marco7355]

great job as always 👍

[@dcsthedcs3983]

"Honey, where's the clean laundry and wheelbarrow? I'm getting dressed for work."

[@mobile-1lawnservicellc875]

Big trees there. Keep up the good work.

[@ported7]

I meant nothing that is so crazy I’m no arborist. Thank u for your hard work

[@Joesdifferent]

Great work Absolutely great job brother

[@AForal-tr9td]

Hi Reg, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new Year, cheers Andy

[@Recoates]

Thanks Andy, same to you

[@bixvid9864]

Very much a modern Reg-type slaying vid. Production climbing as usual. Bad ass.

[@2009glassman]

Great Show!!

[@mattdigginnh3511]

Really amazing job .. your very gifted

[@thexmanjdd]

It's a good thing that you had that vest on in the beginning of the video so that no cars hit you while you were climbing. Your proper notch cutting technique is always nice to watch (no sarcasm here on this part).

[@Recoates]

thexmanjdd There was probably 20 guys working throughout the park that day. Fallers, climbers, blasters and traffic management. Predominantly working on or adjacent to the Alberni highway over a 5 mile stretch. You have to be visible and in constant radio contact to coordinate everything safely. Many of the trees were blasted, felled or topped onto the road. Many, like in the video were over 200ft tall. Hundreds of cars would have to be stopped and kept waiting at one time. Sometimes for up to 30 mins. The high vis vests weren't optional....rather, you wear it or go home.

[@Recoates]

thexmanjdd - meant to say, that a narrow Humboldt is the only cut for topping big conifers

[@gumboandwot]

Reg Coates I'm

[@tymesho]

used to work redwoods in Humboldt county California. there is NOTHING that sounds/feels like a huge top whooshing past you 200' in the air. nothing.

[@drew856856]

that was a beautiful cut on both tops. some people really have no clue how dangerous this is. be safe up there

[@deadbolt9019]

I have no idea but I do know my hands were sweating the whole time just watching

[@TheTreeBailey]

love the footage man keep it coming, nice shirt.

[@Recoates]

TheTreeBailey - thanks, you know I have a thing for shirts

[@TheTreeBailey]

yeah i bought that orange and black stein shirt a couple years ago looks good that high up a tree. jealous of those trees either way.

[@tealjacks9125]

Good stuff Reginald . Have a good meet up with August/

[@colsinclair7793]

Watched a few of ur vids now mate liking your work🌲 and the odd fk or2. All the best from back home🇬🇧

[@Recoates]

Col Sinclair Thanks Col

[@colsinclair7793]

Reg Coates your welcome. I pick up on guys like ur self. Every days a school day🌲 always willing to see what others are doing& ifs it's helpful putting into practice👌🏻

[@Forstmike]

Hi. Hier is Mike. Respekt. Good Job. 👍👍👍

[@mykolajMykolaj]

Really good !!!

[@thetreeleggedman9444]

Good idea letting us know the bar size Reg, helps puts it into perspective . Nice 1 bud

[@chamness964]

Awesome reg!!!!

[@g2j284]

Amazing!

[@brickmason4410]

Everyone has someone they can point to and say..." That guy was a true inspiration to me.. a true professional and I'm gonna pattern my skill after this individual".. who was that person for you my friend..

[@Recoates]

I dont think theres one person I ever looked up to and wanted to be like, but definitely those that I admired and respected. My Dad was one, a handful of pro boxers whos courage and commitment I had great admiration and affection towards. Beethoven was another, his pure genius is off the chart.....to name but a few examples.

[@brickmason4410]

@@Recoates what about in the business your in. Anybody you can point to that really influenced your work style, ethic, knowledge? Like you my dad was a big influence..

[@Recoates]

@@brickmason4410 I definitely had people around who I looked up to in the first few years,, who were excellent climbers, Glyn, Nigel,l Chris, Dan....so I did aspire to reach that standard. And then many years later through studies in Arboriculture I had the privilege of being tutored by a fella named Dave Dowson of TreeLife. Daves depth of knowledge, professionalism, and work ethic was impeccable. It was a rare and eye opening opportunity for me to work closely with an academic. On the practical side of things I always impressed with the likes of Gerry Beranek, Greame McMahon, Ken Johnson as I became aware of their presence and work etc. I've been fortunate too that I got to meet and spend time with these guys, without working with them. Theres obviously many others along the way, too many to mention. But it's about respect and appreciation, not really wanting to copy or walk in someone elses shoes. We all have out own journey to complete, bumps and all

[@brickmason4410]

@@Recoates you are right.. having those mentors or people that are willing to share their experience is invaluable in your career. Doing what you do, how you do it, developing a style... And adjusting, learning from your mistakes or failures... I learned my trade from some excellent craftsmen who were excellent teachers.. I think having been around guys that were willing to share their knowledge, maybe taking me under their wing more than others because I showed some aptitude and desire to excel... Which by the way is harder to find.. anyway thank you brother for taking time to respond to me.. I am very intrigued with your channel.. you do a great job.. you are obviously very intelligent and I enjoy when you get on a topic about those toolbags that dislike the channel.. like I said who cares... Don't let them get you down.. I hope you keep posting.. thanks again from Alabama..

[@AndreRMeyer]

I was there at the Catheral Grove in 1986 on my way back... ... from a 4 day surfing trip to Cox Bay in Tofino, to commerorate my 30th birthday. ... to work at EXPO '86 on site as a Sous-Chef at The Bavarian Beer Gardens, in Vancouver B.C.

[@Whateva67]

André R. Meyer jeez, ya make me feel old. I was at expo 86, it was 32 freakin years ago and I was only 18. Greetings from Vancouver Island

[@markq23]

Great video Reg!😉👍just wondering What kind of chain you are running on the 200t? Thanks

[@boyse69]

Nice Job Reg ! You know what I'm waiting for, don't want to Nag

[@Recoates]

I know Phil, sorry. After next week, I'm free. Been a hectic few weeks with one more to go

[@boyse69]

Understood get it all done safe ! Then drop me a line, it's very easy Reg even I can do it ...

[@gregbrown9271]

Good one you do have to be just a little crazy 👍

[@mayconflores2430]

Buen trabajo 👍

[@TGCIII]

Reg’s big top! That’s good shit

[@mtb4maine]

Reg, do you keep the wedges and axe on a tether? I couldn’t tell. Great video.

[@GREMLlN]

Nice watch

[@daveelliott8116]

I see you are using your climbing line as a second lanyard. How do you keep your rope from getting caught in all the brush on the ground? Do you have a ground guy every time to free it up? Other times I noticed you have the rope in a backpack. Those must be the solo jobs? You always seem to have your saw tied to you sometimes with what looks like a non breakaway lanyard even when making big snap cuts like on that huge beach tree in Knutsford. Have you ever experienced wood biting your saw and taking it out of your hands?

[@AndreLuiz-gk1mf]

very top man

[@josephdidonato807]

The thud when that larger top hit the ground was very satisfying. Tell me, when you're wedging a piece over, do you find any benefit to bringing up a hatchet, or smaller axe, rather than a small sledge? It might be arbitrary, but, my thought is the axe is just another blade to avoid. Thank you for the content. I've learned something from watching your videos.

[@Recoates]

Joseph DiDonato a hammer has one use. While an axe has several ie pounding, cutting, probing, prying, digging. Useful on old trees especially.

[@theaxeman4035]

I rather doubt you'll see a notification for this comment, being such an old vid. but just out of curiosity, which axe is that your using? Looks like the Husqvarna carpenters axe, which is quickly becoming my favorite for many tasks.

[@davidure2901]

hi reg question: why did you make the cut on each side after making the face? is it just a scribe line or was there a purpose for removing small amount of wood on each side? thanks man great video

[@Recoates]

I made that cut at about 130 feet. The top was perhaps 90 ft and leaning hard. The side cuts were to lessen the chance of a barber chair, by restricting it to the middle of the stem. I probably should have cut a little more in hindsight....but you do what you think is right at the time.

[@troytreeguy]

What a ride eh!? That first one was tall, top kept falling and falling! Do you ever borecut a heavy leaning top? Be well

[@Recoates]

troytreeguy Taking out the sides achieves similar. That top was about 90ft and cut at aprox 150. Positioning yourself on the underside of something so predominantly one sided and heavy to cut out the middle would be somewhat precarious.

[@samfoppema3669]

Reg, I'm confused by your answer. Do you mean boring in from the face? I certainly wouldn't want to be sitting there boring in from the face in that situation......I feel like boring in from the side, setting as small of a hinge as would be safe, then cutting from the hinge back would reduce the "ride" one would feel. I'm certainly not as seasoned as yourself, but whenever I take out an extraordinarily large top--especially something with even a slight lean--I always try to set the hinge first and cut a trigger from the back. If the top starts taking off while you've still got 5 inches of hinge left....I have nightmares about it! I'm very interested to hear your feedback cause that is a massive top at a significant height.

[@zippythechicken]

wonder how long a timber you could make with one of those trees.. they seem healthy and grow very straight.. but its probably deceptive..

[@westerntreecare4896]

Awesome work Reg. I presume that 200t is ported and performance tuned? if so who by. regards will Hopper

[@Recoates]

Just a muffler mod and tune. That's all they need to be transformed into a killer

[@Whateva67]

western tree care I bought a used 200t in Nanaimo last year, totally stock but man it cuts wood fast,best 300$ I ever spent, love it

[@LawrenceSchultz3000]

2:50 sit back on ya or was it a strategic plan to tip a back leaner to the lay?

[@Recoates]

LawrenceSchultz3000 the 16in bar was a little undersized to cut the face over centre. Instead the hinge was somewhere in the middle. It may have still tipped with a little more cutting, but I didn't want to risk it. Once the big saw came up it was much easier to cut everything deep.

[@JRMny-nl4ut]

Cool

[@peterellen9848]

What saddle do you use?

[@randyupladek1855]

Reg , how have you liked being a business owner vs contact climber now? Looks like BC has so much to offer ? Glad your safe mate .

[@Recoates]

Randyu Pladek I was actually contacting on this job. As a business owner, you make and keep more money....undeniably. but you get much less spare time. Right now I need the money....so this is better.

[@Whateva67]

Reg Coates were ya working with VI Tree service here?

[@Recoates]

I hate stupid people - Correct

[@kenweis2291]

I had a heavy leaning top like at 3:40.... Tree split peeled....broke an old lanyard and took my climbing loop....pinned me to tree melted my knot then let me go 50 ft....forced me to retire

[@scatoutdebutter]

wow

[@brucelund5788]

that wae quite a ride on that big top eh Reg?

[@Recoates]

worse in reality, to be honest Bruce. Knocked the wind out of me. Looks significantly less through the camera

[@brucelund5788]

looked pretty wild, glad you know how to keep your wits, I've got a heavy leaner I wish you could coach me through, I'm pretty sure I know how a tree climber, a REAL one, would do it, I just don't know how I wll!

[@beesrubi7422]

might be a dumb question but it looks like many of your face notches are less than 45 degrees. why?

[@Recoates]

Bees Rubi - a narrow face will minimize the push/pull on the pole. Both trees were 200ft + or in height, so a climber can expect 15 ft or so of sway on the pole as the top tips over and breaks off the hinge. It will push you back as it tips, and then surge forward again thereafter. A wide face would keep the hinge attached as the pole is maxed out on the push back and then drag it forward again as well as adding a downward force on it. That could turn out very bad. So, better to get the top off the stump sooner, which a narrow face a achieves.

[@beesrubi7422]

Reg Coates thanks for taking the time answering my question; I've been wondering that for awhile and it makes sense now. I enjoy your vids👍

[@Gabriel_Moline]

5:12. You have a go pro. Hang the saw, mash your hand into the stick to stop you relative to the stick, and let the people see how far you travel. You make good vids, just take the advice.

[@steppoffaith8426]

How tall is that tree you think.

[@Recoates]

They both between 220-230 at a guess

[@melindaromero9703]

Who is the tree bothering to have to cut ?

[@Recoates]

The trees have root decay. They are in a park. Visitors have been killed by rotten trees collapsing in that very park. So the park tries to intervene where such trees are identified.

[@r.b.4611]

Will the tops grow back?

[@Recoates]

No. The idea us to let them stand as decaying poles

[@r.b.4611]

@@Recoates That must be good for the forest somehow?

[@Recoates]

@@r.b.4611 indeed it is. Both standing and horizontal Deadwood. Age and species diversity. Adequate spacing and light penetration to the forest floot. Extensive root and mycorrhizal networks all play a critical role in what often distinguishes an Old growth forest from a second growth plantation.

[@r.b.4611]

@@Recoates Cool, thanks Reg.

[@fuckoffcunts1473]

what kind of money does a climber earn climbing timber like this

[@whopper9037]

Thanks for your reply. I had mine ported muffler modd and tuned with a new piston and cylinder. Untamed animal now. Im curious hiw big was the muffler port hole. Thank William

[@smile-xo9nr]

@ reg coats hey man the channel "KenTT Machinery" have stolen one of your videos, felling of a big beech. it's the 12th one down on their channel uploaded a month ago.

[@crowley357]

What a bull ride that second one...

[@Christopher-li7uc]

Wow!! Not gonna see any womans rights activist lining up for that job😂 well done !

[@Sparrsex]

mean 200t!!!

[@scatoutdebutter]

This video seemed to show more clearly some of the "simple" details of your technique --- of course who knows all the 1000's of atomic decisions and calculations going on in your mind in those few seconds while you made those cuts and (re)positioned yourself.

[@fellowbrotherinwar]

Have you ever had your dogs stab you in the calf?

[@envoy3]

The swaying after the first topping scared the shit out of me, no wonder this is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet.

[@victoriousvictor7978]

I am something jealous of this...And its hard to make me jealous...would have killed to climb in there.