How to Cut a leaning tree down, Pro faller tips.

[@bradnotchad]

I may just be a tree worker but I learned how to fell trees because of you. I've been watching you for almost 6yrs. I've watched all your videos, most twice. I have cut down hundreds of 80ft+ monstrosities and the vast majority of my ability to handle giant trees is from you. I truly appreciate you. I love this work and I'm good at it because of you. Thank you

[@juliomcdermott4696]

Nuff said.

[@stinthedude]

Love wins, friend. I've also learned alot from Billy Ray and its helped my career 🤙🪓

[@gregoryandries5784]

Tips from Bucking Billy Ray saved me on a lot of occasions

[@spiff1003]

@@stinthedude The day we stop learning from other people, we are most likely six feet under or heading that way imminently. I am a "mediocre" tree worker at my own farm, but I try to be open minded for just about anything. A tip I saw in the comment was that you should really learn basic physics to understand what is going on with forces etc. Now, I do not have to go to school to learn more physics, but it is important to have a decent amount of understanding the way forces propagate and gets amplified certain ways. Still, the tip is useful as it reminds me to think physics. I think those who get killed or seriously hurt are those that do not understand what forces are at play. The "hold my beer"-kinda guy that has bought the top of the line saw and really has no experience in using it. So we keep on learning, and I am sure this Billy is still learning something new too. By sharing videos like this, we can get an idea of the complexity of certain operations and if we know limits we understand when to throw in the towel and back down. That is probably the most important knowledge. Last week, I had set my mind on several large trees in a slope, but as I prepared and cleared out the site, I got a bad feeling, thinking about all those forces and factors I could not control. So I left it and went for some other trees instead. Maybe I'll be back later, but thinking about what I have seen and learned through these videos made me back down until I feel ready.

[@stinthedude]

@spiff1003 trust your gut and if you're getting weary call in some help my friend. Best of luck to ya🤙🤙🤙

[@richardjames4632]

This wasn't just a clever video, it was a masterclass.

[@dp1381]

I’m no logger, just a treehouse builder and carpenter. But whenever our sites need trees removed, I’m the guy thanks mostly to you, Buckin’. There have been many times when I have had a tricky situation and you providentially posted a video containing just the specific information I needed to pull it off safely. God has blessed me and the rest of this community as He has used you to spread knowledge and wisdom. God bless you, Buckin’.

[@LiveFreeOrRIP]

Thank you for the drawing at the end. We all learn in differing ways and that drawing was Amazing for me. Now I understand better of how you achieved that professional fall.

[@patrickjoy9551]

I gotta say you remind me of my uncle how you can "read" a tree. He would absolutely amaze me how he could convince a tree where to fall. I wish he would have been more forthcoming with his wisdom like you are. Thank you Buckin Billy.

[@kodybryan4109]

Really liked how you talked about and wrote down how you cut the back in different 1-3 sections. Really helped me understand more than if you just tried to explain it

[@SplitWoodAcres]

Wow thank you for drawing that up! I was lost till the drawing and then I totally understood. Amazing!

[@independentnature295]

14:25 diagram explanation

[@mikespain8655]

Most people are just happy to get the tree safely down on the ground. Another beautiful cut!

[@peterlubbers5947]

Oh how i enjoy these "Explain episodes" they are true gems to watch and take valuable things away from each of them!👌

[@martyrutter3630]

Details of this falling video may be your best I have watched. I continue to learn in my old age, enjoying life thank you my friend. Bunyan anticipation is getting stronger day by day. 😂

[@oakiewoodsman]

That is why you are the faller and I am watcher! Great job and thanks for the drawing, will see ya on the next one.

[@newman7610]

That one kept my eyes on the screen. Great job Buckin!

[@severini8153]

I love the exhilarating technical depth you incorporate while still „just“ getting the job done Buckin. It‘s a real treat.

[@garyblevins3532]

Glad I got to see this one because I've got some leaners to take down soon. Thanks Buckin Billy Ray!

[@vancolucci5949]

Perfect! What an amazing work! I’m a city girl and I’m happy that I saw your post because I find your work to be quite fascinating. It’s a combination of Art, Math, and Science. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. May God bless you and keep you safe out there.

[@A..n..d..y]

I really like the diagram and I'm start to understand what your saying. If possible can you do more diagrams and while still showing the cuts can you add where the weight of the tree is during the cuts.

[@petermcgregor5268]

Billy Ray you are right arborist are arborist not loggers long as the job gets done which you do I'm a old school logger from New Zealand and I really love your channel

[@RD-ph8mh]

I learned about the bow/lean combo the hard way last year. I cut the light side first and the tree sat right down on my saw. I recovered my saw… I think the swearing helped:) Always a pleasure Buckin Billy.

[@stephenmerrill4200]

"So stick that in your pipe and smoke it" 😂 love you Buckin! Happy 25th Birthday to your marriage!

[@thesickhorseranch]

I used this technique on an identical leaning Douglas Fir after seeing it in that Balsam you did recently. I too added the wedge even though I was already seeing the tree wanting to go where I had directed it. Truly a back saving technique because I'd have been hero-slamming some wedges if that big bugger would have set back on me.

[@norman-gregory]

Billy Ray...you're the "Buckin Tree Man". Kindness to you Friend. Cheers.

[@bigcloudtrees]

Hi Mr Bill, thank you for the awesome video. A truly instructive demonstration of what to do with a challenging tree like that. I am an arborist and I wanted to say I greatly benefit from your videos. Yes, we are different animals, especially because we live in different habitats (forest vs urban/suburban areas) but arborists also do have to knock over a tree every now and then. I do tie in twice and I like all the colorful flashy devices that I get to use, but I truly appreciate and respect your work and I am thankful that you share it with us! Keep them coming! With love and respect, Big Cloud

[@craigwilson9560]

Nice video Buckin! I really enjoy watching them and always learning something. The explanation plus the drawing also helps. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@thegreatwhite-hd3uo]

I gotta say bucking those door panels are looking great in beginning of u standing ther

[@marklam8548]

So the notch placement is essential. That "low"part of your undercut helped the weight of the tree starting moving to the right. ... The "plate" or "plane" of the cut had to be removed so the tree can start leaning into the undercut. And yes, don't take out that standing hingewood especially at the far corner of the cut. It has to hold up that corner of the tree, off of your bar tip first of all and then be there to help "push" that log/ tree around to the right of the undercut. A great tip for arborists and other tree guys with less experience, is,; Use that rope as insurance to pull that tree over the back corner of your undercut.! And/ or use a wedge to push it...! It will helped immensely if that is leaning back a little or a lot more than this one was!!! I call it insurance.... Also a tag rope around the butt of the tree, tied back up the hill, can keep that bucking bronco of a log from going like a wild brombey down the mountain!😜❤

[@lancekrych3206]

You got the sweetest trucks! I’m in Minnesota, I have a 64 ford 4 wheeler, love it. We don’t see the mercury trucks around here, i didnt even know about them until i started watching your videos, so cool.

[@wednesdar452]

Buckin, Thank you so much for the diagram!! That was super helpful!! I was with you at 1, but didn't realize 2 and 3 were separate steps!!!

[@austinswift1602]

Awesome falling job. Your diagram really helped me understand what you did. Thanks for sharing! Love Wins! 🙂

[@timothygriffiths5640]

Hello from Western Pa ...l have been logging hardwood for 20+ years now and l found you on KZbin have been watching your videos for a long time and I am a big fan and I have MUCH respect for you and what you do....and what got my attention was that I could immediately see right from the start that you knew exactly what you were doing..... you are among just a handful of people on KZbin that are actually showing people how to do things the correct way that is so good to see ..... however this video today got my attention and not in a bad way it's just that I have never turned a tree by cutting the upper side first l feel like a hardwood tree would pop off of the stump if I didn't leave some meat on the upper side and l have seen and had it happen many times..... what l do is pretty much opposite l bore through create my hinge and come out the back keeping a wedge in place in the middle center back side so it can't pinch the saw and then from the face cut leaning side of the hinge l will little bit at a time cut away the hinge which allows me to slowly steer the tree in the direction that I want it to go ......but I am always open to new ideas and now I am going to have to give this method of yours a try and see if it works out here on these East Coast hardwood trees....l will let you know how it goes.... until then be safe , keep the saw dust flying and keep making those awesome axes and tree cuttin videos .

[@robertjones5388]

Hi buckin, good vid and excellent explanation of that process you did especially the drawing at the end. I definitely get it ! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain to us to ‘get it’ and sharing your knowledge with us, mean’s so much my friend.

[@stevestock2439]

2nd time Ive watched this one, one of my faves. You school us up really good on how to change the fall of this tree. Great tutorial.

[@Trial-N-ErrorFarms-jk9iz]

Thanks for the explanation afterwards.. I had already written two question and was waiting for the end of the video to hit the comment button.

[@TheWestAspen]

Love to hear your take on a leaner that is 180-degrees from the face cut, clearly this one was 90-degrees. Great stuff on the relief cut sequence...

[@thomasrennison9461]

Amazing! You’re the best. I’m a visual person and the drawing explains it perfectly.

[@Grindee392Gaming]

Took down a big ash tree for my neighbor the other day and it was the biggest I've ever dropped. Couldn't have done it without your vids! I much prefer your humboldt cut for the undercut. Even thought I'd use your trick and leave a little extra post on the one side so the tree would pull that way and it did just what I wanted. Appreciate all your content!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Good

[@tribeof2035]

Brilliant work Buckin. Thanks for adding the music, narration and multiple views. The drone adds a lot of context and scenery. Stay strong 💪🏼, get your sunshine and eat more meat 🥩 🥓 🥚 🦐.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Nice shot, man. When you’re on the stump, I watch. You have no idea how much safer you have made me with a saw over the last few years. Before YT, it was when in doubt gun it out, felling 10” trees with nothing but an angled slash cut.

[@davehutcheson3785]

That wee diagram at the end was a great way to explain it Buckin!

[@paulosouza3369]

If I can handle a tree and a chainsaw decently today, (and I can) it's because of your teachings for sure.

[@GroundStudies]

Another lunchtime masterclass in falling. Thanks dude.

[@josieh3766]

Thanks so much for this! The bingo light just went on with your drawing at the end. I've always been good at reading tension when bucking but never thought about tension (as tree weight too!) while the tree is standing. Brilliant!

[@stephennoiles3344]

Awesome, us students are and will always learn from you, Buckin. God bless.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Right on

[@CkeckThatYetithe2nd]

really liked that diagram like everyone else was saying makes learning a little bit easier. thank you

[@paulnicholas00]

That didn’t even feel like a 17 minute video Was such a good video thanks for sharing some very informative knowledge

[@Knotaro_bot]

Been watching you for a while now , and this one was one of the best.

[@andrzej3511]

I was almost sure that this trunk would fall to the left of the place where the heat actually was. I was almost sure that it was simply IMPOSSIBLE to put the trunk down the way it fell!!! I watched, listened and wondered: is this guy sure of what he says and does? It turned out that he was sure - like hell! Billy, for me you are the truest grandmaster!!!!

[@jamieyaehrling9158]

Go to 11.10 minutes in. Received a great idea with falling trees. Thank you

[@seanpierce3394]

Love watching you masterfully do your thing.

[@loganspriggs9828]

Keep preaching! People need to know how to listen to the trees and wood! I’ve used this technique many times because of you! It connects in a spiritual way. Where ya just know it cause you can feel in.

[@bobwiese6128]

Hey, buckin' it is such a joy. True, pleasure to watch you do your work. You are a master and I greatly appreciate your expert toodeledge. Much kindness and love to you. My friend, thank you..

[@InkedCarpenter1776]

One handed too! They must be LOVING you now. 😂😂 great video, thank you.

[@michaellloyd8778]

Your a legend buckin Billy ray you can read those trees an land them exactly where they need to go I love those worked saws they sound better then mx bikes

[@DevonReeley]

Always learning from you, not just about tree work either. Much love Buckin I appreciate it all!🪵❤️

[@stinthedude]

Buckin, to me, will always be rembered for love and kindness. Truly an inspiration to anyone just to be better, do better, and make better. Love wins, friends. My favorite quote ive taken away from this channel, "prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child." I could not agree more. Thanks man, for everything...

[@todd4654]

As always, just a fantastic video. You make it look easy and we all know it’s not easy at all. You explain it very well and I have continued to learn a great deal from your videos and commentary. Keep up the great work. Love your Chanel. I’m nowhere near your talents but I am improving from your examples. Big fan!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

Glad to help… please look 👀 up

[@robertmeyer4591]

How does a180 man pull a tree over with 2000lbs of force, and 30 Tons of Torque by using a very long rope secured to the tree, and anchored to a 2nd tree? Using wedges and a 180lb pull a back leaning tree can fall in the opposite direction easily and safely. As the angle of the rope increases the force decreases however the advantage is that if the pull is continuous then the continuous force will help to ensure that the tree falls in the desired location. I doubt this scientific method is OSHA approved. Rope A needs to be much longer than the height of leaning tree for fairly obvious reasons. 🙂 I would say that this energy is more than enough to break the holding wood at the stump and bring the leaning tree into the opposite direction of the lean. Well, OK I dropped the tree in my yard before I did the math here based on the principles of physics and mathematics. But I drew up a diagram i can attached as a photo if interested as the forces at work are fantastic to see via the diagram I drew up. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many Buckin ! @@BuckinBillyRaySmith

[@ChicTumshy]

When the big universal force handed out character Buckin' Billy Ray Smith was first in the queue. Smith is one of the most common names in the English speaking world but when it comes to Billy Ray Smith that's where commonalty ends as there is nothing common about him. He is special in more ways than one and I'm not just talking physical skills here. This man is Special with a capital S. Take care Billy and most importantly, have fun.

[@zjedinite]

You can go to school for as long as you want and you won’t learn a things until you make mistakes or are lucky enough to work with a knowledge individual such as yourself. Great freaking lesson!

[@miketyson8658]

Awesome cut, and video thanks buckin for kicking down the knowledge, this one's going in the brain bank

[@butchssurvivorranch360]

I dunno whats MORE IMPRESSIVE THE TREE CUTS OR EDIT CUTS. GREAT VIDEO Friend 👍

[@l.w.petersen7359]

Learn something every time I see one of your falling videos - thanks 👍👍

[@MatthewLangan]

Thanks for sharing your journey with the World. I learned logging and went to residental tree removal. Added the knowledge to my playbook.

[@EightWheelsRollin]

Second to none. Great explanation. You're a joy to watch!

[@shawnthebicyclist]

You make it look too easy. Thank you for sharing your craft with us on youtube.

[@anthonydeveno2928]

Hi Billy great video it is truly amazing to watch you work you have the ability to read the tree and to get to go where you want it too safely

[@philipwhatley6742]

what an awesome video! I already have a great respect for those in the timber industry but this just adds to it!!

[@timberhillinc]

Billy, this was very useful information to have explained. Thanks for breaking out the crayons. Nice job.

[@howarddittrich157]

When I grow up, I want to be just like Buckin' Billy Ray Smith!

[@richb8903]

Love it!! Keep up with the educational adventures, some stuff I know, other stuff you explain and explore helps me grow.. thank you

[@walkerscountrylife]

I understand what you did.. but not why it worked.. but then I have no real experience! Thanks for the lesson, class is still in session for me!

[@bkershaccount]

the log you made into a truckbed saw holder is awesome. i only have one saw, but i'm gonna take a log and cut a flat long bottom side and put just one notch in it to store mine as i drive so it's not rolling around.

[@StringDriver]

Hey Buckin. Here’s an idea… When you talk about Highwood and Lowwood when you put that little orange pointer finger in that’s super helpful for people who don’t do this kind of work to understand what you mean. Highwood and Lowwood are descriptive terms that are referencing one certain point people who don’t do this work all the time don’t understand what the Highpoint is. What the low point is compared to what? I’m fascinated by how good you are at this and I think either a diagram or you know, kind of pointing to what you mean by Highwood Lowwood and that sort of stuff would help, but it’s fascinating to watch you work.

[@leegriffin8546]

I like you videos because your saws sounds great, well tuned with sharp chains.

[@jerry-cw9yw]

yeah, thanks. the different slow release of energy and setting up for the final release of energy in the fall really makes sense.....

[@Derrick_Crenshaw]

That was very impressive. You have an extremely good eye.

[@WildAcresFarms]

Arborist type tree guy here who DOES climb on mechanical devices and who ties in twice. I love watching you in trees specifically because you climb the way men did 30 years ago. There are more efficient and safe ways to do everything you do. But rather than sit in the comments and judge… it’s a lot more enjoyable to simply admire a man work in the manner he has a love and passion for. You have a lot you can teach new climbers, if they’d shut up about OSHA and open their ears.

[@wulf67]

I don’t know why you’d want NEW climbers to “shut up about OSHA.”

[@adventurerhoades]

Excellent comment

[@rickwilson478]

​@wulf67 .. respectfully, Wildcards isn't telling you to ignore OSHA, he is just pointing out the fact that commenters who go on and on about this guy's OSHA violations are possibly missing or downplaying the knowledge and skillsets being described.

[@WildAcresFarms]

@@rickwilson478 precisely. Take the good. Leave the bad. Expect everyone’s safety to be their OWN responsibility, and stop lecturing people on line to spoon feed only perfect technique.

[@jaytysver8832]

I haven’t seen ur videos for a long while and really miss them as I had learned tons from u as no one ever will ever stop learning as I do enjoy falling and cutting up trees and making firewood even with my bad back and legs Hope someday u talk about why long bars just helps on the backs

[@jaytysver8832]

Also love to learn more of full climber’s equipment gear belts wedges axe axe belts and holder all of it sir buckin Billy

[@jamesmclennan3618]

Thought it would of snapped as it hit the ground ✊that was fantastic buckin

[@simonlamoureux6726]

I cannot wait to have that experience and knowledge. Im so far behind it stinks. Ive been living on 105 acres for two years. I draw all my firewood from the land. I dont have anyone to show me. Dont get me wrong ive worked with power heads since i turned 18 but the bush is a way different beast. The only thing i have out there is power saw handling and full safety gear boots pants good gloves and my hard hat. The rest im learning through "The Tube". You have the best overall vids. Somehow you are able to keep my attention on the money. Thank's Bucking

[@bushleague3472]

I hear ya, I've been cutting firewood for about 15 years, and only recently bothered to learn how to fell properly. The crazy thing is, while I consider myself to laughably green, I'm starting to realize there is huge percentage of "serious" chainsaw guys that know even less than me. I never realized so many people only ever buck wood thats already down and in a convenient spot, rather than take trees down in tight bush themselves. Huge benefits to the new knowledge though, I used to just pick my battles and try to strategically take trees down in a specific order. Sometimes I had to take trees I didnt really want just to get them out of the way, other times I had to leave tree's that I did want. Amazing how much more efficient I've gotten over just one winter.

[@jasonthomas4738]

Thanks , I always learn so much from you. !! I appreciate your sharing techniques 🙏🙏

[@mdsclev8433]

A true tradesman. Nicely done sir.

[@kellyhope4065]

Definitely a lot more going on than you would think, very educational, thank you for the solid tutorial! Cheers from WA state

[@noweare1]

That defied physics I believe ! I think i need a translation table. I speak English but I don't understand Billys terminology.

[@BogBones]

This is a very accurate video. I’m an arborist, but not even close to being on the skill level of a logger in terms of felling trees. The green industry is vast, and a lot of times everything gets blurred together. This isn’t to say anything about certain individuals “certifications” but in general: Arborists are not foresters, and foresters are not arborists.

[@markellis6886]

gotta start calling you Mr. confidence. no second guessing for this man.

[@hillbilly4christ638]

I love your pickup truck billy ray. That is a sweet looking setup.

[@hartstudebakerkid]

That was a good solid tree still. I had one with my nephew he made the back cut and the blasted tree actually sunk straight down even with the wedges keeping the back cut open. Fortunately I had a cable attached 40 feet up and come alongs so I could crank on the tension on the come alongs and add more wedges to keep the tree from falling on a cabin or taking out a high tension line if the cable broke. I cranked up the tension and still could not get that tree to fall. I used a riifle to shoot a 12inch hole in the top of the tree so if the tree fell the top would snap and not take out the power line. I got lucky and a local faller with a bucket truck come up and hooked on another cable to give it another nudge. The local faller showed me his special ammunition that he carried for his rifle for some special occasions.

[@eddietolbert5308]

am i the only one that has absolutely no clue what Buckin' is talking about when he speaks but still love watching all his videos??

[@a23956]

Same, just started watching. Hopefully it will make sense eventually

[@Furtivexx]

Very good explanation. This should help me prevent making the same mistake ! Had a tree go over my left shoulder due to similar situation.

[@chrisbeech4280]

Absolutely Brilliant Buckin 👏

[@gordonramsay1501]

Yes, been watching for years. Never stopped by to say "brilliant work boss'. I am a far braver cutter now, especially on rotted out wood and with axes. Preparing to drop a row of old Pecan that are starting to run spring sap. Early spring here so if they are cut now the stump will die out over summer. Two of them are real good sticks and have to drop up hill. Aiming for a convincing cut and some tender moments as the water shifts the weight across. Pouring is a wise description

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

😊

[@kenbathrick6250]

Hey thank you for clearing that up I always pinch my saw on those

[@kennywoods8299]

Love your videos Buckin. Learned so much through the years

[@shakdidagalimal]

11:25 Play at quarter speed - you can see when the tree was at about 45 degrees falling the right sandside broke and the tree started spinning counter clockwise then "fell" into that left side front cut Buckin showed - the tree trunk was ROTATING along it's length as it ripped off that left side, so when it hit the ground it got "traction" and "rolled" itself to the left. It made a quarter turn by the time it hit the ground, you can see the cut line is vertical on the end of the trunk. At 11:29 you can see that log on the ground closest "caught" the drop trunk and ABSORBED some it's leftward energy, it got climbed on and rolled to the left - it SAVED the day.

[@_SYDNA_]

I see what you mean.. "Fell into" because, by then, it was degrading into it's natural gravitational path. The bounce of the left edge probably leaned it back right some while imparting the counter clockwise momentum.

[@shakdidagalimal]

@@_SYDNA_ Yeah. If you set quarter speed you can hit the numbers and it will play slow. At 11:26 about midway through that second the tree trunk bottom has moved left a foot or so off the stump center, while it is still airborn it has rotated along it's length 90 degrees 11:27 Yes that far limb on the ground helped stop it too. LOL That whole thing rotated about 285 degrees counterclockwise.

[@reubentrapp]

Hey! The picture really helped this time, thanks! Also Jerry Beranek talks about this somewhat in his book too

[@jeffreystroman2811]

Nice to know somewhere out there Buckin Billy is running a happy saw. In a different life I'd be playing bass with you after a good hard day in your mancave. Get the gullet.......

[@jimkreegerjr.8813]

Not only are you a skilled timber man, you are an excellent teacher. I am subscribed to your channel and I will be watching you a lot.

[@longbar185d2]

Goodness my friend you’re a hard man to keep up with! Keep it up!!!

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

Very thorough explanation of the physics involved with a drawing to boot ! Seems like you’re really taking a shine to the 572xp piper … 🥩 and 🍳

[@scotteric8711]

Billy, you just gave me a glimpse of the character I'm gonna be in retirement. Thank you.

[@leejodykstra3391]

That’s really a very impressive fall!! 🌲🪓💥

[@vaughnlarsen22]

SWEET !! LOVE WATCHING YOUR SKILLS !!

[@timbarry5080]

Cool old crew cab. You've got a couple nice old ford's. I've had a few 73-79s but I've always wanted a 67-72. They have much cooler instrument panels