Dead Tree Removal!

[@osagejon8972]

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

[@zaccheus]

It was a blast to work with you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next time already!

[@andrehak]

Superb ropework man!

[@v3124]

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.

[@osagejon8972]

@@v3124 It's an 064AV

[@Jason-fg4jr]

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

[@Chiberia]

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.

[@zaccheus]

@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.

[@Chiberia]

@@zaccheus fair enough! best of luck to you. stay safe.

[@chronecro]

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

[@zaccheus]

@chronecro Just unfounded criticism. I throughly appreciate constructive criticism.

[@Chiberia]

@@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.

[@eclipsearchery9387]

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]

That's a super cool perspective, thanks for sharing! Do you think it would make good axe handles?

[@eclipsearchery9387]

@@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 :)

[@zaccheus]

@@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!

[@kennethjackson7574]

It was also a “first choice” wood for wooden wagon wheel hubs because it is so resistant to splitting.

[@zaccheus]

@@kennethjackson7574 Very interesting information! Thanks for sharing!

[@GuiltyofTreeson]

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,

[@zaccheus]

😊 thanks Jacob!

[@cgfitnessandarboriculture]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@clementesoriano9164]

@@zaccheus frelisidadrs Po tu trabajo ases bien el yrabtajo

[@zaccheus]

@@clementesoriano9164 Gracias!

[@Trythis837]

I’d of dumped it backwards into the million acres behind it. No reason to die over grass.

[@ROF_85]

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.

[@GameofTrees]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@Acaidia]

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]

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!

[@nickb.237]

This was fantastic. Two hard working professionals making a hard job look east. Homeowner was very lucky to have found y’all.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks Nick! Mighty kind of you to say that!

[@nickb.237]

@@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.

[@johnm9005]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@johnm9005]

@@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. 👍

[@zaccheus]

@@johnm9005 That's great! I really do appreciate you taking the time to share what you've learned as well.

[@codblkops85]

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👍

[@zaccheus]

Thats great! I'm glad to hear it. I thought that was the coolest fact when I learned about it.

[@chypredust]

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.

[@samuellancaster3789]

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

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@shanewalsh3681]

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

[@zaccheus]

Thanks! I'm super glad to hear that was of interest to you. I think it's super fascinating aswell.

[@jenniferw5095]

His assistance work was smooth and beautiful. You both did very well.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks! Jon is always great to work with I always enjoy working on his jobs.

[@benburns5995]

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.

[@dhenschel4]

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!

[@zaccheus]

Thanks David!

[@awac4577]

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.

[@zaccheus]

Hey thanks for watching! I'm glad the content was helpful!

[@johnfahey7215]

Nice job explaining your moves and why. Appreciate it.👍😀

[@zaccheus]

Thanks! 😊

[@susannahlance4437]

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!

[@zaccheus]

@@susannahlance4437 I'm so sorry to hear that. I know there are some tree services down there. Are you in a really rural area?

[@dcvariousvids8082]

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.

[@osagejon8972]

Definitely an underutilized feature on saws

[@TheToolnut]

It's like tying in twice when cutting, it just makes sense.

[@lesliefish4753]

I love hearing your saws sing in harmony!

[@alamedajon1453]

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.

[@cherlandry]

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.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks for stopping by! Shawn has been a great encouragement to me as of recently. He's a swell guy for sure.

[@itmagic4377]

You guys are amazing. Super talented and fantastic skills. Thank you for allowing us to see your magic! Awesome!!!

[@zaccheus]

Thanks!

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

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!

[@zaccheus]

@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.

[@wittleoutdoors1858]

That is some nice firewood right there! Good job being safe and easy does it! Be safe and thanks for sharing!

[@alexanderebersberger4650]

The wood of the stem is way more valuable than just firewood. And as firewood there is no need to dry it.

[@Woodrats272xp]

Splitting elm is a pain in the but! Even with a hydraulic splitter.💪

[@TheWanderingWrench]

Super impressed with your content! Informative, humble, and refined. I’m looking forward to following along.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man! I'm always open to hearing constructive criticism. If you have anything you think I could improve on, let me know!

[@TheWanderingWrench]

@@zaccheus likewise!

[@duaneayers6117]

You forgot to say that a person can make quite a bit of money cutting down trees. Great Video 👍🏼

[@zaccheus]

@duaneayers6117 haha thats true I guess. It hasn't made me rich yet, but maybe someday 😅

[@davidadams7602]

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.

[@zaccheus]

@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.

[@modoc852]

Looks to me like it’s already for the woodstove. I’ll be looking for morels around there this spring.🎉🎉

[@zaccheus]

@modoc852 Haha yeah for sure! That root system will surely grow some stuff!

[@dominickfiorello5458]

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).

[@zaccheus]

Hey that's really helpful info! All I knew was that they were both similar in their extensively exfoliated bark. Thanks for sharing!

[@GeraldAlonzoMourning]

It’s so great when your ground man is a pro and can let the rope run as smooth as this guy. Excellent work!

[@justinsnyder6256]

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.

[@zaccheus]

That's an excellent point. I guess I often forget about the benefits of such actions. Probably kept me from taking a wobble ride 😅

[@falfield]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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!

[@TheToolnut]

Elm, Oak and Beech are marvelous trees.

[@raytyre750]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@daylighttreeservices8600]

Great video brother, keep climbing and be safe!

[@zaccheus]

Thanks, you too!

[@lisat9707]

Love it! You can say you pushed a vxfoot high tree over😂

[@7eis]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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 😅

[@johndoe3johndoe382]

Impressive job, very professional. That's some excellent firewood, dead already partially seasoned elm, very good stuff.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks!

[@TheToolnut]

Standing dead Elm is as good as it gets when it comes to firewood, 👍💪🪓🌲🇮🇪

[@Zogg1281]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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 😅

[@theleafthief]

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.

[@rogerdudra178]

Greetings from the BIG SKY of Montana. That tree is toast. Good luck.

[@jtrocktree5409]

Good going ! Clear headed competent climbers that can speak english that show up and WORK are hard to find , stay focused and safe 👍

[@zaccheus]

@jtrocktree5409 thanks!

[@hausmansingen]

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!

[@alm_alb]

What you’re doing is awesome. I’m scared of heights. I don’t feel too good.

[@zaccheus]

@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!

[@malcolmdarke5299]

I think that there's an important thing to remember, that the "always inspect the tree you're going up" comment brings up: When it comes to trees, what goes up will come down eventually. You don't want that to be you coming down fast.

[@zaccheus]

@malcolmdarke5299 No, I certainly don't want to come down with the tree. Lots of climbers have died thay way. It's also important to remember that trees can hide lots of stuff and that a proof test is also important

[@1975dbryant]

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.

[@robmclaughlin420]

I am amazed at your skill doing the cuts and leverage

[@zaccheus]

@robmclaughlin420 Thanks, Rob!

[@arailway8809]

Nice work, Zach. Even though elm wood is not appreciated much here, I have great respect for it.

[@zaccheus]

@arailway8809 thanks man! Its refreshing to have a positive comment here and there 😊

[@paulmonk7820]

What causes the bark delamination? Is it specific to certain trees? I have a large tree in my yard just like this. It's around 40 years old, and is the only one with this problem.

[@zaccheus]

@paulmonk7820 its typically a sign that the tree is in a string state of decline or it's dead. There could be a lot of things that woukd put a tree in that position. If it died all of a sudden in the summer, I'd be pretty tempted to consider oak wilt.

[@paulmonk7820]

@zaccheus Thanks

[@carlobernardi1387]

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..

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@matthewgagne9603]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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

[@dm9860]

I use strong polypropylene ropes to apply tension to pull tree . Also repel down rope, come alongs and anchor ropes to other secure trees.

[@zaccheus]

@dm9860 Nice! I might recommend staying away from polypropylene though. It's not very tough stuff compared to quality polyester and nylon blend ropes.

[@alycamartin6731]

Wow great! I have also seen a giant tree getting removed by Clayton's Quality Tree Service. The did such amazing job.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks! Thats great to hear! I'm always glad to hear about other people doing quality work

[@frxa2739]

you made that look safe and easy, good job! can I come over and learn from you? thanks!

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@87xboston]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@poweredbyadam]

Beautiful work man. Delaminating trees make my palms sweat lol

[@zaccheus]

Hahaha, fair enough! Thanks!

[@michaelwhiteoldtimer7648]

Those trees always look so dangerous when they’re dead for awhile, I wouldn’t want to climb one.

[@jonbarnhard3681]

Any books you would suggest? I have the fundamentals of general tree work and tree climbers companion so far.

[@zaccheus]

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]

There ain't a lot of info on climbing dead trees. That really is a thing that is passed down (more currently on KZbin maybe??)

[@zaccheus]

@@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.

[@small-town-southern-man3573]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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

[@marymulrooney1334]

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.

[@zaccheus]

@@marymulrooney1334 Pole climbing takes some real skills you're a champ for taking that work on

[@dm9860]

Nice video, I got books and talked to old timers for advice before I started. I cut small pieces let drop.

[@zaccheus]

@dm9860 Sure thing, small pieces, small problems! As long as your not cleaning up with a machine, that works great!

[@kimboss8721]

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? 😇

[@zaccheus]

@kimboss8721 I learned from watching KZbin 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.

[@Jeni10]

Do you give/sell the trunk pieces to wood turners so they can make something beautiful with them?

[@zaccheus]

@Jeni10 I do not any specific artists that I sell to, but I really enjoy the idea of seeing trees go to the arts.

[@Arleer158]

I have a fear of heights and this whole video makes me nauseous lol

[@dm9860]

I used sacsdolmar and echo. Stihl is more powerful but I like the comfort of echo. Know how to sharpen chain cuts great...

[@jmrocks49]

How did you get the rope fixed to the top of the tree if you needed to do a bounce test for safety before you climbed the tree?

[@zaccheus]

@jmrocks49 I used an air cannon to shoot a light weight string into the tree and then used it the string to pull my rope over.

[@johnnienaber5693]

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.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks!

[@DavesBikeRides]

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.

[@zaccheus]

@DavesBikeRides Thanks for straightening that out!

[@DavesBikeRides]

@@zaccheus I respect your skill in the tree. Be safe out there.

[@noahbaldridge1935]

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!

[@zaccheus]

Haha, thanks Noah. The algorithm makes it quite a game sometimes. I just happen to be winning on this one 😅

[@karlbogrand1239]

Me too

[@verteup]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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.

[@laneherrlinger7478]

Rock on boys thanks for the education!!!

[@ArmaliteTreeGuy]

I usually score the smooth dead wood with a saw before or after tying on the rigging line to ensure it wont slip off. 3 kerfs on each side of the piece to be rigged. Try it sometime

[@zaccheus]

Ahh, I might have done that once or twice before. Definitely not a bad idea.

[@ScottLafray-dd2fp]

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.

[@zaccheus]

@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 😅

[@migueljose2944]

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.

[@zaccheus]

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 🤷‍♂️

[@n.p.winters]

Great climb. Thanks for sharing.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks!

[@BissellMapleFarm]

5K!! You are crushing it!!

[@zaccheus]

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!

[@maximilianmusiker5264]

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 💪

[@danleu7499]

Tree is an elm specie

[@CashTheRealest]

It’s crazy how climbing towers compares to this..

[@zaccheus]

@@CashTheRealest Are you a tower climber. Tell me what similarities and differences you see. I've always wanted to try tower climbing.

[@John-cj3ve]

Uh...how did the rope get all the way up in the tree for you to climb? Magic? I think the majority of us would find that very interesting.

[@zaccheus]

I have a video about the device I made for it. I'll link it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4SsoHuDrbVnr80

[@n085fs]

That first Stihl is creating such a powder of the wood that I'd call it an explosion hazard. Get the gullet (sharpen that thing)

[@zaccheus]

Dust explosions typically require a confined space for the air/fuel mixture to be just right, so it's not really an explosions hazard. There is more than one reason a saw will throw fine dust. Dull cutters is one, higher rakers is another one, wood type and grain structure is another one, cut angle relative to grain orientation is another one, moisture content of the wood, etc. "Getting the gullet" really isn't a component of sharpening at all. It's more of post sharpening practice to theoretically allow for more chip carrying capacity in long cuts and really has no bearing on dust production.

[@RC-Heli835]

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.

[@zaccheus]

@@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 😅

[@RC-Heli835]

@@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?

[@zaccheus]

@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

[@havespurswillclimb]

Enjoyed the video. I use a lot of loop runners for rigging also...as well as speed lining. Who makes the beefy runner you use for connecting your rigging line to the tree?

[@zaccheus]

Glad to hear it! CMI makes the beefiest one I could find. 13,900lb MBS choked. It's made out of nylon as I recall. The stretch in nylon helps it stay strong in choked configuration unlike HMPE slings that lose around 50% of their MBS when choked.

[@havespurswillclimb]

I use the cmi runners. They are tough.

[@zaccheus]

@@havespurswillclimb indeed, I have some lighter ones. This one I believe they call a "heavy duty anchor sling" or something like that

[@1nm1]

Nice video & good job removing it. It looked like a scary tree, but wasn't which is always good. 22:59 was scary though when you put your hand by the chainsaw. I am sure you know what you are doing, but would seem to be safer to remove your other hand from the chainsaw first (or adjust your grip) to make it impossible to accidentally trigger it while your hand is within "range".

[@zaccheus]

@1nm1 Excellent concern! If you notice, I engaged the chain brake before I removed my left hand from the saw. That way, if for any reason, the throttle trigger were to get pulled, it wouldn't move the chain.

[@1nm1]

@@zaccheus Since I don't really know anything about chainsaws, NO I didn't notice the chain brake being engaged. Thanks for the reply and glad to learn about that safety feature. Learn something new everyday!!! Keep up the good work & stay safe.

[@zaccheus]

@1nm1 No problem, I appreciate your concern for my wellness 😊

[@rebeccaw8820]

I love the story at the end around 30 minutes

[@small-town-southern-man3573]

Any particular reason you used the winch and not the bollard on the GRCS? Every rigging cycle is wearing the knurling off the winch drum, however slight it may be.

[@zaccheus]

My experience has been that switching back and forth between the bollard and winch often becomes a real time adder to the rigging cycle and is often a bit of a challenge for a first time user to manage efficiently. Also the winch provides a unique opportunity to pull slack out if the rope in negative rigs as demonstrated by Greg Good in some of his videos. It also makes pretensioning very quick and easy due to its racheting action. All of those things together are worth the price of having to replace the winch drum prematurely in my opinion. Kevin Hamm has the 4th GRCS ever made and it's drum is half smooth and it still works (though maybe not aswell) for him. I do break out the bollard if we do a bunch of heavy duty negative rigging or something else high impact. That bollard is aluminum though which means it will also wear quickly and it is $400 to replace I believe.

[@smigletat9634]

It’s either Shagbark or Kingnut.. Pignut is ever so finely shaggy with mockernut & bitternut being the last 2 that will always have tight bark.. this also being pertinent to central Ohio

[@marshallteel462]

Do you think the elderid spikes are worth the money?? I ask cause I noticed a monumental difference when I got gecko’s compared to evokes.. I was way more secure and not wobbly.. noe I’m thinking of the elderids

[@zaccheus]

I like them a lot. They were a big improvement over my old school steel Buckingham spikes. I've never climbed on Geckos so I can't give you a direct comparison. These talons are good enough to make me want to buy them again if I need to.

[@SparrowStockwell]

This was enjoyable to watch!

[@Treetrimmer82]

Nice work brother from one tree trimmer to another Subscribed👍👍

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man, stay safe out there!

[@Treetrimmer82]

@@zaccheus you too brother

[@TimeToBeKind]

I’ve never been up a tree that was in that bad shape. That tree has been dead at least 12 years. What was the homeowner trying to do, have it fallen and damaged the house?

[@zaccheus]

@TimeToBeKind I have no idea why they waited so long. I imagine they maybe didn't grass the gravity of the issue and therefore didn't prioritize getting it taken care of.

[@TimeToBeKind]

Haha. They probably wanted to collect insurance on the damages… or they hate their kids. Yeah, bad joke.

[@robertboykin1828]

I've taken down a lot of trees for heat. And I found that dead trees are more likely to injure/kill you because of falling limbs.If you can, let it bring itself down.

[@zaccheus]

I totally know what you mean. I was struck by a falling limb last January. That video is on youtube here somewhere...

[@51spook70]

any contemplation in increasing the horse power by decreasing the sprocket driver sprocket and opening the muffler some?

[@zaccheus]

@51spook70 Fair thought. Decreasing the drive sprocket will reduce chainspeed and increase torque, but it won't change the horsepower because horsepower is a product of speed and torque.

[@51spook70]

@@zaccheus so, how to increase the horse power? on my hysqvarns365?

[@zaccheus]

@51spook70 Well I'm no engineer, but I hear that having a saw ported helps the saw run ay a higher hp. It's a detailed process, but I think there are some videos here on KZbin if you want to take on the challenge.

[@donnaosborne2462]

Im not positives but i believe the lines are where the lighting most likely went through it.

[@adventureguy4119]

I seen a safety slide show of arborist Safety, put on by a township forestry devision. They showed a kids picture who had been up to his waist int he shreader, awful stuff. Turns out was his first day no one told him not to stand on the machine and kick wood into it

[@zaccheus]

Oh that sounds absolutely awful.

[@craigphillips9383]

Im currently working on a very old, english crab apple tree, about about 40ft high, but its rotten so bad its split down the centre a while ago, then carried on growing as 2 seperate trees, the one side is growing abouve a garage, the right side is above 2 neighbours gardens, as well as a shed in the customers garden and one in neighbours. The garden is small, the tree does not have a main trunk where it split, its a good 8 ft wide trunk below the split, all where its split is fungus and pulp, spurs/gaffs arent finding wood to climb, there are no neighbour trees to tie in or anchor to, there are so many dangers in the garden as well as big, thick boughs/branches falling from rot. After losing 2 anchor points and a rig today, im here searching youtube for some worse, sketchy jobs to boost my confidence for tomorrow, but currently not finding anything close danger wise 😂 wish me luck 😂

[@zaccheus]

Oh wow, that sounds awful. I hope everyone amd everything was okay after those point failures 😬 you can only work with what the tree gives yah 🤷‍♂️

[@forlucasc1]

How do you like the talons? I have been debating on getting them. I have geckos and kliens now.

[@zaccheus]

I like them alot. They are the only premium spikes I've ever owned, so I can't give you a good comparison between them and other nice spikes. I have decided to avoid spending money with notch at all costs so that's my only bit about geckos 😅

[@geekay4703]

That looks like elm bark beetle damage took that tree. 17:35 Two things. Spider leg rigging would have been another option there and also do you ever butt tie limbs when you grcs? Doing that with an old ratty rigging rope like 25 ft of it or whatever allows it to swing but stay on the stump and you then can undo it and control the descent with the rope to stop that out of control swinging. I usually put it on a baby buckingham 6.5 inch port a wrap but you can also just make wraps and tuck a bight the yank the bight out and allow the wraps act as friction control. Great groundie work there.

[@zaccheus]

I think you're probably right, I don't recall showing it intentionally. But there were bug paths all over the place under the bark. Yeah, we probably could have piper legged a few. I'm that surely would have been an effective way to reduce dynamic loading onto the tree and rigging system. I do butt tie with the GRCS. Most of the time we set up with the number of wraps we want (we used one wrap for almost every limb on this tree) and give the line a good yank. That seems to pretension small limbs appropriately. I didn't tie too close to any of the buttons on this tree out of fear of the sling sliding off 😅

[@geekay4703]

@@zaccheus Nono I'm saying have your limb tip tied going to the grcs like you did there AND use a ratty rope to butt tie the limb by you the climber. This way you can work in tandem with your groundie ton lower it while eliminating harsh swing. I do it on really large limbs and difficult ones. I have a pic of that setup on my phone but not sure how to share it here.

[@zaccheus]

@@geekay4703 ohhh, I understand better! Yeah, I'm sure that would work out well. I think I've done something similar before. I might have some footage of it in a video titled "doing crane work without a crane" or something like that.

[@osagejon8972]

Thanks for the shout out on the groundie work... it was a bit strange as most of the time I'm the climber. I do some butt ties like you were talking about, it's a nice tool to have in the arsenal. Nice to have options.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

That tree has been dead for 2-3 years.... Great Video!!!

[@zaccheus]

What makes you say that?

[@psullivan40]

That tree sure looked sketchy. You guys did a smooth job on the takedown. I guess it pays off to have an experienced climber handling the drops. Nice work Osage! Zaccheus, I was cringing the whole time you were climbing and cutting. At first glance the beetle trails looked like emerald ash borer trails. But after pausing your video and doing some research (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bark_beetle) I could see they are more like Bark beetle trails. I know you said oak but man oh man when you were taking that bark off it reminded me of the ash trees in my yard I had to take down. One was about 20" in dia at the base and all the bark came off, EAB trails everywhere. I thought the beetle trail patterns looked cool so I use a couple bucked logs as side tables around the fire pit. I was able to catch one of the EABs. I see him everyday, sealed in clear packing tape stuck to the side of my monitor.

[@zaccheus]

Jon was the magic behind the whole thing. A good rope man will certainly play a big part in keeping the climber aloft. I believe this was an elm tree that was probably a victim of Dutch Elm Disease. I don't know much about it, but I believe it is carried from tree to tree by beetles which explains some of the beetle trails below the bark.