Overcoming My Fear! Climbing and Cutting Down a Tall Wobbly Palm Tree!

In this exciting new video, I share my experience of overcoming my fear as an arborist. Working for Allison Tree Care in Florida, I teamed up with my good friend Randy to tackle a daunting task - climbing and cutting down an extremely tall and wobbly Washingtonia palm tree. The wind was blowing hard, making the tree shake and sway while I was up there, and I was scared the whole time. However, I knew that I had to stay focused and overcome my fears to finish the job.
If you're interested in Arborist gear, check out sappysupplies....
Grab some of my merch here: guiltyoftreeso...
You can email me at [e-mail] for any inquiries.
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @GuiltyofTreeson
You can also enjoy a cup of GoT Backwoods Grind coffee, available at backwoodsgrind....
Get $20 off JK Boots with promo code TREESON at checkout: www.jkboots.co....
Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe for more videos like this one!

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

Perfect way to explain it, first time I went up in a bucket truck i was the same. It moves around and bounces with you. You just have to tell yourself it’s ok and you’re safe. Used to joke and say I’m not scared of falling just landing, falling doesn’t hurt.

[@steve390gold]

Hahahaha I love it!!!!

[@lancewhite1477]

One of my old teachers at school was a mountain climber. He used to say the only difference between 50 feet and 500 feet is that the scream was longer…

[@Maczust63]

Falling is fine its the sudden stops that are bad. (Not running tops, hitting the ground form over 10 feet, log catching).

[@steve390gold]

@Lance White he's not wrong. Climbed angels landing last year. Soooo much fun, but yeah a 1500' fall gives you plenty of time to scream.....lol

[@GhostScout42]

@@steve390gold steve, falling from that height, would give you plenty of time to trip. it would take a long time to you,. your whole life would replay and you could make peace, and know that it wouldnt hurt at all

[@JohnRainwaters]

"...like climbing a pool noodle" is going down as the greatest quote ever spoken by an arborist.

[@jacobhernandez8786]

Man before I got into tree work I was pretty scared of heights. I still can’t stand ladders or walking in tall roofs not being tied in. But something about trees and the work have helped me push past all fears and it’s been a great experience.

[@michaelmullins7366]

Jake this honestly makes me way more confident in accepting and dealing with fear as a climber because I never seen you having second thoughts or fears and I feel like when I’m climbing and I feel fear I question my own ability and seeing how you pushed through it was really helpful 🌴 your a legend 🇺🇸🤝🇮🇪

[@cgfitnessandarboriculture]

Great discussion to have. The harsh truth is this kind of tree work may not be for everyone. If you can’t get your fear / anxiety under control you’re putting yourself and everyone else at risk. Not to mention, do you want to have to go to work everyday anxious and nervous? But that doesn’t mean you give up. Maybe climbing and rigging out large removals isn’t your thing, there’s still pruning, smaller removals, crane work, plant health care, etc. Find your niche.

[@carlosbutler7811]

Yo... I'm from Miami, Florida . I have been living in montana for the pass 30 years good to see you making a video in my hometown good job on handling the Palm tree. thank you!

[@Raskeable]

Having someone like Randy around is a good thing! He makes jokes but he understands the fear so he wont push you too far! And you make a seriously fun duo!

[@stihlms400cm3]

You are a good man Jake, honest, truly hard working, willing to share the good, the bad and the ugly, your work ethic epitomises care for your self and the task at hand and resonates to all who are fortunate to watch your channel, l respect you Jake for your beautiful giving soul, your spirit is Tree Work, Divine Love carry you always, Greeting from Ireland !

[@GuiltyofTreeson]

Wow! Thank you so much that means alot to me! ❤

[@jallen2827]

No matter how many times I've been up there when that wind blows the pucker factor kicks in 😅 ol mother nature keeping you humbled

[@tonybrock5288]

This is a lesson in dealing with any kind of fear in your life. I have just recently become unemployed through a failed joint business venture. The fear of no money has now almost paralyzed me completely and towards a self-fulfilling and reinforcing disfunction. I keep pushing forward though, in the knowledge that things will finally improve, as they always do! Well bloody well hopefully, anyway! 😅

[@TheHolisticPinner]

I like how you were open and honest about your fear in this video. I do line clearance tree work and many customers assume I'm not afraid of heights, to which I usually reply "Oh, I'm terrified of heights." I just enjoy working with trees and being in a bucket or in the canopy is part of the job, so I try to trust my knowledge and gear and move past the fear. There is a saying that my coworkers bring up from time to time that I remember when I have those moments of fear. "If you get to a point when you never get a little scared in this work. Then it's probably time to quit." Stay safe out there and keep up the awesome work!

[@tdwl4373]

New experiences expand your comfort level. Checks this off the list FER SHERRR. What a legend. Goes viral for the best of reasons while Randy tricycles with his white old man socks.

[@tonybrock5288]

1:19 Love that nervous laughter. I'm not surprised! My heart rate had already maxxed out, just looking at that tall palm! I have the utmost respect. 🙏This is a lesson in perseverance and understanding the real risks and a lesson that not all things come naturally. Most animals have a fear of heights. Without it you'd be dead. This is about understanding the risks and the fears and learning the skills to mitigate them. 👍And this learning applies to all parts of our lives.

[@rickmueller1283]

Awesome video. I'm not afraid of heights but you could not pay me enough money to do what you just did. Got lots of new respect for you and your fellow arborists.

[@bobbypatton4903]

Kinda sounds like you might be scared of heights then 😂

[@yinggamer7762]

I’d want from rock climbing anchors every 10 feet up the tree then I’d be fine to do it

[@mobilityjewellerydesigns399]

It would be safer if he used a lifeline cinched on the way up and down, one gaff out and he’s tumbling down to the bottom, so I don’t understand why he’d take the risk if he’s unsure but that’s Americans for ya

[@Surfbeagle381]

Hey Jacob Thank you for living my life for everyone else. What I mean is that I am a Florida tree man and I have to wrangle trees and fear. Do what you can. Do what’s easy. Keep moving forward,keep thinking,planning and breathe. Take a second to enjoy the rarity of the moment see what less than 1% ever get to experience. Tuck the memories in my heart and continue. Never really able to express to anyone what it’s really like in the tree.

[@allisontreecompany1578]

Great insight 👍

[@gardneragee7309]

Very well said

[@VPoko]

Randy and you sure make living on the edge interesting! And I might add SCARY even as a viewer. You two make a great team.

[@GuiltyofTreeson]

Thanks 👍

[@AarontheGreat89]

I’ve climbed thousands of palms in Arizona. Sometimes it’s sketchy. From time to time I feel slightly nervous. The best way to handle it mentally is to just block out any emotions and do it

[@justthejuan8160]

Having the right gear and equipment. Is key

[@ironwoodvalley]

I don't do tree work, but I 100% agree with the ability to deal with fear with rational thought. It has really ELEVATED my enjoyment of climbing, rappelling, caving, or just taking in a view from a cliff edge. Dealing with fear by rational thought applies to many other scenarios in life as well. 👍

[@royceabbottsexcavation3709]

It always takes fear to control and conquer fear!

[@FishFind3000]

4:05 come to Florida they said, it will be fun they said….

[@MassiveRam]

They have a fibrous inside that's very wet and mushy around the fibers very flexible. I climb Washingtonian palms a lot it can be very unnerving especially when there are wood pecker holes in the trunk. Good job tho my knees were shaking the first time I climbed a tall twisted one in the wind .

[@happycamper6352]

18:00 "Did you see Randy shaking it from the bottom?" That has to be the funniest line of all your videos. I laughed for a while on that one. Thanks for including that clip at the beginning of that epic ride. I can't pretend to have been in a tree that flexible, and I can't imagine how unnerving that must have been. Quite a rush I'm sure.

[@GuiltyofTreeson]

😁

[@danpowellwoodman]

Welcome back to Earth Jake. I'm glad you're safe.

[@John-m2s5e]

new to treework but it changes you. its all on you , your alone and its a sober realization.

[@dyltwinful]

True words my man, fear is good.face it and work with it and it makes you safer in practice and you respect the situation and what could happen before anyone gets hurt.. panicking is where people get hurt,if you dont respect the situation your in and get caught out, you can get into a lot of trouble.. and like you said, being in any game sometimes for too long makes you think you can get away with anything and grow bad habits, not all the time though, i know guys that have worked years in a profession and are respectful and committed.

[@Version135]

Good comment

[@havespurswillclimb]

Enjoyed the video. Quite the bean pole. I usually will use an adjustable cambium saver (or wrap your lanyard around once) when climbing up along with my lanyard. If you gaff out with just the lanyard there is a good chance you will go for a ride.....possibly a long ride. Nice chunking and dropping. A1

[@jonathangold2087]

Enjoyed this palm tree topping episode! Your explanations about dealing with natural fear of heights made a lot of sense. I have the utmost respect and admiration for any arborist who can do the kind of aerial tree work that you do. The fact that you do it so seamlessly and make it look easy, is just an indication as to how skillful you are at your craft. You are by far an extraordinary arborist, Jacob! Keep up the good work, I look forward to watching future episodes of your awesome podcast!

[@samuelbennett2600]

Awesome video man! Very wise advice, as a young climber this is very appreciated!

[@rikspector]

Jake, What you have is healthy fear, I know. Many years ago I was a sport parachutist and through experience and confidence in my equipment overcame the fear but WE had the best instructors in the world, Lee Guilfoyle being number one, and some visited the Coney Island 'New York Parachute jump and said it scared the heck out of them, we're talking about people with thousands of Jumps. What it comes down to ,in many cases, is who is in control. If your the car driver or the passenger for example. In your job, it's the unpredictability that attacks your rational mind. Great Job, Cheers, Rik Spector

[@br-dj2ti]

Jake you did it man I know the feeling especially of that wind up there like that. I've never done a palm tree like that but I would be a little nervous as well scared too but that's what keeps Us alive great job buddy God bless they safe great video as always

[@timrogers3819]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels that way ,but you did an awesome job explaining the feelings and situations climbers face .

[@dianncharlan5648]

Smart owner.....got a contract worker to cut it down...didn't want to chance one of his men falling! LOL You did a great job Jacob! Randy got the easy job! I am glad you were able to work past your fears and complete the job.

[@alexworks9659]

haha! Palm noodles! Can hear the jitters and saw the baby steps spiking up. Watching a video of myself on coco palms swaying about 8' each direction on a skinny noodle is mind blowing to see. Stay safe!

[@thomasselvik7848]

Love watching your videos Jake. Love how humble and honest you are. Very refreshing! Keep up the great content!

[@ClellWise]

...Ha,ha,ha..."at some point some idiot will do it"...that was awesome Jake! good job, no truer words...falling doesn't hurt but that sudden stop sucks

[@danhalen4231]

Holy crap did this video trigger my fear of heights. Once you got up to the top and we’re looking around and cutting and doing things that made my brain thought I was going to fall out of that tree, I had to skip ahead until you were lower. Ha ha. Good stuff man.

[@sntslilhlpr6601]

14:58 Wow, check out that scar on the left bicep. Definitely looks like a chain. Also looks pretty old. Story time? I love your transparency and safety consciousness. So it'd be great to hear about past mistakes so that others can learn from them, even if they're stupid (literally my worst scar is one of the stupidest things I've ever done).

[@GuiltyofTreeson]

Haha 😂 I was climbing a tree and the ground guy went to “assist me” with the pole saw and he cut through a branch and the blade swung down and hit my arm lol. It scared pretty bad for some reason but it wasn’t that gnarly of a cut honestly. That was like ten years ago

[@mcr9b6]

@@GuiltyofTreeson Ouch lol those things are sharp

[@bernhard8540]

I am super thankful that heights regardless of the platform im on or how i reached the height, has never bothered me at all, i can look down and up and it can shake and wobble and etc it has never bothered me, not even my first time in a bucket, i was chill as can be.. and i am super thankful for this ability haha❤ but glad you talked about your fears in climbing for those that do have that fear. Its a normal thing, there are a few rare types that it doesnt bother at all but most people definitely have some level of fear when rising to different hieghts ❤❤

[@alanblasczyk1779]

Nice video. Good to have Randy along and the Allison guys seem cool also.

[@IndianaCards]

Randy and yourself are at the top of my list of people I HAVE to meet! FREAKING HILARIOUS commentary between the two of you guys. Perfect environment to work and work safe but have a super good time.

[@AEgir347]

really gives a new appreciation for palm trees and their weird complexities.

[@scottanderson4957]

That "Am I the straw that will break the camels back " kinda thought that just wont get out your head " Then the exhilaration as you cut it into bits 👍Good Job 👍

[@wilsontv4578]

Mad respect Double stack!!! That palm is no joke and also you can hit the palm to hear if makes a different sound to see if it’s dead. Always love the content. Hope youre having fun in my home state!!

[@landrelarose745]

As for trees that do experience changes in weather, they have rings because their sap doesn't flow into them in that colder weather. There is an exception to this, though. Evergreen trees. Sap always flow through them, whatever the time of year it is.

[@Hollholle]

On something sketchy like that, I always give my lanyard an skates wrap. It makes for a way more sturdy fix.

[@ColbysToolRivew]

I agree 100% about the fear part and why people enjoy that line of work i like adrenaline and its fun to do things that make you a little scared and its a good feeling overcoming it and i could see how someone doing it for so long could get to relaxed and make a life ending mistake because they thought it was ok .

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I'm so glad The Ironwood(?) and this turned up after the little boys club of the large oak that needed a machine to come down. In this and the Iron wood I got the sense that there are some brains behind the operation and not just some of the Lost Boys messing about. I appreciate that little talk about being afraid and not become consumed by it, and the professional dare I say pride, you showed. Thank you for the video. I love Ft Lauderdale and you worked in some lovely parts of it. Yours, Ann

[@derekinhawaii]

Love seeing that you are traveling around to do what you do best... Learn / Teach / Do. Well done. Keep up the great work. expanding your knowledge and trying new things makes you stronger

[@angeljjustice1345]

Love that quote! "It's like climbing a pool noodle"

[@VPangpCha]

Bro, I honestly understand how you feel. It takes ALOT of guts to be up there relying on the equipment even though the gears are really strong

[@OneRoundDown]

A couple of those tosses appeared almost kaleustrofic, what a kaleamity if you speared a fish with one of those fronds. Beware the Under Toad! Words to live by Jake, words to live by.

[@Rhodesian_FAL]

I don’t do heights. If I did I still wouldn’t climb a tree that could more or less be cut down entirely with a top handle saw. Props to you man.

[@jimmydupres1847]

Good job Jake, I know the feeling been there..

[@TreeCuttingAndMore]

Cool video man! I was in Florida for a while and did plenty of palm trees. All I can say is I'm glad to be back in Virginia 😂

[@steve390gold]

I bet you'd be a great scuba diver too. Ignore all irrational fears, think through problems and remain calm. PS you know you wanted to throw the first firewood section into the canal to see how big of a splash it'd make!! LoL

[@squeaky_tree_goat2906]

Welcome to Florida. Enjoy the awesome and not so awesome Trees we have here. 👍

[@shensuohao]

Was up in my first tree (above 3’) while listening to this. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@firemanfireman7228]

Wow you were swaying and the wind was blowing so much But I'm glad you're safe Fireman 🔥🔥🔥

[@RBnPA]

Sweet Video! Great commentary! Glad it wasn’t a viral video! Keep up the excellent videos!

[@gonzalezfamily5856]

I did tree work in Florida most of my life and as you go up an down Washingtonian palms everyday you actually get used to it. I would sway back and fourth about 15 to 20 feet on 75 foot palms but they are actually very strong palm trees! I've climbed thousands of them.

[@Ripp08]

palm trees in the wind are intense. I used to get sea-legs when I got out of palms on a windy day. I used to use my friction saver as a cinching lanyard on my leg rings, it advances quick on palms and helps with the nerves. And in a pinch you can lower yourself from it in case of fire or scorpions. Palms are dangerous.

[@sizemoretreeworks]

A solid point is that is if you’re not fearful that is also dangerous! Great vid.

[@JDinUSA]

Nice Jake. You guys take care.

[@justinwhite2547]

Gday jake I’ve stumbled on your new channel awesome to see you mate, missed your content,I’ve got some catching up to do 👊🏻

[@rickstafford5316]

Great job. You filmed a live reaction to what every tree climber learns on their first tree(s). Very cool. Stay safe

[@chrisbuckley7031]

Dude I was freaked out for you Holy smokes I have never done a palm seems freaky I love the talk through my dad use to do the same for me

[@danielmiddleton8173]

I'd imagine that would be like climbing one of thos wobbly used car lot inflatable things. Also, shoulda brought your biggest bar for that stump. Would've been hilarious.

[@joeherbert3590]

Good advice on the fear aspect of this. You are right on about it.

[@Larry-325]

Absolutely fear keeps you sharper! What you said is right on the money. 👍👍👍👍

[@rogerdudra178]

I did rock climbing in Colorado with ropes until I fell 3 times. By the time you get back to Washington you'll be cutting down a 150 foot high palm tree in Florida in a hurricane.

[@williamfleenor7687]

That is a scary tree And the wind wow Great job

[@joerainwater7360]

Great episode Jake, I became an arborist hoping to beat my fear of heights. It didn’t work, 😂. I still question my life choices on the way up, send the top and feel like the king of the world.😎

[@sallowknight1396]

The "uhhhhh" had me dying with laughter man. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@artillerest43rdva7]

that was crazy! swinging like you were on elastic band! great to see you back on the ground.

[@NoName92AZ]

Fun fact is palms aren’t trees. They’re more related to grass and bamboo. We climb them here in AZ all day during summer time.

[@wjstewdog]

Lost of pucker factor. You are one brave man

[@sethmedlinmusic]

The video you showed was taken in my town. There two right next to each other at my church. When they come to trim the tops they swing from one tree to the next instead of climbing all the way down and back up again. Really cool to see, probably incredibly sketchy to actually do.

[@anthonyhospodavis5786]

Hellleajusea brotha fear keeps us alive , good job

[@groundpounder24365]

I need to give it to you on this one.. I would have been shaking in my spurs, Jacob.

[@gamingsqaud22]

As another climber this video is so relatable

[@jacobbrunoni4344]

You did it Jake!

[@marshallteel462]

Well said Jacob! I’ve learned a lot watching and listening to ur advise!

[@chadstall9328]

I climb these all the time and I’m not near as good as climber as you. Makes me feel better about myself😂😂😂 but for real palms feel so sketchy every time you climb them. I feel your pain

[@TheGreatLeslie]

Well-done jake. I definitely would of had the disco knees up that

[@wow23birds]

7:48 Hilarious, best line ever, but scary! Pool noodle?!

[@sporranheid]

You are an honest soul and an awesome dude. Great vid. "Just think of it as kale" 🤣 ✌

[@joe651dzd]

Lmao man as a palm climber from Maui, one of the windiest places in the world- I loved your reactions

[@joe651dzd]

And honestly even if the crown wasn’t healthy, the tree itself usually is. Unless it’s got a hole 1/3 of the width of the trunk it’s usually fine fingers crossed ha

[@Boomer_in_the_Trees]

I've been climbing since the 1980s but I'd have been too chicken to go up that slippery looking noodle with a single flip line like that. I'd have had cinched up that secondary and just kept sliding it up all the way up in case I had a spur blow out. Great job.

[@gregorybryant6610]

The way you were throwing those (Palm Fronds) down I was hoping we wouldn't have another (Kale) incident.😯

[@thehurricane917]

I climb these trees daily and you were right when you said they grow like grass cause they are in the same family… and I know what you just experienced… never changes on a washy always scary 😂😂😂

[@1975dbryant]

Nice Jake, I look forward to getting with my cousin down south for some tree work in Florida😎

[@dankification]

Honestly it doesn’t matter where the palms fall just as long as you secure and feel comfortable up there is more important

[@facelesspsycho8252]

We have tons of palms here in Southern Arizona I'm not a fan of them. I use a tree squeeze by buck when I have to spike one. When they have more than 3 years of growth on them they must be worked from the top down Witch means either a lift or srt line shot over the fronds.

[@neild7971]

How are snap cuts on palms?

[@facelesspsycho8252]

@Neil D honestly I don't think I have ever tried to perform a snap cut on one. Normally I just blow right through them with the saw making a level cut so the peace just rest there then pick it up and chuck it or push it off. If it's a slitly bigger around palm I make a cut almost all the way through and then when the cerf starts to close I finish the cut from the other side. Down here we have sand storms and the palms get loaded with sand and it eats chains up.

[@timbermen11]

No palms in Preskit thankfully. I agree with you dude palms suck. Bark scorpions and pidgin poo, no thanks. Where you from faceless?

[@facelesspsycho8252]

@@timbermen11 yuma

[@sotelospecialtiesinc.4985]

Nice job Jacob. That’s pretty sketchy palm! We definitely don’t have those here in Washington state lol I would’ve frog wrapped that bad boy all the way up, just the thought of climbing a palm like that is kind of like climbing the madronas here in our neck of the woods lol nice job brotha!

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Very impressed you faced your fears Resulting in, Very much Respect. New subscriber by the way

[@chichitex1252]

Great video!❤

[@lindaarbogast6499]

Jacob you climb huge trees this should be no different, but I get it, wobbly trees can throw off your equilibrium big time. Stay safe and if need use your safety gear triple time to be extra safe! Glad you are experiencing different things to be well rounded as an Arborist! Enjoy the sunshine! Wear sun screen too!

[@jb7741]

“Consider this kale” was the best man. The great kale incident of 2023 continues on

[@jorer33]

Whenever I have to go up a palm, I remind myself that those things survive hurricanes all the time.