How to trim a tall tree branch in 20 minutes for only $7 without climbing or a ladder (DIY)

Need to trim dead wood out of a tree in your yard? Worried about getting up on a tall ladder, or trying to climb with cutting equipment? Here I explain step-by-step how I trimmed a 30-foot-high branch in just 20 minutes, without getting up into the tree or operating a gas or electric chainsaw. It only cost me about $7.
DON'T BE UNSAFE. IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE OR UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO SAFELY TRIM TREE BRANCHES, HIRE A PROFESSIONAL.
The chainsaw I used in the video is a 24-inch saw, which I bought for $7 on Amazon. UPDATE: the saw I used in the video is no longer available, but here is another one just like it: amzn.to/2JCxvpc
There's nothing special about the rope I used - just make sure it's more than twice as long as the height of your branch. The rope in the video I bought at Home Depot, but Amazon also sells rope: amzn.to/2Jv7fON
UPDATE: If you don't want to throw a hammer into the air, I recommend a throw weight, like this one: amzn.to/2AaxF6i

[@chrisgraham2904]

In the late 70's I had a diseased elm tree behind my home, about the same size as the tree in this video, that was difficult to access and very expensive to have it professionally removed. I used this method along with a number of other strategies to engineer removal of the entire tree, branch by branch. Attacking it for a short time each day, it was two and a half months before it was completely removed and my back and shoulders got a hell of a workout, but I saved about $1,800 dollars.

[@bomark2002]

Wow!!

[@annharlan8926]

Brilliant. I hope I can pull it off - over time.

[@ottomatic3123]

Didn't need to pay for a gym membership either.

[@jennyhenley4130]

I am planning on doing the same thing (to save 3,000 dollars). What other methods did you use?

[@defritzel]

$1800? the cheapest quote I got for removing half a tree at my house is $10,000

[@MatthewPlatz]

To me this is the real value of KZbin, offering excellent How-To videos which contribute to higher learning and saving a buck when someone really doesn't have it to give away. Sir, thank you so much for having the desire to share your experience with us! Problem solved, ordering my chainsaw and rope! All the best!

[@Bsquez0129]

How’d it go

[@finharm7981]

This could go wrong on so many ways when the tips hit the floor first like that the log end can land anywhere wear some ppe and maybe consider paying someone because that’s how economy’s work

[@BreakBeatStu]

The real value of KZbin - 💯% 👍

[@pogiewogie]

This lad probably died attempting this.

[@tylermcintyre2489]

Yeah he was lucky and should've paid a professional. The damage he could've donento himself or property was way more than 300. Cheapskate

[@americanpatriot9865]

A few tips I found that make this method a little easier: spray the chain saw with silicone or WD40. It will make sawing a little easier and prevent binding. Also use leather gloves as it’s very easy to get rope burn.

[@Strangerer69]

Very good advice. I tied the rope onto a large carabiner that has a foam handle that way you have a handle rather than pulling on the rope itself.

[@DiannaAtherton]

This is why I love KZbin. It is a how to get it done tutorial. Thank you and thank you for not pushing a product to buy or begging for subscriptions.

[@boomer3150]

I know...I often turn off the videos where they say, "Don't forget to hit the like button and subscribe..."

[@mercedeslindigenous4219]

I am a climber that has been cutting trees for 18 years and owns his own company and I approve this method if you don't want to pay arborist prices, it was easy and safe, I have gotten a few customers that have hurt themselves trying to do their own tree work and like I tell everyone "Its a lot cheaper than a hospital bill". Great Job

[@onewheelup]

hows it going,but dont you think that big of a tree limb needs tar put on it to keep water out so it doesnt rot the core and then the wind blows and the tree lands on your house and maybe kills someone while their sleeping,i would say yes it needs pruning tar.

[@rtoguidver3651]

@@onewheelup The limb was dead, he's cutting it before it falls on someone ( see the rope swing), the rest of the tree is alive & fine..

[@lizlanman47]

Tar is no longer recommended! Leave it open!

[@marcbergeron8690]

I would wear a protective helmet however, especially when pitching the hammer. And there is always a risk to have the bark of the tree damaged when the branch falls.

[@ianstoyan]

@@lizlanman47 I think it depends on the species.

[@CandC68]

A few comments, based upon having done this many times over the years. Forget throwing the hammer. I used a Wrist Rocket sling shot, a fishing lead weight, and fishing line. The line is coiled loosely in a can so it doesn't tangle. I used the "football" shaped weights to reduce getting caught on tree bark and twigs. You could paint the weight for hi visibility. And neon line for same. The reasons are: It's fin. You can reach higher up a tree. The thin fishing line is used to pull up the heavier cord for sawing. Also the light line could be snapped off if tangled in the tree.. You could tie it to the lead weight with a non locking knot. If the weighted part gets stuck, pull real hard and either the knot unties under load. Or the line snaps. You could use a much lighter strength line just at the weight to allow it to break free if needed. He used the correct cord for sawing. You do not want any stretch when pulling. Some of those chain saws have weighted tabs that can indicate which way the teeth are facing. Some chain saws are too good, and bite into the wood to aggressively. I bent small pieces of copper wire over some teeth so they wouldn't cut at all. This meant less binding, but still effective sawing. Since I over think things like this, I once "topped" a tree by sawing the tree, not the branches, horizontally about 30 feet up. How? I used the sling shot method to tie a couple pulleys to a nearby tree. So the saw lines pulled horizontally, which you can't do otherwise. It took time (I wasn't in a hurry) I made mistakes. It was free. The tree was tall but to thin to climb, and if felled by just cutting the trunk, it would hit the neighbor's property.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

But how do you correct the saw if the teeth face wrong way after whole contraption is ready?

[@CandC68]

Pull one side of the cord, til the saw is clear of the branch and give a few shakes. It usually will twist around until the opposite side (teeth) face the branch. May be easiest if u have the cord run straight vertical, until you get the saw facing the right way. Then when ready to saw, move out from below the branch. Also, I found that some of these saws have teeth on both sides.

[@CandC68]

@@polishguywithhardtospellna8227 Also, regardless you eyesight, seeing rope and saw among the tree branches 30 or 50 feet up, it is hard to see. So.. Use visible line, yellow red neon. And you can hang a small bit of neon string off the ends of the tooth side of the blade. Just enough to see. Where it points is teeth side.

[@sleepinglioness5754]

I wish you were my neighbor!!! The men living around me are too lazy to even trim the hedges................I have to do it and I'm 20 and 30 years older than they are. Thanks for this detailed advice.

[@CandC68]

@@sleepinglioness5754 Just watched a video of a guy cutting small trees and branches with kevlar cord (200 lb break strength). More physical work on his part, but no saw, just friction.

[@939Aed]

Your branch broke off clean, but what you might do at first is to stand along the fence line and take a few initial strokes to score the bottom of the branch, then come back to the camera side to get the other bottom-side. Then you can go at the top. That will increase the chance of a clean break.

[@Alundrahs]

Gee thanks Mr chainsaw 🙄

[@939Aed]

@@Alundrahs Hey, many of us know to score the bottom when we are cutting with a regular handsaw, but I am just offering my experience that, you can't go across the bottom (because gravity), but you can get to the bottom/side at an angle by standing both sides and extending the initial top cut down and around.

[@losfromla1480]

​@@Alundrahs🙄

[@3mtech]

I immediately thought ,must have been bottom cut

[@scooterp7009]

If he stood on top of the fence he would get a better angle at the bottom cut.

[@hope2029]

Wife filming this---- you are so blessed to have such a creative and motivated man! 🙂 Now, 'divorced senior woman' going to go and try this for myself 😧 Already fell out of the tree last time, so I am not going back up there.🤪

[@uup116]

women...lol

[@melgibsonfan9082]

Who knew the Nard Dog would teach me how to cut a tree down.

[@japeter89]

He does look like him!

[@CDyer-xx7ow]

Just did this on a limb about 30ft high (pole saw only went to 15ft), and worked like a charm! A little tricky as the target branch was protected by some other branches, but my water bottle and QB accuracy did the job 😉😆 Thanks for the video!

[@frankrodriguez4334]

We're did you buy the blade u used

[@barnabyvonrudal1]

What's QB?

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Back in 82 I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile.

[@CDyer-xx7ow]

@@frankrodriguez4334 Either Home Depot or Lowes!

[@CDyer-xx7ow]

@@barnabyvonrudal1 Quarterback (Football)

[@millikenway]

Man, you are a genius. I have been staring at my tall maple trees, like 50 feet tall, how to cut off the top branches so that it won't be too brushy to fall down in one shot. You just save my life. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your tips. God bless you. From Toronto.

[@PatrickKniesler]

Personally, I'd use having a number of mature trees as an excuse to learn to climb trees, myself.

[@snapfinger]

Great video. Shows a cost-saving way to trim high branches in my yard, and explains the effect of gravity on dismembered tree branches. Bravo!

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

For dead branches, this is great! The issue I have with cutting live branches is that there's no under-cut to on the branch to prevent the bark from peeling/tearing towards the main trunk once you've almost completed your cut. It's not the end of the world of course, but that "tear" created by this method (or possibly created) can absolutely invite pests and fungus into the injured area, which can lead to major damage down the road. To prevent this issue you should use the "3 cut method", but obviously that's not possible with the tools used here.

[@welcome_to_tara]

Seriously!

[@twodogsruakuri]

Cut it twice. First time further towards tip to remove weight

[@4sho100]

U thinking 2hard... get a life🙏🏾🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@peek5548]

@@4sho100 Imagine there are two people. One brings valuable discourse and warning, the other a shallow puddle of intelligence and an insult for no reason or perhaps for they do not have a life or experience to reflect on to help others. Food for thought, if you have any of that.

[@Turtlenaide]

@@peek5548 as a arborist this is retarded

[@Amyzgr8r]

Okay, we actually did this for our tree in the backyard which had a branch hanging a little too close to our fire pit. Can't thank you enough for this tip. I was able to do most of the work, but my husband enjoyed pitching in to make the throw and the last part of the sawing. Get 'er done!!!!

[@lindaturner1024]

What a great DIY tip this is! I've got a big oak tree that I have been trying to figure out how to trim the dead branches. Got one of those saws that I picked up years ago at a thrift store. It was in a home made pouch, probably for backpacking use. When I opened it & saw what it was I thought it was just the coolest thing, now I actually have an equally cool use for it!!! Thanks for posting.

[@dannyfisher6681]

Very well done Sir! I have trimmed trees with the best amateurs on the block. This is genius and bloody brilliant. Thanks for a great bit of knowledge.

[@Tubedog8]

Great video! After reading the comments, I agree that undercutting with a pole saw (if possible) is a good idea. With a branch that long, a cut halfway along the length and then a cut near the trunk could save a fence or shed. Thanks for posting!

[@vwbusguy]

"You dont wanna stand under it" /cut to him standing under it..hehe

[@dearred2923]

I was thinking the same thing. LOL.

[@jaketheauroran]

At least he's looking away from the tree so no debris falls in his eyes.

[@kelse0y0]

@@dearred2923 I

[@AnthonyCashmanHC]

Okay, I just succeeded using your hack. The one difficulty that I encountered was that the spruce tree branch moved as I was trying to use the rope saw. I found that the saw worked more efficiently when I repositioned myself closer to the trunk, i.e. perpendicular to the limb. This also prevented the saw from jumping out of the groove as the limb bobbed up and down. Thank you for the video!😀

[@mhow7024]

not in a million minutes would I ever come up with something to simple yet so genius like this!! Thanks Bro.

[@workaholic5066]

This is great simple idea that any person can do. I offer one additional safety tip though. If its possible to rope a limb above and over the one you want to trim, do it, and use that limb to secure a rope to the limb you actually want to cut. This added step can help you control the descent, or guide how the trimmed branch falls; especially if its near your fence. It would really suck to save bunch of money on the trim...only to have to shell out the dough anyway to fix your fence, if a large branch crushes it.

[@checkyoursix5623]

... or have the limb fall on the roof of your pole barn.

[@Geno28]

How do you secure the upper limb to the lower one?

[@JonLovestheLord]

@@Geno28 throw a rope over the upper branch, pull a load strap up, then throw it over the upper branch again capturing the lower branch in the loop.

[@scotty305]

@@JonLovestheLord thanks, this is the most resourceful youtube comments section I've seen in a long time.

[@RJSoftware2000]

I was thinking of doing this for years now and hadn't got around to it. I was thinking a chainsaw blade, how could I get it to not flop over to non cutting side. But evidently was not too much an issue. My thinking was to get some kind of handle connected to the chain and that handle connected at two points, to control chain from flopping over(rope twist etc.). I was even thinking of using bow and arrow with a lighter string first to pull rope up. Also anchor one end to ground and use a spring or bicycle tire tube to pull rope back. That way I could pull rope from long distance away. But hey! your way works and way simpler...! Much appreciated.!

[@harryevans5311]

I appreciate this video. I ordered the blade. I used it. I successfully cut three branches. It saved me money. Thank you !!!

[@joeblundell299]

I've had an orchard for decades, and the one big problem you'll run into doing this regularly, is that cutting from the top without the bottom cut first will cause many fruit trees to tear the bark down the trunk as the top cut falls first, some trees can take a little tear, but many trees will die from the event in a couple years. You can minimize this by only cutting when it's dry, but without the bottom cut, your running a huge risk of killing your tree doing this method, and yes I've killed trees doing this, it seemed like a great idea till the limb ripped down the side of a huge old 40 year old apple, it half died the next year, then fully a couple years later.

[@woohunter1]

Good point! I usually cut limbs off about a foot or two away from the drunk first, then cut it off close to the trunk after, no more tearing.

[@Tubeytime]

You didn't mention that dead limbs are dried up and break off much more easily than live limbs. The branch in the video is dead, the one in your story may have been still alive.

[@jeffjenson7342]

Why aren't you growing dwarfing varieties to maximize space and production while minimizing all the issues, particularly cost and maintenance, inherent to traditional trees?

[@joeblundell299]

@@jeffjenson7342 Just looking at my Duchess of Oldenburg's, the dwarfs produce forty to fifty pounds, my trees are over three hundred lbs yearly. I do the forest garden techniques where you have very tall north row "for cold and wind protection", then medium sized peaches, then naturally smaller Wealthy apples, Shoujo persimmons, and Juju trees. In addition I clone thousands of trees from cuttings every year, having all the extra branches is only a benefit to myself and others, this orchard has been replicated in several locations across the world.

[@Foodforestculture]

​@@joeblundell299sounds like a beautiful orchard

[@josephthomas2226]

Thanks! That was AWESOME! I have been trying to figure some branches out (I've tried a pole saw and a ladder, and my wife would have been a widow, or taking care of a paraplegic if I had not stopped). I have had one of these chain saws for years (it was a gift) and never had a use for it. Now I need to go find it! I was not looking for this - just stumbled across it! Woo Hoo!

[@highcotton63664]

Kudos bro, where there is a will there is a way. Most businesses rely on people not wanting to bother with formulating a way to do it themselves.

[@highcotton63664]

@@designstudio8013 If it were the entire tree I would understand, but people with common sense can handle a branch.

[@youarehere1251]

Maybe he should stand inside a cage while cutting.

[@WoodCutr1]

@@highcotton63664 branches this big and heavy are dangerous as frig, that thing swings into someone/something, and they are dead, or atleast a hospital trip, and wood like this behaves un predictably, especially if its dried out like this, because it can snap or explode under certain circumstances

[@sjsomething4936]

This seems to have been a safe enough way to remove this single limb, but depending on location it can often pay to hire *insured* professionals so if something goes sideways, you’re covered. I’m all for doing things like this myself and have felled dozens of small trees, but the really large branches in areas that might cause damage to surrounding buildings I leave to paid pros, cheaper than a lawsuit. There’s times where each is appropriate.

[@anxiousappliance]

Unless it is the rope, hammer and saw business.

[@maxangeles6279]

I've done this 15 years ago and it was very easy to cut down a very high large tree. success!

[@tooshieg2059]

This is dang near genius! So simple. So effective. Thank you for sharing.

[@dongkraus]

Wow, truly amazing! You demonstrated obstacles are just limitations of our minds!

[@OfficialJohnnyNelson]

ARBORISTS HATE HIM!

[@atlanticearthaerials6197]

True that!!! I got quotes for this work at $1,500+ and for about $40 and a few afternoons of my time, did it all myself and NOT ONCE did I have to leave the ground

[@cerberusbonsaiarboricultur774]

ROFL am a climbing arborist (and am *personally* happy he posted it) but I bet you are legitimately right so lol well-played sir!! Everyone has a knee-jerk reaction to something that, even existentially, could threaten their livelihood -- I almost had hesitation, just now, when thinking to type "and they/we should be worried as there is a real threat IE the advancements in climbing gear are making it far easier / lower barrier to entry, lithium polesaws are allowing homeowners to achieve far more before needing an arborist etc but, nope, this chain will not affect arborism as a profession but yeah the knee-jerk reaction from most arb's isn't a positive one, this is a brilliant idea/product (and could be used far more effectively w/ understanding of throw-lines, a hammer on 3/8 cordage severely limits where you could get that chain)

[@ec5848]

Doctors also hate him for that one weird trick

[@jaketheauroran]

@@cerberusbonsaiarboricultur774 As an arborist, I would think you'd appreciate the damage this can do to a tree, though? It's my understanding you want to end up with a smooth cut along the collar of a branch that heals cleanly, whereas this will lead to an incomplete cut that snaps, leaving a stub that will weaken the tree in the long run as it unsuccessfully tries to heal itself. If you're just getting rid of a single branch, I wouldn't think it would be a huge threat to a tree, but as an arborist, I thought you'd be more concerned about that.

[@nobodyspecial9035]

Wrong! We love this video for the awareness it will bring to the possible side effects of this method.

[@suzmaca650]

I gotta say was a little skeptical in the beginning but you did it! Awesome! I will be attempting in the future. Thanks for sharing!

[@yauki1312]

I got to say... you're brilliant . You made it look so easy. Thank you for sharing this great idea.

[@awldune]

This worked for me. Getting the chain oriented the right way to start the cut is very tedious, but when it starts it works almost unbelievably well. When you are getting close to the end, stand over to the side! A small issue I had was the chain (and then the rope) was stuck in the kerf on what was left after the branch broke off. I had to climb up a ladder and then push it out of the kerf with a pole saw. Never let the end of the chain come out of the cut or you may find it really hard to get it back in there. This may be less of an issue for you depending on the chain you have.

[@do7hemath937]

Is there a chain that you can use that doesn't have a Cut & wont cut side?

[@awldune]

@@do7hemath937 There is, and I bought one later after making that post. Try looking for "double sided" chain. Be careful making this kind of cut, it doesn't take a very thick branch to cause serious injury.

[@do7hemath937]

@@awldune thanks. I'm going to try someone's idea & cut the limb in 2 or maybe even 3 sections.

[@jerrycaldwell308]

....Wow. Ain't that great???!!! Dude, you saved me $650 - $800 ....which is what I was quoted from 2 tree trimming companies to take down some huge branches from my oak trees. Thank you for sharing. Feel free to share all of your $ saving tips! We need more people like you in this world!!! I will have several top shelf adult beverages in your honor this weekend. You da man!

[@AndyMcPandy]

brilliant. didnt know where this was going until the chainsaw reveal. would never have thought of this. kudos, sir!

[@youknoweverything7643]

Thank you so much man this made trimming and cleaning my 300 foot oak tree that is 60 foot from my house clraning it my self safer. I still had to climb the tree using my construction safer harness and a self rescue pack on it when you fall you pull a chord and it slowly lowers you to groubd so you dont die in the harness from cutting off circulation in leg straps on that artery you got 10 minutes in a construction harness when you fall to get rescued. So I climbed set up the chain with ropes and my mom and dad sat on ground cutting saved us 6k dollars no one got hurt and now we know tree is safer for when or if a hurricane comes those giant 1000 plus lb limbs that had died and rotted wont go through the roof amd nice thing is the good alive oak limbs i was able to mill out a crap tone of beautifullsheets of oak wood from it they all different widths but now I got beautifull oak wood from the family tree to build chairs for out side rocking chair a picnic table and new chairs for the huge 8 foot by 4 foot dark oak live edge dining table I built out of the other 200 foot oak tree that he re rooted and fell from last huricane it was a healthy tree but we a had mini tornado spin up and rip up a few huge oaks on back side of property. All the wood in my house came from trees that have fallen on the family property or even the family hunting camp up north in Wisconsin that my great great x6 grandparents planted. Like purple heart oak trees apple trees so they can see the deer eat in the morning during spring and summer in the pasture about 60 foot from glass back sliding doors infront of the giant 10 foot table so we can see beautifull animals while we eat breakfast with them and not disturbing them. I made my own mill using a old electric motor off a air compressor like one of those 70 gallon tank portable stand up ones and a old chain saw with chains that pulls the chain saw down the trees trunks and limbs to cut the planks of wood i need super. Simple and i build beautifull wooden prohecgs for free now when most of the projects would have cost 100- a few thousand in wood to build the tables chairs china cabnets floating shelfs 4x4 posts for out front patio for the roof to sit under columns out front for decor and support fire place mantel and even just cutting down my yellow pines to make my own studs for remodeling the house or doing addons to like I did to make the family room from a 300 square foot or 15x20 square feet to 890 square feet and all wood was free including trim and baseboards I just used routers and special bits to cut the secretive edges and design on to the trim and base boards and crown molding its all painted wood only stained and finished wood is the fire place giant entertainment center and the huge long floating shelf along the brick wall that use to be the back of the house. I kept the brick wall finished it up and stained it to look glossy and beautifull and build a giant oak and purple heart wet bar. Full size bar like you would see at a very high end fine dinning restraunt. So if you have tons of trees use them to save money and now I use his method for cleaning up my huhe 300 foot oak next to my house.

[@johnhrehov4720]

Thank you, you’ve provided me all I need to know for the same job!

[@budharvesting]

This is the first rope saw video I seen then I watched a few others and ordered a double sided chain from amazon. It took about a minute per inch on a six inch branch. The hardest part was setting up my rope puller to get the branch to fall where I wanted it to fall. I plan to drop two 60 foot gum trees with the rope saw and rope puller. Neat and addicting gadget.

[@lindalealphamale]

Did you find the double sided saw? Did you do the job?

[@budharvesting]

@@lindalealphamale I haven’t attacked the tall gums yet but I took down two smaller ones after trimming the branches with the rope saw. Also took down two 30’ ish holly’s after trimming them to clear the fence. The rope saw does get stuck once in awhile so I’m skeptical about doing anything too high and having it get stuck halfway into a cut.

[@thedukewestern]

Wow... Ive been arguing with a tree for two years in our yard.... this may help me finally win. Thanks for the gravity tip as well!

[@danielreed8536]

Cool idea. However for the health of the tree it would be helpful to provide a "relief" cut so that it doesn't cause damage to the branch collar. Otherwise the weight of the branch will cause last part of the cut to tear away from the tree. By making a relief cut, in this case first cutting the branch further away from the collar, hopefully it will reduce the amount of tear out caused from the final cut. This would reduce the amount of damage and help the tree recover quicker.

[@tested123]

i totally expected it to peel off like a banana and hit him. the under cut is so important unless it dead.

[@scottrevia1611]

Yeah. Totally agree with undercutting or twice cutting, but that poor sapling took the limb right in the crotch. That was unfortunate

[@alexziegler6454]

How can you do a relief cut with a rope saw?

[@tested123]

@@alexziegler6454 it would take a lot of pulleys

[@pburchins]

Nicely Done! They make a two sided chain with teeth on both sides. I have seen the single side chain turn or flip over. Once flipped, it becomes a nightmare to get it out of the groove to flip it back over. PVC pipe worked well to get under it and walk it up.

[@westmcgee9320]

A massive point I thought someone else would’ve mentioned.

[@bartonseagrave9605]

I like how he started the video in 2018 and then it was cut to 2019 after sawing manually every day for a year. I can see him branching out into other money saving ideas for the common man.

[@danalaniz7314]

Wow! I was skeptical at first but you did a great job and saved all that money. Obviously not everyone has the arm strength you do but still a genius technique for some.

[@springer-qb4dv]

For very high branches, this is indeed a superb idea. If you have lots of tree branches to cut, a cheap electric pole saw tied to a pvc pipe extension also works well and is faster (but only good up to 20-25 feet maximum).

[@westmcgee9320]

I haven’t used a pole saw in a while but how do you trigger it once you’ve put an extension 25 ft away?

[@Tony-hx2fj]

@@westmcgee9320 with saw unplugged, tape it at the on position, then plug it in when positioned. do it all the time. I use aluminum swimming pool brush extension as it is lighter .

[@FRANKSBESEK]

I immensely enjoyed your resourcefulness . You did it safely and cheaply. Great job ! Fresh air and exercise too. No gym needed. Stay well and thanks for the fine vid and info.

[@carlosperla7233]

safely until he stood directly under the chainsaw still hanging on the tree. LOL

[@LouCars]

Throwing hammers aint that safe either

[@erikcamacho398]

Definitely something to brag about around the camp fire👏🏽 Job well done, Sir👏🏽👏🏽

[@ernestivanov1101]

This was the best thing I saw on KZbin in weeks

[@ranradd]

Nice and you made it look very easy. I'm sure I'd probably spend about 8 hours just getting the cutting edge facing in toward the branch.

[@kimmer6]

I had a similar setup that came with a sandbag to throw over the branch. It worked great at my house on smaller oak branches. I managed a 3 story apartment building in NorCal that had a 50 foot Chinese Elm tree in the front yard near a busy street. The limb drooping over the sidewalk was about 10'' diameter with brown water dripping from where it joined the tree trunk. Obviously, a dangerous limb. I tried the rope chainsaw from the ground and decided that the big limb might end my life if things went wrong. So, I bolted 2 pool cleaning poles together and put a limb saw on one end. I operated it from the 3rd floor apartment balcony and struggled and sweated to make a cut. It was like playing billiards with a rope. The limb finally started crackling. I hauled in my pole saw and sat on a stool resting my burned out arms on the balcony railing. The limb might have been 25 feet long and its weight made the cut widen and crackle. It was about to break on its own. Traffic was stopped and some soccer mom in a minivan was looking up at me just sitting there. I heard some ominous cracking so I stood up and made the Superman one armed flight gesture while shaking my hand menacingly at the branch. The lady had the WTF face on (the ''dude, you're crazy'' look) when the branch snapped off with a big noise and fell 30 feet to the lawn. By now I'm all smiles. I waved to her and she had her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. There was a rag close by to pad my hands and I dabbed my forehead with it like I put some hard mojo vibes into magically breaking that branch. She was staring at me, wide open mouthed now, wondering what she just witnessed. I shook my head ''NO'' and put my finger across my lips like shhhh, don't tell anybody. Traffic moved and she kept looking at me. To the minivan lady on West Street in Concord , Calif, I ain't no space alien nor a bewitched paranormal destructor unit demon. You missed the 20 minutes I spent sawing and sawing until my arms gave up. The limb broke on its own and you just happened to be there.

[@pearlwhite3009]

That's hilarious! 😂😂😂 Next thing you know, there'll be a video on a mystery channel about the guy who brought down a 25 ft. branch with a wave of his hand and some mysterious energy. 😂

[@kimmer6]

@@pearlwhite3009 I still laugh about it. The stunned look on her face was priceless.

[@ReadyUpGo]

Good story well told. Moments like that give me the balance and fortitude to keep on with the sometimes not so wise DIY adventures I’ve survived…so far. Thanks for your effort telling your story.

[@kimmer6]

@@ReadyUpGo Twas fun remembering it. Thanks! At the same apartment building, the wind blew down a big branch across the driveway. I was standing on the ''do not step'' top of a 12 foot aluminum ladder with an arm around the tree trunk and the other operating a small gas chain saw. The branch fell away cleanly but sprung back and knocked the ladder out from under me. I saw myself falling in slow motion looking up at the sky. I landed with my leg tangled in the ladder and my back across a 3 foot chain link fence, bouncing, then hitting the sidewalk. I broke my toe some how in that mess. My helper was sure that I was going to die in the fall. After the pain set in we had a nervous laugh about the whole thing and were amazed that the chainsaw was still idling in the middle of the street. I was 55 years old then and since then, ALL tree work I needed to be done was farmed out to real tree guys. I was lucky that I didn't die or break my back. Think twice as you plan a DIY project!

[@ReadyUpGo]

@@kimmer6 Oh my Gosh! Seeing how much alike we are I am sincerely going to heed the wisdom of your advice going forward. At 73 it really is high time I stopped pushing my luck which is somewhat better than yours to date (I’ll skip my life changing ladder foolishness story from 47 years ago). All my best to you.

[@maryjones1]

Love it! Thanks for showing me how I may finally be able to cut my neighbour’s high-up branch from my property.

[@fartherstill]

Did that years ago. Broke a 16 inch chain and hooked wire through each end to attach ropes. Also added a weight to one end of the chain to keep the cutting teeth in the proper position at the start. Nice video though and a great way to save a buck or having to climb!

[@user-pr2qw5ep3o]

Problem is to get the cutting teeth down as you start

[@fartherstill]

That's what the attached weight was for​@@user-pr2qw5ep3o

[@annbary8853]

Well done, and thank you. You taught me a good lesson.

[@ginsengjin]

This is actually really clever. I had low expectations for this video but I'll remember this trick for the future. Thanks!

[@carlpeterson8279]

I also had low expectations for this video.

[@ginsengjin]

@@carlpeterson8279 I actually bought one of these and it really worked well. Buy one with bi directional saw teeth and one that has a lot of teeth. Not all the ones sold online are the same. Also try to look at the handle portion to make sure it's a higher quality handle on each end.

[@PapasAnimals]

Love it! This reminds me of a palm tree hanging over our backyard pool. The darned thing was way overdue for a trim, but this guy (me) doesn't do heights. I bought a very small, lightweight, electric chain saw and taped it to the end of two 20 foot aluminum poles. Running an extension cord to the business end of the pole, I had my wife 'plug me in'. Even though it was small, the saw's weight made it tough to control the end of my contraption, and neighbors all around me brought their kids inside while I was working! An electric chainsaw taped to the end of a long aluminum pole, stretched out over a swimming pool full of water... what could POSSIBLY go wrong, right? 😂 Thankfully, I retained my title as the "awesomely cool neighborhood Dad" and no one got hurt. ❤

[@MegaPierzak]

Dude you just saved quite a bunch of money for all of us. Thanks and you got a big beer any time you visit Poland 😉

[@mattsanchez4893]

This is easily one of the most entertaining videos I’ve seen in awhile, great idea and seriously happy the disaster didn’t strike! Also love how proud he looks of himself at the end!

[@phattjohnson]

You were waiting for disaster to strike? Man.. less internet for you I think!

[@nswilhelm]

This is my new favorite pastime.

[@RuppSha]

Me bringing out my checkbook to pay someone after nearly missing the fence :) In all honesty this is great, just couple things to note. One, you don't get a clean cut and with a beautiful tree like that it leaves it vulnerable to mold, fungus or any other disease since it can't heal over the way it does with a clean cut. For the clean cut, you want to also cut a bit at the bottom of the branch this way it doesn't wound or split the tree. You lucked out but I see others here who are up for doing this themselves. Look up the three cut method to understand. Happy DIY'ing!

[@dyates6380]

Great job. I've never seen these chainsaws before and I will have to buy one. Thanks for the link and the video too!

[@Usmctbone]

Also remember to wear some safety glasses as saw dust or chips / debris can get in your eyes. You also want to watch out for falling chain saw blades along with falling limbs so a hard hat may not be a bad idea either.

[@atlanticearthaerials6197]

Dude thank you for sharing this idea!!!! Got my blade and rope today and already took down some massive tree limbs that ive been wanting to for years. Not sketchy either, I was able to stand way out of the way. That blade in the description is awesome, cuts like butter

[@gardeninginthedesert]

Hi. How do you know which way the teeth are facing, that they're touching the tree? And how would you change it if they're facing the wrong way?

[@danielstump26]

What is the name of the chain saw? I looked at amazon but I couldn’t find what he used. Thanks! Hope I can get an answer!

[@atlanticearthaerials6197]

@@danielstump26 This is the one to get: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GMR0MZS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Then get the rope here, the quick release caribener is clutch for taking saw loops on/off: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VGRSZNC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Secure a heavy object to the end of the rope, (I used a big wrench) and then throw that up over the limb to take down. It will take many tries on some of the high up ones, and now I'm devising some sort of launch mechanism that can propel this 30+ ft in the air, a lot further than anyone could throw by hand. Good luck!!

[@ciaartin2221]

Thank you for this testimonial. I'm ordering the chain as we speak.

[@michaelworsham2724]

Thank you very much for your instructional video, and the useful links. I would not think that you could cut a limb as big as the one in this video with just a loose length of chain saw, and in the amount of time you say you cut all the way through. It encourages me to try it on certain limbs on my property.

[@tmaddrummer]

I said a prayer for you as I watched your video..... Success! Well done!

[@drophammer776]

Little tip that can save a huge headache. If the limb your cutting is hanging over your house or structure, tie a cable from limb few inches away from where your cutting to trunk so the limb will swing inwards towards trunk. Shorter the cable the quicker the limb will start to swing away.

[@FlyingFun.]

This is exactly what I thought about when I watched this video, that branch came down ok but there was a fence pretty close... House behind me has a huge cherry tree that is over our garage, they won't trim it so just leaving it, would be pretty hard to get down without damaging the garage, it is literally less than a few feet away trunk to my garage, had to replace the roof twice due to rotting cherries eating into the roof felt, last fix was plastic fibreglass though and is holding up.

[@ja3482]

I was thinking similar but using a come along or some other ratcheting device with rope to put tension on the branch in a specific direction. Tbh In this case I think your idea is better

[@drophammer776]

​@@ja3482a ratchet will be overkill and might pinch the sawblade depending on the angle where you have it. You want a little slack so it drops a little bit and end swings away from you.

[@drophammer776]

Those trees that are impossible to climb, if there is a larger size limb rotting from insect or whatever. If there is nothing to damage below. Stand directly underneath the damage limb and follow it to the main limb it is connected to then carefully dig straight down. Cut off the root that is the limb/branch you want removed. Don't damage the root it is connected to. Use tar or rubber to seal the cut so insects won't get inside root and damage tree. In couple weeks the limb will snap off and the tree will heal itself

[@ja3482]

@@drophammer776 I see your point. It'd have to be placed while considering that factor. But since most of the vector of force is toward the ground ( while the chain cuts from above);I think it would be difficult to create that situation. You'd pretty much have to be TRYING to pinch the blade in order to set it up that bad

[@Tasaarisr]

Great job! I had this same idea. However I think I will use fishing line and a ball instead of a hammer.

[@Y_N_K_888]

That thing worked better than I thought it would. We talk about them at work sometimes at the tree service I work at.

[@user-tb8sn6mi6p]

Best tool I have ever bought! Cutting down a tree limb by limb and never leaving the ground!

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

This guy's a friggin' genius! Thank you for solving a big problem I'm having in my yard. I thank you for updating the description. Yes, getting someone to do it for you is expensive. But now I can get my wife to do this for me. "What's that, Honey? I can go to where??"

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

"I can go to where??" = means ... "Hell" !!

[@patricecampbell5529]

This is incredible helpful. Thank you

[@mattheweburns]

Looks like a good workout, thanks for the video! This is the only option for a few limbs around my yard, might have to use a crossbow to get a rope over, I’m surprised they don’t make better cable saw blades for this, but this is exactly how they cut ships apart

[@robertdiaz4962]

Thanks i really appreciate your video...i've got an oak limb thats headed towards the power line in the next couple of years so your idea will be put to use right away and save me alot of money...thanks again from the Alamo City.

[@johnnyparrish4019]

This should have way more views

[@BeckVMH]

In all due respect, just a word of caution to viewers researching this topic... Cutting back/removing a limb requires three cuts to prevent potential damage and disease to the tree. The first and second cut prevents the limb pulling bark back into the tree when the limb falls (leaving entryway for disease). The third cut removes the remaining small section with a good clean separation from the tree. Lots of videos on this.

[@billimbriale]

I don't think that is doable using his rope method.

[@ctee1117]

This is excellent. I bet it will be easier work with smaller branches. Also, I have watched tree trimmers work and it seems that they tie a rope to the branch they are cutting. This rope acts as a guide rope. Another worker would hold it to guide the branch away from other structures and almost planning where it would fall.

[@Oniweeki]

BRILLIANT! Been having tree problems. What an arm work out. My problem would be getting the tooth side on the tree.

[@brockm4047]

I am in process of taking down a huge tree with this method but using a fiberglass hot stick rather than a hammer. I also use additional ropes to lower the cut branches. Take your time, be safe, be patient. Thanks for this fantastic idea!

[@Kmangod]

Two hours later....I still gave you a thumbs up.

[@motorradleder]

One day later, changed into shorts, with bloody blistered hands, the branch comes down. I gave him a thumbs up for perseverance.

[@dapperdan8085]

You are absolutely brilliant. You should get a darwin award.

[@jackorear2536]

Great idea and video! I have a limb reaching over my shed. I'm gonna try this with that limb. Thanks!

[@mattdgb]

Genius, but phew glad no one got hurt. Definitely wanna be safe all around! Great video!

[@Mrkevi123]

The Office Web Episode: Andy Cuts a Tree

[@kelse0y0]

I was laughing soooo freakin hard

[@kelse0y0]

Make sure there is no one around to hit with a hammer on the head. Especially yourself.

[@vincenta.1677]

I'm impressed, we'll done! Might have to give it a try 👍

[@user-ty5ys2zz8d]

Lots of tips on here love it. As a single female 71 I love trying out new ideas.

[@customcuts1]

Gotta be careful. There’s no way to do an undercut first so if the branch is alive at all it may peel significantly. Could open the tree up to a secondary infection and before long you have a entirely dead tree. Keep in mind you often get what you pay for. A good climbing set and hand saw would run $1200 to $1500 and the professional tree guy is going to have all that stuff.

[@PartScavenger]

I use a nut, in a slingshot attached to a fishing pole. Use the fishing line to pull up bigger rope. It's really accurate, no getting stuck, no hundreds of tries.

[@ankursaikia9701]

Could you elaborate or post a few pictures please? 🙏

[@PartScavenger]

@@ankursaikia9701 I can try to explain again, I don't know how to post pics. Ok so take a 1/2" nut and you tie the fishing line to it. You open the bale on the fishing pole like you're going to cast. You shoot the nut over the branch with the slingshot and the fishing pole spools out. If you miss, reel it in and try again. If you're happy with it, tie a rope to the fishing line and reel it in to pull the rope over the branch.

[@stevewarren6644]

Thank you sir. I do believe this is the answer I have been looking for. Just ordered my saw!!

[@TheBorrito]

Arms of steel! Did not believe this wild work but wow. Great job.

[@srkaiser1964]

I tried the same thing, I realized that after (four hours) of shimmering back and forth it was time to climb the tree!

[@prsr8564]

😅

[@mttrailguy]

May work for a dead limb, but it can't make the required bottom cut (first) to prevent damaging the tree when the limb breaks at the cut and strips the cambium below the branch collar. This will likely lead to a diseased area below the limb.

[@WoodCutr1]

finally someone that has a clue as to how to remove limbs on a tree

[@Frenetic321]

Appreciate you and your delightful family.❤

[@spencerl7826]

The baby nursing was a nice touch, props to mom for filming and parenting at the same time 😁

[@vincentrojas8305]

How much damage was done to the small tree the branch landed on?

[@jpz6072]

I got the same idea but I hate throwing so many times so i end up buying a $30 drone to route fishing string which is attached to my rope saw.

[@NoIAmTheLaw]

JPZ Great solution! And now you have a drone!

[@pibblesnbits]

I had this same idea. Glad to see it in action!

[@velocityacoustics]

This man is a genuis. Thanks for saving me a lot of money.😁

[@davidhuynh5600]

He told me $600 I did the same thing you did but the hammer flew and hit my truck

[@Nathan-jt3ov]

david huynh and then landed on your head cuz your stupid

[@ChickensAndGardening]

Well, a $295 windshield repair is still cheaper than $600...

[@ninesixteengenetix]

@@ChickensAndGardening that was comedy

[@8307c4]

Which explains why the arborist would've done it for $600.

[@michaelsherron5750]

LOL! Please forgive me for laughing, it's not funny that the hammer hit your truck. The thing that has me laughing is Imagining the look on your face and how you probably felt when the hammer became a projectile instrument. 😂

[@ffryan]

What was the length of time from when you began actually cutting to when then branch was cut off and fell to the ground?

[@NoIAmTheLaw]

ffryan maybe 5-10 minutes. Once the saw gets cutting, it goes fast. The entire project from start to finish was about 20 minutes.

[@jenniferjahns4006]

@@NoIAmTheLaw Just saw your reply. I asked about the same thing so no need to answer

[@gtlogic6023]

Some say he is still doing the cutting dance

[@smshh33]

@@gtlogic6023 lmao

[@boysen01]

Brilliant, and you get a good workout too. Thank you for sharing the tip

[@1pcfred]

I love it when a plan comes together.

[@imsneeky]

i know this is wrong but.i kept waiting for the tree to fall and the branch to stay aloft,too much bugs bunny in my youth

[@ciaartin2221]

Something that would happen to Wyle E. Coyote Super Genious!