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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🇺🇸🤝🇮🇪

[@raestipher9789]

🎉yes. Jake has been a great climber influencer for the community. Thank you Jake for your service and dedication to the global tree industry.

[@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! ❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! 😅

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@raestipher9789]

Thank you brother Jake! We’ve been watching and working side by side with you in tree 🌲 service work and we 100% appreciate your work ethic, sharing your insights and knowledge with live experiences. Thank you so much!! Stay safe 😎from West Coast!

[@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]

😁

[@FishFind3000]

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

[@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. 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@tonyalways7174]

I’m watching it 1 year later on the other side of the Atlantic and my heart is pulsing just at the thought of being up this tree. Hats off to you for an excellent but scary video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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 .

[@alanblasczyk1779]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@royceabbottsexcavation3709]

It always takes fear to control and conquer fear!

[@danpowellwoodman]

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

[@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 .

[@thomasselvik7848]

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

[@samuelbennett2600]

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

[@SuperRiddersholm]

Hi Jake, I have an idea for you, carrying your saw. Mount a Petzl Caritool L in your harness, slightly behind your right hip. Your saws handlebar "tubing" fits perfect in the Caritool, and will be hanging in its centre of gravity, and the bar is pointing away from you, in a 45° angle approx. Its so comfortable, and much easier than dropping and pulling up the saw, in its lanyard. Ofcourse you'll still need to have a lanyard connected😅😅😍

[@Sindrijo]

As an Icelander it's really weird to hear 'Husafell' just randomly being mentioned by a random tree-felling guy in Florida.

[@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

[@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.

[@angeljjustice1345]

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

[@squeaky_tree_goat2906]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@idela32]

I went from South Lake Tahoe learning to climb. And then back home to So Cal and having to climb lots of Palms myself. Date Palms are fun too. So spikey. Wobbly is the part you guys get used to. Trimming is fun to. Rappelling for the first time is also freaky.

[@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!!

[@Larry-325]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@John-m2s5e]

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

[@FishFind3000]

15:15 on your left bicep is that a hand saw injury? It looks kinda like mine when I got hit with a silky saw.

[@AEgir347]

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

[@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 ❤❤

[@sizemoretreeworks]

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

[@justthejuan8160]

Having the right gear and equipment. Is key

[@JDinUSA]

Nice Jake. You guys take care.

[@sallowknight1396]

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

[@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 👍

[@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 .

[@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.

[@shensuohao]

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

[@FishFind3000]

I wonder if a lineman’s strap out be better for this skinny trees for better fall protection.

[@Hollholle]

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

[@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.

[@artillerest43rdva7]

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

[@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

[@sporranheid]

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

[@AdamKrebs-h1g]

Welcome to Florida! Palm trees are no joke

[@rickstafford5316]

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

[@1975dbryant]

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

[@williamfleenor7687]

That is a scary tree And the wind wow Great job

[@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.

[@chichitex1252]

Great video!❤

[@jamesmooney5348]

Good job Jacob. Tell Ron hello from me! Thanks

[@firemanfireman7228]

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

[@marshallteel462]

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

[@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.

[@wow23birds]

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

[@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 👊🏻

[@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.😎

[@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.

[@Criam]

Hey if you're in the Brandon, FL area I have a topped oak that just needs felling... she's wide though

[@gamingsqaud22]

As another climber this video is so relatable

[@jimmydupres1847]

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

[@jb7741]

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

[@davidcoven4294]

I leave all frons on there it helps when rigging the top out here in Phoenix the cortex’s does dry out it keeps us on our A game up there there super fun during monsoon season when the wind comes threw 😆

[@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.

[@yamaha188zt]

Where did you get your isa certified arborist sticker on your helmet from?

[@groundpounder24365]

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

[@RBnPA]

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

[@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!

[@Noe-iu9uy]

Great job Jacob I admire you 👏 for a long time I follow you God always take care of you in the heights 🙏

[@martinbaumkraxler-gv9hl]

Wow. The best videos of you ever! So funny and interesting!

[@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

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@TheGreatLeslie]

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