Pulling Massive Black Oak Against Lean (method explained)

Using all available space.
Protecting sidewalk.
Dealing with faulty gunsights on saw.
Pulling HARD with adequate ropes and trucks.
Having fun.

[@Johnnydoxx]

fine work! Anecdote: 40 years ago, my father-in-law was in charge. We had to cut a heavy back-leaner oak, near a fence. We hooked up a 3/4 ton F-250 with firewood on it as a puller, on the driveway. He always cut the same,1/4 face cut, back cut until it broke. He did that because that's what he was told to do 60 years ago...... Now that I relive the memories, I know what happened - he did just what you cited, too shallow on the face cut. And no cripple cut, he cut till it broke. So when it started going, there was a lot of backweight that was not over the face cut. It pulled the truck 20 feet down the driveway. And went 90 degrees from the face cut, the truck pull re-directed it somewhat.. And the fence lost some 'footage'. Luckily it was just a decorative fence, could be replaced easily. So hey YT, August knoweth of whateth he speaketh...... Thanks for the explanation and the 'details'!

[@richochett404]

thou art a good figure outer,and now thou knowest whateth thou sayeth.

[@dryad130]

Just been on a big poplar felling job with lots of back learners, undermine the centre of gravity definitely makes for a less stressful pull especially on dubious hingewood species. Brilliant explanation.

[@davidemail5496]

Thank you for helping viewers understand why you used the deeper notch. It moves the center of gravity forward (in your favor) when you try to pull it over. Let the haters hate, the ones who understand really appreciate what you did there. This is an AWESOME video, and it took a lot of time and extra work to make it. Much appreciated that you share the knowledge.

[@jondor654]

Hope you don't mind a teky clarification , he moves the fulcrum as far back as practical , relating to the initially fixed centre of gravity .

[@AVMamfortas]

Do I like it? Damned right I like it. It is great to see experts at work on difficult tasks, thinking, assessing, planning, drawing on a huge knowledge built up from experience. Men at work. Love it. Well done guys.

[@robinrummel1359]

It was a beautiful and expert job as always. 😀👍💕 I understand the economics and timing of taking it down now rather than after a house is on the lot... but my heart hurts to see that beautiful and healthy (seems to be?) tree taken down. The price of progress and a new housing development. 🤔

[@timjones8210]

No it wasn’t. They chose the unsafest way to cut down this tree. Too macho. They have a crane and bucket truck on site. The could have taken it down piece by piece but wanted a YT video. I do this for a living

[@tyronet.jackson7296]

Yes sir!! You are worth your weight in gold.. I wish we had the equipment you have when i was coming up. Now the usual tree man ailments like tendonitis and back problems are my norm waking up. Also you are giving away knowledge to all those in the game. after i worked for a few great climbers i went on my own. So most of my knowledge was self taught. Most climbers will not train someone who may take their job. I started in 92/93 and i still learn from pros like your team.

[@spkay31]

"It's not rocket science. It's just somethin' that we do." As an electrical engineer I can say there's a heck of a lot of science baked into your trade augmented by many years of practical experience that extends beyond science and into an art.

[@thejohnbeck]

Yup very few things are 100% art or science.

[@chrispappas8447]

I love the way he brushes off the KZbin haters! We could all learn a lesson from August. Do your work safely the way you decide and don’t worry about what other people say or think!

[@culbyj3665]

This was MASSIVELY impressive.... THat drop was actualy 60 minutes including the times i hit the rewind button. You have a great crew..

[@geraldmoore3686]

August, I don't see why you have haters. You and your crew know what you are doing. The only reason I can think of is jealousy, people just can't handle it. I think you do an excellent job and you have the equipment to do it.

[@christopherderycke3603]

I feel the underlying message of this video is we do jobs this way because experience.

[@christopherderycke3603]

I’ve been climbing since 2003. I’ve always said we use applied science but 99% of the time it’s subconscious or gut that gets it right. It will go wrong sometimes but that’s all part of gaining experience.

[@stephenbarrett611]

@@christopherderycke3603 You are right, but I like that August explains what he is doing and why. Then he backs it saying experience tells him it will work. Like when he was sighting up the hinge, or laying out protection for the footpath, chucking sawdust in the air to see the wind. The rest of us get to learn a lot watching him work.

[@Don.Challenger]

And because he and the crew are very good, and he and the crew are very modest - humble to a man in the very best way.

[@raldrid]

Okay, you guys are great. Don't get caught up in negative comments. Your common sense and experience is is very helpful to us DIY folks. You save us so many fails. How did we exist without KZbin? Stay safe and consider a rocket science degree...'cause you need one.

[@Riverguide33]

Great job on the site, and great job with video production. Thanks for taking the time to show us all of the details!

[@philwillmann7437]

Thanks for the explanation of deep notches. My boss has questioned my use of them for years and challenged me to show him documentation that it is an approved felling technique under certain circumstances. I will only use deep notches without a rope on trees that are large enough to still allow the insertion of a wedge behind the bar in the back cut. In addition to using a deep notch for large back leaning trees, as you did on the Oak, I use them on large trunks, without branches, that are neutrally balanced, as it would be difficult to get a rope up in them without climbing and I’m too old to exhaust myself beating on wedges.

[@AugustHunicke]

Yeah classic low energy/easy tipping method for a fair standing tree or trunk is a deep notch.

[@TimberTrainer]

Not sure about documentation, but check out Professional Timber Falling by D. Douglas Dent. It's an older book, but lots of good info.

[@philwillmann7437]

August Hunicke - Thanks for the validation and great felling video!

[@philwillmann7437]

Jamison Timberfalling - I’ll check it out, thanks!

[@timbermen11]

“We’re doin it this way right now because we want to and this is America!” Well said good sir! 🇺🇸😂

[@conorsmith5471]

Wooo!

[@ricardo24456]

I'm in Portugal and do the same , have to this guy is a real pro , he know it .

[@acorakas9426]

Only america

[@Natoyarose]

the physics are apparent to anyone with an ounce of sense and it is really obvious that you know what you are doing. The back seat drivers should just shut up and let you get on with it. Excellent work, yet again August. Go for it. You rock.

[@augustreil]

We're here at a big Oak Tree, August will go ahead and describe what's going on, August: No, no..no And with that being said: We've got this big massive Oak Tree, it's super wide spread as you can see. Watched it maybe 15 times, cracked me up ! Happy 4th, thumbs up !!

[@troytreeguy]

That deep notch also provided 100% diameter width of hinge which also provides more control. Of course that all changes with decay. I have had to use the outer 6” of a tree for the hinge on a 40” stem. We adjusted the weight to compensate. Nicely done Buckin’ 😆😆😆 Be Well MB family happy Independence Day!❤️

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

That opening scene... with that HUGE ASS chainsaw...and Mr. Hunicke cutting DEEP into that old tree while wearing a "I LOVE TREES" T-shirt made me smile.

[@scuzz152]

August, one of my coworkers ran heavy equipment all day and also had a tree service that he ran on weekends. Whenever we had down time on the job he would be looking at trees. He would size up the tree, the houses, the street, the utilities, possible drop areas etc, and then when I'd ask him he'd say "That's a two thousand dollar tree. That other one's more like three." Whenever friends ask me why their estimates for tree removals seem so expensive, I ask them how bad or good an experience they want to have. Love your channel and all the great footage and editing!

[@christophermartin1860]

Great job glad to see someone else felling residential monsters. Most companies here won’t touch fell anything let alone a leaner so we get all the tight drops

[@lschmidt2405]

Outstanding vid thanks. In no particular order, bright, clear, multi angle, funny as all get out, full of love, passion for physics, art, grace, adaptability & humanity in your team. I felt as proud of you all as if you were my kids when you banged out the wedge so clean. We all were brought along with it going to go big & go well. 😃👍

[@Thetreefella]

Love your details for the viewer. Very through. Love you style sir. Thanks for the great video guys. 💚🌳💚🌳💚

[@scatoutdebutter]

Just got around to watching this one..... with my 1 year old grandson. He was captivated for about 12 minutes and almost made it through the whole video stopping and starting. Really good one! Thanks for all the explanations and talking! Best regards to August and his team!

[@dakotadowning9651]

Hey August it’s Dakota. It was awesome to see you pull up next to us yesterday and really appreciate the shout out. The little maple we did out there was a baby compared to that monster!

[@AugustHunicke]

That was awesome seeing you in traffic 😁

[@skipper9400]

it's nice to see somebody actually has a REAL powersaw......I'm 75, and know what big timber is, and it neat to see that big OL' saw.....oh, and for those of you who DON'T actually KNOW how this is supposed to be done, THAT'S HOW IT's DONE ! good job August.

[@carbo2950]

A very safe 4th of July to you your family and crew.

[@mikerobinson8284]

Love it August and crew! Thank you so much for taking the time to share. We all apply the shared knowledge from those who have walked the walk! Absolutely love it. Thank you👊😎

[@tomperkins5657]

"Do you see a man skilled in his labor? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before obscure men." Pv. 22:29

[@sudburyhouse]

You guys are pretty awesome! August is always spot on with how things are gonna go. He seems like he’s a good guy to work for. You can learn a lot from him!

[@keithflemo]

For these lads to take the time to show people there skills is amazing ..."WHY" would anyone not see the the good in that ...i personally love showing my little boy the trees falling he 4 and love it .. Fan from IRELAND

[@judyrikansrud6058]

You could have some very nice oak table tops with this wood.

[@billyshumate853]

Good afternoon hope you're having a blessed day and I hope you have a great 4th of July weekend

[@aaronwinter8894]

You are my spirit animal my dude. I would work for you for free. I love the constant inner struggle you have with using your Crane , it truly shows your old school still in a new world. Please keep making your videos they facking rock and you sir are a freaking artist and I have learned so much from you , you have probably saved like 5 houses from destruction, 15 lives and countless homes from losing power for days back here in Illinois. So on behalf of them ,the people of Galesburg Illinois ,we thank you for helping me not ruin their day 😂🤘🏼💪🏼

[@WalkenDead]

Lol, brought the crane, forgot the blower. I've been there. Well not exactly but same thing different type of job

[@FradetotheLIMIT]

Just started with a tree company and I watch your videos for advice. Thanks for doing it.

[@WalkenDead]

Well, you don't have to have an impact and an air compressor to change a tire, but if it's sitting there would you still use the 4 way?

[@domenicmaiani3795]

Thanks for describing the why as well as the how! I am an amateur firewood cutter(+/- 10 cords a year), love the felling aspect, the challenge of reading the tree and laying it down safely where I want it to go. Next time I'm in the woods, I'll be looking for an opportunities to pull leaners (where I can do so safely)! Perhaps someday that will be a good skill to have! You and your team make it look easy (as pros often do)! Thanks for posting.

[@heathsimmons9973]

G’day August, I’ve been watching your videos in Australia for a while now and want to say thanks for the awesome tips and the fun you guys have out on the job. When I work around at my mates farm, I’ve been able to take some of the things you’ve taught me to work safer and more efficiently. Love watching you guys on the crane, Damien has some epic picks up in those tops. All the best guys, Cheers!

[@terryleimonis]

Gotta say, I love living in a municipality that tends to favor the life of the tree versus size of a home. I get it, the roots would have taken a beating with the building of the foundation, but still sucks to lose an oak of that size, health and weight bias away from the structure. Perfect flop regardless!

[@jasonbeetar2586]

I can't believe my first comment to you August is... Beards looking strong! Was a chef for 30 years. Just getting into this. Started climbing at 45. But you know what? I was made for this. Great poetry by the way

[@johnd942]

In a word; STUNNING! In a few more words; very skilled-men doing a highly skill-demanding job. Congratulations August and crew!

[@kiwich66]

We do love your work guys! Don’t give the critics a second thought. You can read the comments if you want, but when you hear the “KZbin know-it-all” voice, just let it be water off a ducks back. You can’t judge someone by what they say, only by what they do, so unless it’s in a video, just let it wash over you. Keep showing us your art and having fun. Thanks!

[@rickdebacker100]

That was quite impressive. You and your team demonstrate experience, sound judgement, and very effective communication. The latter of those cost an old friend of mine his life when one of his ground guys had a misstep and things went very bad. Awesome video production as well.

[@robingibson7503]

Been cutting over 50 years. Love to watch a pro. Good job.

[@patrickjwalstonsonstreespe380]

A man can do serious stuff with a bear chasin him 😆

[@buillioncubes]

This is why I'll never be "made for this". I'd be too distracted by the bear.

[@carlcox7332]

Never came across a bear but found out real quick how well I could ascend up a tree without gear when a 10ft mama alligator came after me lmao. Those bitches are fast fast too lmao

[@DiscoFang]

My money is on the guy with the 880 chainsaw.

[@caseyobryantjones7564]

I was just struggling with using a big bar on an oak last Friday. The pilot cut is definitely gonna help me! Thank you

[@paulsautocm]

A sign of a true professional no drama, even if you could edit it out. Thanks for the demonstration of skill and patience. It's like science, physics and philosophy all wrapped in one secession. Love the BUFF also.

[@lucasurlie2372]

An old guy I respect greatly said to me, “work hard when you have to and work smart when you can.” And, “Always use the right tool for the right job.” I think a little added insurance with minimal work is a great thing.

[@WalkenDead]

There is some really nice table topos in that big s.o.b.

[@gordonclark7632]

After watching a lot of Tube tree felling 'fails' it is interesting to see how much thought goes into a safe felling done by professionals.

[@wrstew1272]

Experience and intelligence. What a combination! Used some of the same tricks on some ash trees yesterday, but was limited by my tow straps and hand powered ratchet winches. And trunks that a 18” bar went through. Never the less, same results. Thanks August and Crew- yer da best!

[@jeffkelderhouse6354]

Wise choices, safe outcomes, good job. Nice having the crew that completely understand all the moves and reasons to get the job done. Hats off to all of those involved. Love the video.

[@TimothySilvesterplus]

Internet tree work trolls are just jealous of your expertise. They will never achieve your level of competency because they are incapable of critically analyzing their own.

[@Don.Challenger]

And never earn the equipment because they tend to drink and bad habit the profits away.

[@brayvdb2191]

This video is just perfect, the content, the editing, the info, the charisma of you guys. It's pure cinema, well probably only for the ones who like to watch trees go down 😅

[@mwhelan53]

If’n you was a real pro you would have pulled that over with an old hemp rope tied to the bumper of a F150 and had trained beavers che it off at the base.

[@rjp801]

go back to your hollow hillbilly

[@DChrls]

Trained termites do a quicker job. But you gotta get them working in shifts.

[@vincentmichaels7495]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@garyl2981]

Love watching you guys work. There are plenty of cowboys with chainsaws but it takes real skill and experience to drop with precision. Worth every penny.

[@rickrodgers9277]

Thanks for the video. What impressed me the most August is your not arrogant, and your down to earth. The same for your crew. I could go on but I think you know what I mean.

[@hallamphoto]

A man with experience is not at the mercy of a man with opinions. Great job!

[@smash72cutlass30]

That was flawless no one hurt, nothing damaged equipment all in tact. How could anyone have a problem. Nice job.

[@thethirdpoliceman7628]

Sitting in bed, in London, UK, I’m a complete amateur and know nothing about felling trees. The way I see it is this: you used the enormous weight of the tree and the fact that gravity would pull it directly in a downward direction. The tree would naturally slip down and forward because of the 45 degree cut you made. This, coupled to the cables exerting a pulling force and therefore turning the tree into a huge lever. Nicely done. Tragic to kill a magnificent tree which possibly pre-dated the rights and freedoms you hinted at.

[@jimbak478]

Just found your channel and am enjoying it a lot. Reading the comments because I want to see what Aholes would troll you. There a lot of comments about your great skill. There are lots of comments about the quality of your videos. I can’t add anything to what has already been said. What I don’t see are comments about your sense of humor (With only one u.). It’s not yuk, yuk roll in the aisles. It’s low key and subtle. Easy to miss. Cracks me up. Keep em coming.

[@8Scorpions]

Nice job, no clean up just gives you more time to spend on being precise. I like the way you explained everything as you went, and even after your job was done👍🏻👍🏻

[@twenterprise6351]

You guys did a wonderful job limbing and cutting down the tree, video taping, speaking and organization skills.

[@Physicsnerd1]

Great job guys. The deep notch, under full control, is an excellent lesson. It may not be rocket science, but physics is involved. EXCELLENT!

[@sjoshuan]

Mate this is a big help. I’ll be cutting a back lean tomorrow morning and will use this. Thank you from Aus

[@NHlocal]

Well done August! You and your crew continue to make the hard work look "easy". 😎👊❤️🌲 Keep yourselves safe! Randy

[@jestillwell1964]

As Buckin would say, each tree and scenario needs to be evaluated on its own. Experience allows you to know what you need to do. Great job evaluating the tree and the surrounding area. For those who will criticize, it is your reputation and insurance that is on the line.

[@liamkent8305]

August I think the description in the videos are sick dude. I'm currently training to get in to the industry (job change), based in the UK. I'm aware not everything is the same but all very similar. Knowledge is power 🤙. Thank you for the videos really appreciate them 🤘.

[@cowbyupnow1]

I am no pro...so i have no criticism...I watch you and your crew so that i can learn. Between you and Buckin Billy Ray.... I absorb as much as i can. Keep the vids coming!!

[@williamsanchez2501]

I have a lot of respect for that type of work.. I have 26 years in that field

[@philnbspook6446]

Well August i am well impressed by your videos and expertise. I live on a narrow boat in Kings Bromley Staffordshire England. This job of yours on the oak tree is close to home in that if you have ever heard of The Royal Oak it was about twenty miles from me at Boscobel in Staffs. Its where King Charles hid from the roundheads. Thats why so many pubs in England are called the Royal Oak. Cheers matey. Stay safe.

[@jtsimmons3133]

I can't imagine anybody second guessing that job. You really need to write a textbook. You da man.

[@harrisonkatzz7090]

Here is the real way to do the job .Watch you tell the goofs up front I loved the engineering and your diplomacy . Great editing and thank you for a fun show as you planed it God luck.

[@PJ-si2po]

Good that you took the big branches that could brake the waterlines Often t do a vertical deep cut to see if the inside of the trunk is rotten Very rarely I see fellers that knows about felling sights on chain saws You had the equipment and good that you used it You did perfects cuts , went smoothly and professionally Good job guys

[@JT-go2ms]

That still 880 is a beast. Not just anyone could handle that. Impressed by your knowledge and professionalism

[@smiley3012]

Love these videos. He does a great job. Good to see someone with pride for their work.

[@PhRussell-ed7vq]

You do great work its a real pleasure to watch you fell the trees thank you

[@sniemann7391]

Your videos are so fascinating. Filling a tree is science and you make it look easy. Keep up the videos please

[@julianbuckmaster3725]

Stunning work as always August. F112K the haters, true pro's treat all free advice as invaluable, really appreciate your videos

[@ronpatterson6420]

Awesome job didn't even break the window on the house! If it was me on that saw, I probably would have flattened the house. Lolol. Great video! That's why when it comes to tree removal in tight spaces, I leave it to the pros like yourself.

[@SNATCHYDBS]

Well the haters can do one this man works smart , and he felled that Oak the right way.. SAFELY !!!.. Good work lads leaners can cause many a drama but you had its measure .. good work lads wouldnt mind that bar and tune on my 660 . !!!!.. 👍👍👍

[@lovernotfighter]

Really good instructional video. The physics involved remind me of Judo, getting below the center of gravity and all that. You can see the experience that this man has. Very impressive.

[@farmerbob4554]

Looks like she fell totally perpendicular to the face cut. Can’t ask for anything better than that. Well done guys.

[@jmester_atc]

Well thought out plan and great execution. Haters going to hate. I am glad you explain some of why you do what you do. I am always trying to glean different ways of doing something. Thanks

[@dhadden3827]

Very good video. Clear explanations. Excellent job guys!

[@cannonball9478]

Glad to see you’re using Bear Valley clothes. Mentioned to Sam a long time ago to send them to you. Great to see how far we have all come :-)

[@Comp670]

That was some nice work. Always fun to watch someone who knows what they are doing show the keyboard commandos why they are wrong...

[@gerritvanwilligen]

That was a VERY short version at the end 🙂 Awesome, August an team. These jobs might seem easy, but they're way more tricky than a camera can show. Try to ignore the haters slash comments that just go bla bla bla. You can't... really can't judge any situation without actually being there. How good those cameras are, the view is not reality. Keep up the good work and keep those videos coming. Love it!

[@mikewilliams1659]

Tell the haters to kiss it....ive done some big tree falling...and i think u did an awesome job...very professional...

[@jonboyer4058]

I like how you still so careful, and question your decision. I think on a video on a tree leaning over a house, you still get nervous even though you know you’re doing everything right (I may be wrong) But I also get nervous when the tree is just a little too close where one mistake, and you’re done

[@reymolina7596]

Good info. Well made video. Just don't forget the grass blower. 😎

[@1O1Matthew232]

I have fallen many trees in the past and some very big old growth , some had hollow trunks some not...sometime I would wonder what that tree endured to get that old, only come to its demise by my saw to make way for a road, house or to satisfy some view. Its a bitter sweet assignment.

[@dukejames1894]

Very impressive sir, I cut trees every day in Detroit but not giants like that. I thank you for explaining everything and great job!

[@brandonsmith3060]

Did one that size with a 20” bar...Took hours to cable up and then cut to pull away from the house with 2 come alongs..had to plunge cut a hole into the back to fit the saw inside deep enough to pop the hinge. Then a 2 days to piece out trunk and chip the rest. Good times!

[@rbtree]

@Brandon Smith..that's nice, but, get a bigger saw...!!

[@Rythmdoc]

Ive seen people mess a leaner up. Full control, nicely done! Perfect job!

[@rlyman111]

Nice prep for landing the tree. liked the hinge setup. good editing. Good crew work and training.

[@markeholbrook]

You are all true professionals, I loved watching the job, fantastic camera work too!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Thank you for the show and the lesson afterward. Very fine video.

[@Challender]

Badassery Thank You, August, and crew for showing the logistics of your common sense.