How to cut tree limbs that are too high to reach

An inexpensive and safe way to trim tall trees that are too high to reach. You can do it yourself without a ladder, a lift, or a professional. Created Spring 2018 by Tim Furlong Jr.
Items used:
Medium Kong
Twine
Lashing Straps (2 pair @ 12 feet): a.co/dQsNRQk
Pocket Chain Saw: a.co/5AVjkfp

[@DavidLaFerney]

2 things... 1) you can actually get chains that have cutters on both sides to avoid that potential aggravation. 2) if you can get a helper and use longer straps you can spread apart and it won’t be as likely to bind. And you won’t be right in the death zone.

[@dantheman-adadwithchores4857]

Awesome video. After watching your video and ordered my pocket chainsaw off Amazon and used some rope I had (from camping). Worked great, I trimmed a whole bunch of high branches around my house. I used my dog's Kong as wel!! Didn't bother with the extra throw line, I just tied the Kong directly to my rope. Well done!

[@paulcastillo5235]

I have used a rope saw many times and just so you know it is much easier to use it during the cut with two people doing the cut. Therefore, have one person on each end of the rope. The rope is much less likely to bind this way. Also, if you spread out the rope there is much less chance that a branch might actually land on your head.

[@Dosedmonkey]

Best advice. Really makes it easier.

[@laserdirect]

Wow I used your links to order the straps and saw and they worked great. I am 58 years old and I did not want to fall off of my roof or a ladder. I cut down a huge oak limb that was rubbing my shingle roof and it was about 20 feet high. I used a baseball taped to a string to feed the saw up into the tree. It was a huge rush when I cut through the huge branch. Thanks Tim for your genius idea. You saved me a lot of money and worry. Bless you.

[@RealTourCast]

Thanks so much...you’re welcome! Great idea with baseball, too. Glad it all worked out for ya!

[@William.Shakespeare]

how much did the pocket saw cost ya?

[@Andrew-hp1yj]

So many people here who know sooo much better. Show me your videos then asshats. Good video man, good idea. I've got a couple branches in the 50' range I need to come down, so I'll give it a go.

[@RealTourCast]

Holla! You have any luck?

[@ermalpula]

Genius idea!! I’m going to do this to my neighbours massive tree.. one large branch literally scraping the roof of my house.. it’s quite higher then the branch you cut but I’ll give it a try.. wish me luck! Lol

[@kcender3771]

Tim, what a great solution to exactly the issue I have currently; glad I finally found your post! BTW, nice trio of Mac Pros. I only have one and it seems so lonely now. Ha!

[@semircehic9425]

Awesome! Well, you saved one Bosnian guy a lot of trouble - thanks so much

[@shawndickerson5055]

I say this as a Certified Arborist who teaches about property pruning methods...Although this method may work, and sometimes you might be able to get a decent cut angle, usually this method would not allow for a good cut angle on the limb, since you cannot typically get the chain exactly where you need it to make a good cut...and if the appropriate cut is not made, it will not heal right which can lead to future problems. So, if you have to get off the ground to prune a tree on your property, and cannot do it professionally yourself, you should consider hiring a professional.

[@BeckVMH]

Yep, a lot of web info and videos on the "Three Cut Method" for properly removing a limb. I think what happens is people simply will not or in some limited cases, cannot afford to pay a professional to remove the branches properly.

[@EdieBabeMonster]

Oh hell yes sunshine... you made my day... this is exactly the task I’m on today.

[@RealTourCast]

You’re welcome! How did it go?

[@EdieBabeMonster]

Tots worked - took a few goes to get the thing tossed over the limb and a bit of futsing to get in the good spot for sawing but once I got my groove on it was a win.

[@donniebettencourt161]

Right on dude. That was awesome! Thanks for the lesson, now it’s my turn.

[@Aldo-mx9rz]

I'm a tree surgeon. We don't leave stubs behind because the wound won't heal, the stub will decay, and the decay will become a cavity in the trunk. This results in a structural weakness and the tree above the cavity can topple. All of this is a years long process. By then you'll probably live somewhere else, so, somebody else's problem and a payday for me. Thank you. #ch-ching!

[@lydiahubbell6278]

What about branches that break off in storms?

[@BeckVMH]

@@lydiahubbell6278 I recommend you research the topic, but thought I'd respond. The remaining area of the limb should be removed properly to prevent potential damage from disease and decay. A proper, controlled limb removal involves a "three cut method," but in your case nature has already completed "cut" 1 and 2 taking the heavier part of the limb. However, someone would need to address the remaining portion of the limb to dress up the wound properly. If a professional has better insight, then answer Ms. Hubbell's question.

[@victoriarosario3338]

Brilliant idea! Thank you so much! I appreciate the step-by-step instructions!

[@HelenBeeee]

What you can do is feed a holding safety line on a branch above to hold the limb in place while cutting it once cut through it would allow you to lower the cut branch to the ground. It would reduce the risk of kick back from the limb falling to the ground and or the limb bending at the cutting line squeezing the chain making it difficult to saw.

[@Whoiskevinjones]

Brilliant. I would totally try that. Thanks!!

[@hogue3666]

I like how you stood directly under the branch the whole time.

[@RealTourCast]

Haha, true true. I was ready to bail though!

[@William.Shakespeare]

gotta angle it with rope! I tried nylon string . it works great on pvc pipe but not so much cherry..

[@5065ca]

🤣

[@5065ca]

🤕

[@avieron2785]

Works like a charm. Thank you.

[@samcribari7287]

Nice job and thanks for the video...I used the method you've presented and it worked great! Simple and safe, by avoiding doing the job high up on a ladder. I made sure to stand well to the side and out of harm's way, from the falling branch.

[@RealTourCast]

Always love to get these type of responses, glad it worked well for you! Cheers!

[@alixconte4433]

Thank you for posting. I have been trying to figure out what to do about my super tall tree limbs. Respect!

[@RealTourCast]

Holla!

[@ForgetU]

No complaints, next time when you have passed the Kong over the limb use that side to pass your lashing over then you will not be cutting you twine.

[@edzanjero353]

I have the manual chain saw like yours, and intend to use them on similar tall branches. But.....at the same time I'm trimming an individual, vertical branch, I need to somehow lasso the branch to pull it away from a neighbor's fence since I don't want to damage it. How might I lasso a vertical branch? I'm thinking maybe a grappling hook or the like? Suggestions?

[@ginsengjin]

Do you think this will work on thin branches? I feel like if there's any flex in the tree branch at all it wouldn't work.

[@moncorp1]

Look at that neighborhood. I'm surprised Little Lord Fauntleroy didn't have a tree service come prune those trees.

[@thuswaldner1]

The reason he can afford a nice house if because he figures out how to do (some stuff) on this own and save piles of $

[@desotopete]

Had a similar situation for a dead willow that could fall on my garage. I shot an arrow with string attached over the large upright but forked limb. Once over I tied a heavier chord to that and attached a homemade grapple that hooked to the branch. I was able to rock it back and forth till it snapped off in the direction I wanted. But I have some other live trees I need trimmed so may try the saw you used.

[@RealTourCast]

Yep, I like the way you think. I’ll remember that tip about the arrow, too. Good luck with your efforts!

[@toddphipps5496]

I would love to see the grapple configuration you mentioned!

[@piehound]

Good job. I have several branches i'd like to cut. But they're all more than 25 ft off the ground. Some almost 35 ft. I've already cut the lower ones. And my back yard is very small with adjoining neighbors. So i have to be very careful about the other properties. And since the trees themselves are in a neighboring yard, state law allows me to cut only that part of the branch that hangs over the fence line. If i can't get the neighbor's permission. Several tricky operations here. (1) Getting the toss line over the selected branches when other branches are in the way. (2) Once the cutting chain with lashing straps are up . . . not getting stuck when the hanging branch pinches the chain. (3) Not getting hit with the falling branch and not having it damage the fence. My yard is about 25 ft x 15 ft. Wish me luck.

[@evelynwhite5405]

Hope it worked for you!

[@mwngw]

How would you trim a branch growing nearly vertically? I need to somehow lasso or use a grappling hook to snag the vertical branch and pull it way from my neighbor's fence. I don't want to damage his fence when I make the cut. The branch is 20-25' up where I need to snag or rope it and pull it toward me...or even tie a rope around it to catch it when I make the cut to keep it from falling on the fence. Any ideas?

[@stevenreichertart]

Excellent idea. Thank you.

[@kraftzion]

Try to be exactly opposite of the tree limbs mass. If it twista on you it will bind. Dead limbs are much easier than live limbs(resin). I use half of a 2 piece fishing rod with a 1 oz sinker and 30lb braid for initial throw. Good for 100 ft, can always add the second half if taller.

[@uhu69]

Thanks very much! You're brilliant! Just did it...25 feet high! Used a rope, should have used the lashing straps (hard to get the teeth to turn into the wood with just rope). Thanks again brother!

[@RealTourCast]

Holla! You’re welcome, Alex. Glad it worked well for you! Thanks for watching, too!

[@kellygirl811]

I will be at Lowes tomorrow to get the supplies

[@brianonthego]

excellent job.

[@EM-qz8wj]

Cool! Will it work on a bigger/thicker tree limb? Thanks.

[@mslisa5916]

That was so awesome and smart 🧠 as heck, bravo 👏 👍🙌

[@RealTourCast]

Thanks Ms. Lisa, happy holidays!!

[@tonyneufeld6860]

Dude. Thats awesome. I'm going out to try it right now

[@RealTourCast]

Sweet, how’d it go?

[@tonyneufeld6860]

@@RealTourCastit worked like a charm. Little bit troublesome getting over the branches but after that it was smooth sailing

[@davidmartinez5459]

How do you get the teeth to line up with the branch surface?

[@Sionnach1601]

Great idea, thanks!

[@RealTourCast]

You’re welcome!

[@jettrink7510]

do I remain directly underneath the branch through the entire process of cutting ? 🐰

[@DB-xp9px]

the thing that worries me on these "double-sided" blades is maintaining it. only takes a moment for the blade to become dull if it runs into the wrong thing and doesn't seem it'd fit into my Oregon sharpener as a traditional blade would. how are u putting a new edge on this when needed?

[@rc28ify]

How long did it take to cut?

[@spamtownrick5114]

Dude! That was very impressive but you were huffin’ n puffin’ like a Steam Engine! U better get in shape before u tackle your next branch!!

[@caddi70]

I use a rope saw kit already made. I used a heavy socket to throw it very high with as a leader. my problem is that some the limbs I need to cut are as big as a tree themselves. the limb will hit my house or garage when it falls. it's easy to cut limbs down when it's not close to anything

[@vicmorrison8128]

Good for you!

[@terrymurphy8685]

Nice video showing and explaining how to cut the tree limb down. Now my question to you is where can I buy that cutting chain?

[@princeinflorida214]

See the link in the video description.

[@henryeyes2]

thank you soo much!

[@juliogarcia3549]

Love it , thank you

[@titorex]

is this effective when the branch is fresh and not yet dry

[@timbo031170]

Works great thanks

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

I need your help. 63 and have limbs to take off. 🌵

[@quinsoe-win9516]

Nice work! How did you get the chain to stay with cutting teeth inwards?

[@timbo031170]

Quinton S - use the strap part on the branch and keep moving it until the chain goes inward it worked for me 😊

[@quinsoe-win9516]

@@timbo031170 Thanks for the reply. Before I read it I tried a couple of things that also worked. One was to wait till the chain was about to be pulled onto the branch and start twisting the rope from my hand, causing it to turn over during the up-and-over. Second and better one was to cable tie a long bolt to the chain hinge bit, with its length pointing away from the blades. As the bolt length hits the branch it forces the blunt side to face the same way as itself, away from the branch. Hard to articulate, hope that helps!

[@RealTourCast]

Sounds like you got it figured out! Great bonus tips, too!

[@yannel75]

You’re a genius!! Thanks a lot for this video! It saved me a $1,500!

[@RealTourCast]

Hell yeah, son! Glad it worked out for ya!

[@amberskyboutique]

So helpful! I got about 5

[@AwakeningEnthusiast]

How many times did he say lashing strap?

[@wesleymaraman8771]

brilliant move

[@pmaint1]

The chain only cuts on 1 side, what happens when the chain lands upsidedown on the limb?

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@richs.7373]

Young John Schnatter takes a break from cutting pizzas at Papa Johns to cut up a tree

[@spaceman9754]

why don't you pick on someone one your own size, bully!!!

[@RealTourCast]

Every now and then I read these comments to my buddies. This one by far gets the best laugh! I’ll be laughing at this for the rest of my life. Thanks, Rich! 🤝

[@chilui2780]

It is safe and cheap. Very good.

[@sammyspaniel6054]

Great. Now to tackle mine which is about 70 feet up.

[@Pedo_phile_Muhammad]

get three 24' telescopic poles to throw the rope with weight over the right branch. YOu can get them at amazon

[@bigmac3006]

Where did you get your vest? I want one.

[@RealTourCast]

Vince Camuto!

[@j.niccicoffie3272]

Super cool! I never heard of a pocket chainsaw. Very helpful video. What's the max branch diameter that can be cut this way?

[@chriswebster24]

It depends on the max strength and endurance of the operator.

[@bberge306]

Wow….. that guy is fast. If you know the length of the line needed…. Cut the string so if you throw and miss the correct branch, you can just pull it through and rethrow them

[@cjjuddaustralianartist]

how do you get the cutting side of the chain to face the right way?

[@dantheman-adadwithchores4857]

Trial and error. If it's not on the right side I just pulled it off and on again.

[@princeinflorida214]

@@dantheman-adadwithchores4857 Yes. 50/50 chance.

[@PreliminaryFilms12]

Haha! I’m doing this!!!

[@thomascox3615]

Why cut the string when all you needed to do is tie the strap to the end? But then I do this a lot higher than 20'. 20' is easy with an extension for the pole saw.

[@cussininthekitchen8224]

You really need some height to get branches that tall, I just got a pole chainsaw and I’m 5’2 and just cannot reach these things and not about to get on a ladder lol

[@clutch5sp989]

In my pickup truck with a ladder and a pole saw....still can't reach it. This may work.

[@MrJudge4321]

That’s how you cut down a branch, in style!

[@Pedo_phile_Muhammad]

I'm buying 24' telescoping pole to thread the throw line into a specific branch.

[@AwakeningEnthusiast]

Note to self: Keep rope and pocket chainsaw in bug out bag!

[@edibleg]

Bow and arrow works

[@ShawnRyanShow]

This is incredible

[@grahamfinnley5356]

You prolly dont care but if you guys are bored like me atm you can stream all the latest movies on InstaFlixxer. I've been streaming with my girlfriend recently :)

[@bowenantonio3302]

@Graham Finnley Yea, been using instaflixxer for months myself =)

[@thangquocnguyenmdp]

That branches about less than an Inch and half in diameter and it is less than 20 feet from the flat ground. My branch is 19 Inches in diameter and 35 feet above the roof….

[@menagerie1066]

MacGyver himself!

[@William.Shakespeare]

dude . use a rock or a hammer when you throw your line . I`m only here now because my ladder is too small I`m crippled and broke . hoping my doing this with handsaws and reciprocating saws since I was 11 , 30 odd years ago may help someone. also tie the branch in one or two places and have someone pull it or tie it to an elevated stationary object so it is drawn away when it falls.

[@blonderaider4281]

I use my fishing pole with heavy test line. Then I pull the rope with the chainsaw over the branch

[@JulieJackson1]

Well that's one way to do it I guess. lol

[@superdav4198]

Not too bad, for a out of breath , yuppie. ....lol Seriously tho, good job.

[@RealTourCast]

Thanks!

[@brucedavidson5400]

Sounded like a B-17 flying overhead to bomb the Germans.

[@dammitbobby283]

I climb a tree with my bear hands and chop it down.

[@alext9067]

You left a stub that will die back and hurt the tree. Get that cut back to the trunk asap so the healing ring can start growing.

[@RealTourCast]

Yep, got that taken care of. Thanks man!

[@iancampbell2517]

You look like Rivers from Weezer with those shades on

[@RealTourCast]

I’ll take that!

[@MorrowSind]

I think the tree looked better with the limb. It wasn't in the way... Did you cut this limb, just to cut a limb? 😆

[@johnnyarpa]

I know what IAM doing tomorrow.

[@444gigabytes8]

Good idea, but please use safety! Like a helmet! 🤔😉

[@RealTourCast]

Yep, shoulda, coulda, woulda. Good lookin out, though!

[@samadams7224]

There was nothing wrong with that branch.

[@hello-again6994]

I just bought and used a manual jamieson pole saw

[@Dockwatcher]

Connect the throw line to a drone.

[@parrotbill9072]

Slingshot....fishing line....tied to a nut that will go on 3/8s bolt. Shoot it over the limb, if it goes over other limbs, pull the nut up until it is free and give the fishing line slack, it will come right down so you can tie the saw to it and pull that over the limb. It's much faster and takes a fraction of the energy.

[@AV-tm5zf]

safety glasses dude! not your raybans!!!

[@RealTourCast]

Hilarious! But they’re actually Persols not Ray Bans!

[@davidwilliams4165]

Instead of cutting your line so far back you could have easily just untied or cut your knot. Saving you a lot of wasted time and rope/twine. Telescopic pruners/ power pruners will only reach so far. However Stihl, Jameson and a few other companies make fiberglass poles that you can connect. They range from 4' to 12'. Buying multiples will get you higher in the tree and make the job alot easier and faster. Also at 5:08 you mention cutting the sucker growth, (the smaller branches as you called them), but if someone can reach them to cut them then they should be able to reach the branch they are trying to cut. Right? I mean, the sucker growth would only interfere with the throw line if it is ABOVE the branch you want to cut.

[@RealTourCast]

The sucker growth below the limb gets in the way of the throw line. You want a teardrop shaped throw (underhanded) so it goes straight up and then straight down. Hard to do with sucker growth.

[@MrTeff999]

Nice. But cutting a limb that way can tear the bark, causing permanent damage.

[@slpip]

Almost got a heart attack with this tool. Spent $250 got a Silky 21 ft pole saw.

[@RealTourCast]

Oh damn! Definitely takes some brute strength to get this done. Happy to hear it was almost vs had. 💪

[@charlietrivian3060]

Try cutting a limb that's 50 feet high and under it is my neighbors roof.

[@RealTourCast]

Yeah that might take a little more creativity, surely the neighbor would be more than willing to help, though!

[@DrBoig]

Ladder

[@thayoutubebigwig1109]

watch when ya thrw the weight over the limb....it can swing back and git ya in da head

[@colprincess8579]

I tried this and chain kept getting stuck, bringing it back for a full refund.

[@princeinflorida214]

Use two people standing far apart to reduce the angle. Think standing back far enough to float the blade over the top edge at maybe a 60° angle. By feel adjust the angle for the best cut. It's a two-man saw situation if you're having problems trying it alone.

[@clifflewis8280]

Lot of work. But ok.

[@thecritic5729]

100

[@RealTourCast]

🤝✌️Thanks!

[@markballenger8287]

I suggest you wear a hard hat. Maybe somebody can tell us here what is the best one to use.

[@RealTourCast]

I was ready to bail at any moment!

[@christineclark4378]

You never showed how you got chain on straps. I was impressed UNTIL YOU SKIPPED THE MAIN PART....NOT GOOD...

[@RealTourCast]

I can’t explain everything. You have to observe what you see in the video and infer. There’s a scene that shows the length of the assembled strap and chain. This is the part where you pause the video, make it full screen, and see how it’s done. Now you know! Thanks for watching!!

[@user-pl4qu7cp1e]

My trained squirrels do it quicker.