Spar removal basics | SRT tree climbing tutorial | Arborist How-to

More resources at www.stridertrees.com/ Strider is focused on training the next generation of climbers, arborists and other tree workers in safer, more efficient work practices at height and on the ground.
Please, do not practice these techniques alone, Tree work is a hazardous and nuanced occupation where every tree is different and subtle changes can make for unexpected consequences. Practice with care and with other experienced people around. Climb safe, come home alive.
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[@darrenmoore2305]

Just want to say thanks to you for taking the time and putting in the effort to make videos that are full of knowledge. THANKS

[@Stridertrees]

thanks for the feedback, Im glad you are finding them helpful

[@freddo645]

I’m in Aus and 2nd year trainee arborist undertaking my final modules in the course which happen to be dismantle and rig trees, your videos are great tutorials and very informative with plenty of little pointers that have helped my climbing game increase dramatically in the last month of watching, thank you

[@Stridertrees]

Glad to hear it Freddo! Hope that goes well for ya :)

[@sydneyhandyman553]

Are you in SYD? We could do some jobs together 😄

[@kp4xx]

Thanks to the guy in the background, who tripped and fell in the begging of the video. You made my day!🤣🤣🤣

[@416chillin]

Thanks Strider, as an arborist/climber in my first year I have found your video's quite useful. Learning spar work has taken longer than learning how to hop around and prune a tree so I appreciate your videos and instruction.

[@Stridertrees]

thanks, it certainly has its own little techniques but I'm sure you'll figure it out

[@patrickmercante4376]

Ty, I will be 71 in Oct. of 2021. Tomorrow, I will be ordering a Holt Ventum 30. It has been 25 years since I've hunted with a bow. I will be using a tree stand for the first time in my life and that's how this whole arborist "thing" started with me. Because I am absolutely petrified of heights, I knew that I would have to invest in equipment that I felt "totally safe with". Trust me when I say that's an understatement!!!! Even if I never become an arborist, I still want to climb trees for fun. I know I'm insane, but that's what makes me who I am. When shots are fired most people run the other way. I run to shots fired to try and save lives. I never have been real bright......Anyway, all my life I have lived on the edge. I hope I can still do so even into my 80's and 90's. I hope this will get rid of my fear of heights. If not I will die trying, but I will go down loving life on my terms. By the way, your videos are very informative and I have learned a lot even though I have never climbed a tree in my life. Except as a kid. But that was during the Jurrasic Period. Oh, and my first pony was a baby brontosaurus.

[@brettblack7049]

How's the climbing going Patrick?

[@1530786]

Dope channel dude 🤙🏽🤙🏽 I like your style and teachings. Much appreciated.

[@adonwright9884]

I found this extremely helpful and informative Strider. I’ve Subbed!

[@InsaneDynamics]

I hope you start to get more views. You are concise and provide great visuals. Thanks for all the information you are providing in your channel!

[@kenlowrey5612]

Thanks for a great video. I appreciate you taking the time to explain in detail the steps you are taking.

[@stevebrough304]

Congrats to the cameraman on your first maiden voyage.

[@gumwap1]

Or is it camerawife?

[@Stridertrees]

Thanks 👍 still getting my tree legs. Would have been an entertaining video to watch - Editor

[@mikerossi411]

TY, this is exactly what I needed. I have about 30 conifers that burned in a forest fire right in the middle of my little slice of heaven. My problem was how to tie-in when there's no safe branch to tie-in to. So I'll just move it up with me. Didn't think of that.

[@davidyoung3379]

great video! I climb hydro poles so found it interesting comparing your choker to ours

[@talib_30]

Very loud and clear explaination...feel like in the open classroom..thank you bro..always stay safe

[@cliffbushong2396]

And I never tried the overlapping cut before I can’t whait to try it, I always learn something cool from you!

[@Stridertrees]

it really works well for keeping the piece in place, it just takes some practice to get right depending on the species of wood.

[@gumwap1]

The bypass/snap cuts are awesome, especially for short pieces. In a target-rich environment, you just break it off and throw it clear.

[@tonyportenart1197]

Best to cut off 80%+ towards you from the back, the rest in front so as you break it, it sit on yourself and you don't get unbalance side way 🤙

[@kappaflock7510]

Stay safe and thank you for the content keep ‘em coming

[@trimbaker1893]

Nicely put. I like your teaching style. confident but not arrogant. Thank you. Smiling, George.

[@herbie212ro]

Great video!! Excellent description.

[@runtimmytimer]

I used the concepts from this vid over the weekend to deal with a storm blow down. Tree top blown over and hung up on the spar. Worked like a champ.

[@slyclyde2900]

ive used this saddle for 2 years now and its amazing

[@DucatiMTS1200]

Great video work and very informative instructions. Very much appreciated.

[@ericwillman5291]

Thank you for the great instruction!

[@mattchalup]

Thanks, that was super helpful. Didn't know the term spar removal but now i do!

[@daveoseas]

Wonderful training video. Thanks heaps

[@julianalderson3938]

Agree with over under. One thing some trees tear. So side fibers take a minute but so worth it. After had one grab ya.

[@Martyrium5]

This way of cutting looks really save. Thanks for sharing!

[@kappaflock7510]

I’m in my first qtr of training for unique arbors in California and I love it. Keep these videos coming it relives a lot of anxiety for me to be able to learn on here to

[@tylrpearson3165]

Look up Reggie coates. Listen to his video on anxiety. You'll be set mate. Been climbing a few years. I still watch tutorials because so.e have different ways. Reggie Coates is basically a grandfather of climbing. Has written and is mentioned in TCia rigging book.

[@Frontireadventures]

Great demonstration.

[@billroberts3864]

You are a natural born teacher. I predict you will own and operate a nation wide arborist school so you can provide excellent instruction to many paying students. Or you may travel around the US giving clinics showing best practices in the arborist field.

[@Woodrats272xp]

Great video 💪

[@johncurrie1789]

excellent video! Well done!

[@scottjohnson3226]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@stevehensley903]

Best Instruction Ive seen

[@ceeuuu5166]

Arborist/New climber Appreciate you 🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@martinspens]

Wanted to write a greate review/coment, but you already had a lot🤩 You made an elexir of essential and important knowledge, that took me years to gather, in one single wideo... I hope evert new climper wathches your chanel!! Respekt 🙌

[@Stridertrees]

Wow, thank you! Glad you found it useful !

[@torobr4vo097]

Thank you for showing me the proper way boss

[@sangrajawalisakti2206]

Thank you, I got knowledge for the great instruction...

[@mcciaccio]

I have always wondered about that little Makita saw.😀 Thats one battery saw I don’t own and have never tried. Im guilty of leaving a few strategic nubs for ropes, flip line,a foot rest😀. I have been doing tree work for almost 30yrs, you know what you are doing and great at explaining it. 👍.

[@exequielbustillovidela5280]

Amazing bro! Learning a lot with u! More ringing please!

[@NakEdits]

Thanks for you’re helpful videos

[@daveinky]

Thanks for the video

[@tacokiller5638]

Great video 🤙

[@forrestheaney9059]

great video, thanks.

[@julianalderson3938]

Nice riggin. Josh bro like it.

[@galinamclaws5184]

great video thanks

[@randymarko486]

GREAT video.......

[@flaviogoncalves2623]

Acompanhando seus trabalhos aqui no Brasil 👍

[@justinrutan1795]

Great tutorial, can you do one on your tie in point for SRT

[@tlpoutdoorsman]

I love the second safety rope, never seen it done that way..... that is super secure, and a piece of mind in case of a gaff out

[@Stridertrees]

It is an ANSI requirement to have the secondary climb system with enough slack to belay directly to the ground at any point, secured so that it chokes more tightly around the spar if you slip or fall. This method I show here is one way to do that.

[@kylewoodyard5351]

Definitely want to see using the double rope on a spar because I don’t have any mechanical device for single rope.

[@Stridertrees]

I'll have to put together a video on the subject :)

[@arklandscape2350]

How do you choke a lanyard? Thanks for sharing all you do!

[@zackjohnson5782]

That is a great video! Thank you very much. About how tall was that one?

[@jairovanwijhe5280]

What brand are those thin hoodies your are wearing? They seem comfy and not to warm, anyway love the videos keep it up!

[@Stridertrees]

They are made by a brand called Truewerk and they are fantastic i wear them ALL THE TIME. If you decide to get some from they please let them know you heard about them on my channel I’m currently working on a partnership with them hopefully to offer a discount code for everyone coming from my channel

[@NealZ31]

Yeah pretty much everything they make it awesome and perfect for people working outside

[@julianalderson3938]

Thanx

[@billdouglas8278]

How long is your choked off secondary lanyard rope? Thx for the great videos!

[@robertbettis6552]

nice

[@jeffschrecengost2010]

Great video, I’m using a double rope system, Michoacán climbing knot. Do I need a buckingham rope squeeze or can I go with an adjustable friction saver? I’m talking adjustable friction saver with a prusik knot. Thanks for your time

[@Stridertrees]

Yes you can use an adjustable FS like that to the same effect. The tree squeeze is just little easier to flip up the tree.

[@jeffschrecengost2010]

@@Stridertrees very cool, thanks!

[@sandsock]

Is that 550 mk2 with a 16 inch bar? I have been thinking of a spare brush saw. I dont climb yet, just alot of firewood. What kind of chain do you run, when you climb .325 low kick back versus a 3\8. High kickback?

[@samuelasamoah6906]

Is the port-A-wrap around the base of another tree, cos that's what am seeing?

[@andrasnemeth6659]

How do you make the decision where/when do you cut off the top? How high can climb up? If it is a co-dominant tree how to decide the trunk you are climb up and how to cut them? Parallel or one-by-one? Can go up on one trunk or need to stop at the branching?

[@Stridertrees]

Great questions, with complicated answers, generally I’m trying to do whatever is most efficient while also minimizing risk to myself and the property I am protecting, that means making the fewest cuts in the tree but cutting pieces small enough to rope safely and land in the space I’ve been given while climbing on the most secure part of the tree.

[@jcz136]

What model chainsaw is it? What bar and chain are you running?

[@slkgeothermal]

I am looking for a great electric saw; you obviously like the Makita as you are using it. What are your thoughts on other brands? I have looked at the DeWalt 18" bar, any suggestions?

[@blujay22]

Husqvarna 540i xp is nice

[@pmccarthy001]

It looks like the Tree Squeeze is basically an elaborate adjustable friction saver. Is this accurate, or is there more to it?

[@victoriastreecarellcwv5263]

What made you go with the Makita electric Saul, instead of a stihl, or green works? I’m ready to buy an electric saw but not really sure which one to choose. Any insight would be helpful. Thank you

[@Stridertrees]

It was my understanding that the stihl has been found to be fairly weak compared to the 40v Husqvarna model and I have both the new and old version of that, and I have lots of other Makita tools I can use the batteries with and from not to mention it was MUCH less expensive for a very comparable setup. I couldn’t speak to the green works I have no reference for that

[@kylequinn5349]

On your climb line is that a quickie you have tied on

[@phaedruskener7732]

Have you tried the technique where you dog in and cut towards yourself for the far cut on your step cut instead of backbaring? I find it a lot easier on my body especially on big wood

[@Stridertrees]

I have, and often, when I have a saw with decent dogs I’ll use that technique but that’s a major flaw of the 550xp... lousy dogs

[@adonwright9884]

That Makita, I really like the idea of no chain still spinning from those eléctricas. Does the battery outlast a job over a gas filled saw??? I need a hand top saw and would like your take.

[@Stridertrees]

I’ll be doing a review of the Makita here soon, for a top handled pruning saw it offers a great value and I love having an electric climb saw! The battery does not last as long in the cut as a gas saw but never sits idling either...

[@blujay22]

What about compared to the Husqvarna 540i xp

[@petertoschi1229]

💪🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@SR20FTW]

How about throwing a line in the tree first when using SRT? That way you dont need to advance the 2nd line the whole way. Or is there a reason you prefer advancing both?

[@Stridertrees]

I do occasionally do that but often on an especially tall single spar it’s more difficult to do that than use the method I demonstrated, of course I have a slightly different/impossible to describe method to advance both more quickly and efficiently.

[@dprevish100]

Great informative video! I see more and more Echos out there in the hands of arborists. I have to say I picked up a little echo 400 for breaking down branches at the chipper and I am finding myself taking it up into the tree. My favorite aspect is it’s very easy to start, and while in the saddle and on spurs that’s big. Also it’s crazy light.. I’ve heard they have modification kits, muffler ext..I may do something like that as I could use more power on the punch. But overall I’m in looking for some thing that I could put a 20 inch bar on to get far enough on chunk downs that I can pull the spar into the lay once my Stihl 201t bar can’t pass through clean. Has anyone use the saw and done some modifications?

[@Mechman0925]

How does this approach work if you are not using (own) spurs?

[@kamikazejones9]

What choker do you recommend? Are you just use you notch quick clip to choke off?

[@Stridertrees]

yes that's usually what I use, but I don't particularly like it because I've had it nearly open on me a couple times when I wasn't careful enough to sink the pin well. I'm looking for a better (auto locking) option. sometimes I'll put a ring on the rope, pass the rope around the tree and put the eye through the ring then use a carabiner through the eye to cinch around the trunk instead

[@jason1938]

Can you use a foot ascender while wearing spikes?

[@the88tlc]

saw you wearing the edelrid Talons... what you think of them?

[@Stridertrees]

I've got a more in depth comparison coming out later this month, but I love them. except for one major flaw. the Velcro straps are weak and don't last very well under regular use

[@tannergazdziak2448]

I’m looking to get gear for felling trees like this. Not full time. Just around the house and favors. I’ve done quite a bit of tree work with my grandfather being he is a farmer and sells wood in the winter. 1.What’s the easiest beginner set up? 2.Drt or srt? 3. Petzel zigzag still the best? I’m seeing it’s discontinued and I can only find it on eBay. Thanks.

[@Stridertrees]

If you check out my website stridertrees.com I’ve actually got a beginners buyers guide thats a good place to start.

[@macp721]

muscle memory with the chain brake

[@Stridertrees]

Oh you know it !

[@herecomesyahawashiisrael4280]

What brand and size is that electric saw?

[@cliffbushong2396]

How come you are not using the husky electric saw ? Does the Mikita perform better?

[@Stridertrees]

the older husky I have has been in the shop for 4 months trying to fix an oiler problem which ended up being a broken body.... the Makita is a bit better but WAY cheaper. The newer model the T540LIxp is more than twice the price of the Makita

[@isaaclopez8908]

email where we can contact ? What is your advise in California to cut fronds, may be 45 feet tall palm tree.

[@julianalderson3938]

Just some trees n palms def'

[@robertbrown9237]

👍

[@mikesoultanian8050]

You mentioned that you like to stay on the backside of the leaning spar - is there a reason for that? Are you just staying on that higher side in the video because of the camera angle? Just trying to get an understanding of why you like that position better. I'm just learning, and on a recent tree I took down I stayed on the high side (i.e. top of tree is leaning away from me instead of towering over me), so I don't have any particular opinion on the matter at the moment, but I'd be interested in why you like that so I can try that in the future.

[@Stridertrees]

If you try to climb up the underside of a leaning spar you will quickly discover why I don't generally recommend it. It's much harder, but in a way that is not easy to describe.

[@mikesoultanian8050]

@@Stridertrees yeah, it makes sense - it's never fun to work with stuff over you vs in front and slightly away from you. Underside just seems like you're crowded and having to lift stuff more than you would were you positioned top-side. Thanks for all the info!!

[@biggus6633]

How do you decide where your face cut should be or on which direction should the tree top fall?

[@rjfoley16]

Most tops usually have a slight lean one way or the other. It's easiest to direct your face cut towards the biomass or lean of the tree. Other than lean it all depends what's below you.

[@TheToolnut]

Removing a few branches on the back side of the lean helps to direct a top as well.

[@bradpetty4872]

What climbing saw is that?

[@macp721]

Hi is the hook for the chainsaw built into your harness

[@Stridertrees]

No it’s an accessory purchased separately. I think It’s the petzl caritool

[@lawrencelewis1036]

How do you like that Makita saw compared to the Husqvarna T540ixp?

[@Stridertrees]

I’m going to do a review of that saw here soon, short answer, it’s very slightly worse, but it’s half the price... sooo 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheToolnut]

@@Stridertrees I love my two 36v brushless Makita saws. I run mine on a 1/4" setup, much better than the stock 3/8" picco setup they came with👍🌲

[@neild7971]

3amp hour or 4/5/6amp? How many batteries do you go through in an ‘average’ day?

[@TheToolnut]

5ah and 6ah, depending on the work one is doing one would get most of a Day out of two 6ah batteries.

[@briantorsell]

What's the advantage of having the choke rope, versus running 2 lanyards?

[@Stridertrees]

if the gaffs slip out then the choked rope will prevent a slide down the trunk. two lanyards may or may not do the same.

[@briantorsell]

@@Stridertrees Cool, makes sense!

[@daveaskin1333]

Two lanyards won't allow you to escape to ground... an important consideration.

[@julianalderson3938]

I know sounds easy but its true.

[@julianalderson3938]

Like it bro. But couldnt help it put ya flip line away from ya cut before.dosent have to be so close really.

[@jesusloya6462]

What's that chest harness called?

[@Stridertrees]

It is the Edelrid Tree-Rex Bungee chest harness.

[@garyduncan1025]

That tie in method is a lot of unnecessary extra work on the body. Hence repetitive motion leads to body failure sooner in life. Frankly my safety is above what I'm cutting. That way there is No chance in cutting the safety on the through cut. Thanks for sharing.

[@Stridertrees]

its always a compromise between safety and efficiency of motion. sometimes I have a top tie instead, sometimes I use this method. A tool for every scenario.

[@RRtrc]

Hia mate idk If it's on purpose but your using the front d rings and I've never seen that I find it uncomfortable the back rings are designed for spiking

[@bobrub]

?? 2nd time this one was posted ??

[@Stridertrees]

Yeah the first one had a couple quirks that made it past editing... ;)

[@gregrupar135]

Pretty ok but don’t leave nubs on the tree. If you happen to gaffe out and catch one of this in your chest or face you’ll be hurting. Just move your body around the tree.

[@joshualongcolorado]

How to-Climbing your first tree?

[@brettblack7049]

That was the camera man.

[@greatorangesky]

Now go up that without gaffs... that's what I want to learn

[@Stridertrees]

I’ve got two other videos about how to do that!

[@carterallen3683]

ur not teaching me to remove a tree with a makita are you?

[@mcciaccio]

From a 30yr pro, thats a dangerous and risky way to do it. Someone or something is getting destroyed eventually.

[@franzv3172]

What is? How he’s using the climb line?

[@Bsquez0129]

Can you have someone translate this into Spanish 😭

[@Sethhaun78]

Why do guys rigg tge top then throw the rest ?? 😢just cut and let it all drop makes no sense..its not going to hurt dirt or grass ..toss on brush especially if you have machine

[@julianalderson3938]

Yer agree but seems more for beginners.

[@roylarsen1206]

Great video dude, love the content. My IG is Larsen brothers tree service