Taking Down Trees with a Home Depot lift

In this video I use homeowner grade chainsaws to take down 5 trees (3 are not straight forward at least for me). This is not a "how-to" video, this is a "how I did it" video.
0:00 - Overview of project and chainsaws used
1:33 - Starting on 1st maple tree with a Stihl MS 170
2:59 - Switching to a Poulan Pro pole saw
4:30 - Taking down a large limb
5:22 - 2nd large limb
5:37 - Chunking down the rest of the 1st tree
7:38 - Starting 2nd large maple tree
11:09 - Ropework chunking
13:56 - Rope work taking down branches
15:19 - Hydraulic hose on lift breaks
15:31 - Switching to a pine tree
16:05 - On to a spruce tree - This
17:03 - Topping the sine tree
17:52 - Chunking the spruce tree
18:38 - Starting 3rd large maple
22:01 - Setting up a Port A Wrap
22:10 - Using the porta wrap to take down 3 large limbs
24:57 - Chunking down the rest of the 3rd maple
26:29 - Back to limbing the 2nd maple
27:11 - Rope work and limbing
28:00 - Rope work with large chunks
31:43 - Topping: Port a wrap for 2 very large limbs
34:04 - Chunking the rest
34:23 - Carabiner breaks
34:40 - Dropping the remaining trunk
36:06 - Dropping the other maple's trunk
36:38 - Going over broken carabiner and clevis/ shackle (Lessons learned)
37:30 - Cleanup

[@JoeCornerNetwork]

I’m glad you got through that safely. The kids were so cute cheering you on !

[@diydanny914]

Great job and saved a lot of money. You also had some great helpers. I really enjoyed watching this video. Have a great weekend.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks!

[@kapuckett86]

You saved so much money doing that yourself, even with the rental. Doing anything and everything yourself is always the way to go. Great job buddy

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks!

[@CatDaddySteve]

IF you have experience with saws abd and rigging. When he mentioned Bukin Billy Ray I knew he was not just a brainless homeowner 😊

[@jerrybigrig9475]

Nice job.. Your son learned some valuable experiences.. A hard day's work won't kill ya .. This is how calluses are made ..👏👍👏

[@jeremygibbs8659]

On the bigger branches I like to use a “snap” cut where you make two bypass cut several inches apart. That allowed you to set you saw down, “snap” the limb off and remain in control the entire time.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks for the hint! Will keep in mind for next time.

[@roypatterson9910]

One thing straight from the start that I noticed you did wrong that wasn't very safe, is you put the feet of the outriggers straight on the ground and not on top of some thick plywood or something strong that has a much wider footprint. Those outriggers could have sunk into the ground causing you to topple over. I don't know if you ever heard of Sun Belt Rentals, but I used to work for them and I learned all kinds of different things working with them, but I also worked in the construction industry my entire life.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Good point. Ground is very firm here in the summer. If it was spring, that would be a different story.

[@roypatterson9910]

@@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse I get you, but you just never know, and that's a lot of weight on the outriggers, and the further you extend the boom the more weight is added, because of leverage.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

If the ground is firm it's firm. I could park a mac truck on a pogo stick in my yard in the summer and it probably wouldn't make a dent. Definitely use thick plywood- not that osb crap- if it's soggy or non-packed earth- like a garden bed! That's an on the spot judgement call. This looked like most pro jobs I've seen, even reputable ones will caught doing some risky stuff, it comes with the territory. The biggest concern I had watching was around 28:20 when the rope was tethering the cut logs to the tree trunk above, and the trunk looked a bit sketchy, a little thin with elbows, along with a probably rotten crotch just below. The weight and momentum of those logs was surely testing its strength. Had it cracked or split things may have gotten pretty ugly. Glad it held up well enough though to get the job done. Over all it turned out great. The average diy'er should probably not be attempting this though, it did take a fair amount of skill and experience to get this done without someone dying lol.

[@ronyoutu]

Great Job, and you had some Amazing Helpers!!

[@28thAttempt]

Nicely done. My Dad and I used exactly the same setup as you and your son. I was on the ground and dad was in the cherry picker. To prevent the rope from slipping of the cut branch maybe cut little notches for the rope to grab into. Greetings from Germany. Nice channel

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks and good idea on the notches!

[@Videos-hp3lb]

I'm going to be limbing a giant elm tree on my property later this summer because my wife is demanding it. Can I borrow your kids? I'll need the feeling of being awesome.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Haha, having a cheering section is mandatory :)

[@chjp2346]

A suggestion; make a back/under cut so you don't have limb swingers or hangers and will be more predictable.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

You are correct. The difference between myself and a real pro :)

[@treeguyable]

Things that would help ,and be safer: A body harness, and fall arrest lanyard attatched, a top handle climbing saw, straps and caribiners to hold saw and pole saw on the basket, a 100 ft rope, to lower and lift stuff , for refueling, water , etc.

[@shaneh2755]

Great job! Thanks for the video.... and propee hardware advice , most guys would have left that part out of the video. You might save someone's life by sharing your experience.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks! Sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly :)

[@mattking3148]

I have some trees leaning heavenly towards my house. I have poked around the idea of a lift? Watching this video gave me ideas to achieve my goal. To add as well 😎, the guy in the basket seems he's having more fun then a Korean at a hot dog eating contest 😃😃. Job well done Sir. From Ohio. Let's have some fun 🤘

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yup it was fun. All the best with your trees!

[@Rick-the-Swift]

Hey those fat Americans who lost the hot dog eating contest looked like they were having just as much fun as the Korean guy😅

[@youtoldharpotobeatme5023]

That really genius of you!

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

What is genius?

[@lemme_phister]

First off, good job working with what you have. The first major issue you have is the set up of the lift. You never, EVER set up on a slope, no matter how solid the surface. Secondly, you ALWAYS tie-off in a lift, no matter what. Otherwise, good for you 👍

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

The lift was tied off when I was on the slope. You can see the strap at 8:46

[@lemme_phister]

@@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse sorry, I was speaking of you not utilizing fall protection equipment while operating the lift.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

My good friend had a tree trimming business for 40 years. He died after falling out of the bucket. Even the most seasoned pros can forget or make a mistake and it's game over. Highly risky work here indeed. Bet he saved a few grand doing it himself.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I will be doing the same project. I have 7 trees from 40 to 70 feet. I have no structures to worry about. I will use a 50 foot boom from HD. Will go up to 40 and lop off the top 30 ft. Will rent a bobcat with a claw. Will have 3 helpers with chainsaws on the ground

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Should be good to go then!

[@geezerhull]

who is HD?

[@dandzprod]

@@geezerhull home depot

[@yilehuli]

​@@geezerhullhome depot bro

[@geezerhull]

@@yilehuli thank you bro. didn't know they did that. duh....I guess i could have just read the video title.

[@devinscott447]

Sick land cruiser

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yup, we like it. Over 300k miles on it now.

[@joequillun7790]

Well done. Next video..."How to remove a stump". :)

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Deal!

[@Baku-oc5fc]

Nice video! How did you rig the tree limbs so they slide down the rope? Thanks.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Was just a rope with a loop on one end and a carabiner on the other. I would secure the piece I was cutting with rope using the loop and then attach the carabiner to the other rope that was secured between the tree and ground

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Watch an expert doing it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHuXmGOmgr5ohdE

[@neilmaccubbin844]

Did you have to reposition the machine a lot to get to all parts of the tree? I have to remove a 50ft maple with access to 2 sides.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Just one time for the last maple. For the first one, I did not have to move it at all.

[@neilmaccubbin844]

Thanks

[@rayfritz7126]

Nice! I need to get the lift in a tight spot. Can it be moved by hand at all?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Not really. Its pretty heavy.

[@stevenpringle7813]

How high does that lift go? If you extended it horizontally from the base without any height applied, would it start to want to tip over?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

I think it was 35 feet. No, it would not tip going horizontally with no height.

[@Red2kTA]

One handed saw operation? No safety pants? You are asking for something bad to happen. And no leveling/stabalizing items under the extended feet?

[@scottjohnson3226]

Nice work! How much did it cost to rent the JLG?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks. About $400 cad including tax and insurance for a day.

[@scottjohnson3226]

@@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse Thank you for the info!

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

NP!

[@jfox9317]

What type and size rope for lowering. I have the exact same thing to do in three weeks. D links for zip possibly ?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

It was a 1” thick nylon rope. The small rope that tied the branches to the zip rope was 1/2” rope. I got the strongest available at a local store. If you can get arborist rope, go for that. It’s many times stronger.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

How'd it turn out? Hope you're still around!

[@treeguyable]

Get an arborist rope, 150 ft., costs more, but ,better rope, can always re-sell it. Get locking caribiners, instead of cheesy pear links.

[@tomhopkins6758]

YIKES 😮😱

[@christiansamuel89]

Great job. Do you need a license or permit to rent the boom?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

No special license needed.

[@ernestsandoval9624]

Great job...those were some difficult trees to get down. I love the kids cheering for you in the back ground...lol.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yes, it was a slightly stressful job. It’s always nice to have a cheering section :)

[@marcconner8382]

Admire the heart but partner you are lucky no injuries. Ppe's, backcut, wedge, length of cut, use of the outriggers. God was watching over you

[@easttnlawncare6740]

If you don't mind me asking how much was it at Home Depot

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

About $400 for a day

[@backgroundnoises1076]

How long did it take to drop all the trees? Not the clean up

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

All 5 trees about 10 hours. If you did not have to do any rigging and could drop the limbs straight down, you could do a good size tree in an hour.

[@backgroundnoises1076]

@@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse Thank you for the quick reply. Where did you buy the rigging equipment?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

@@backgroundnoises1076 the clevis/ shackles and rope I got at a local hardware store - princess auto, the porta wrap I bought used. Get climbing / rigging rope if you can afford. It’s a lot better and stronger

[@kynv8]

How many days did it take you to cut down the 5 trees?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

2 days - but not full days.

[@justingurganus286]

When zip lining the limbs notch them

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yes, that would have held them better

[@mpeters5549]

are those hard wood or soft wood trees?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Hardwood - Maple

[@obombabeenlaid5101]

1. What was that nailing the foot? Into soil? What would that do? 2. Fat pieces can be cut smaller instead of tying ropes because they can swing back to hit or even tip boom over.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

It was more to see if the feet were moving. And yes, in hard soil they make a difference.

[@jaseun1]

You should have had a hard hat, 5 point harness tied off to the basket and the tools should have been tied off with lanyards to the basket.

[@KHtally]

You need to undercut first and it will fell cleanly.

[@dlc8130]

Im suprised you weren’t required to wear a harness??

[@garycasey991]

I only have a dead post oak tree the drought are the hard freeze done four trees in on staying alive

[@ExtremeRecluse]

Put in a big pile. Let it season for a year and then burn it.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

That’s what we did. Split it and left it for a year. Burned beautifully!

[@guyin916]

fall protection with harness and lanyard should have been worn. they are required for boom lifts in USA and Canada. also... better safe than sorry. great video otherwise.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Thanks!

[@joeb134]

Yea. It's a 10k OSHA fine in the states.

[@4.0gpa44]

​@@joeb134 Osha only fines business, not home activity. Also OSHA only fines businesses if they let their employees violate safety standards. If a business owner personally takes those risks, such as not wearing a harness, but has all employees follow OSHA, OSHA can't fine the business or the owner. However, a harness is a good idea.

[@joeb134]

@@4.0gpa44 Its still an example of how serious it is taken. I work on a bucket truck daily. I would absolutely be clipped in for this, with or without the fine.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

This was definitely OSH!T approved!!🤣

[@shawnrutters]

I'm not billy but I didn't see a wedge cut anywhere. Flush cutting is so dangerous.

[@garycasey991]

So how much does that cost to rent

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

I think it was around $300

[@7eis]

17:20 you have very little leverage with the rope so close to your cut.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

You’re right. But the lift did not go any higher and the tree was straight so not much pulling was needed.

[@7eis]

@@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse i realise that. If there was space for a longer top I'd simply cut lower. It can be helpful to leave branches in the desired direction of the top and only skin the back. Your awareness really shows. I'm impressed for a homegamer. I believe you've figured a lot of stuff out in the progress and would've been "fluid in a bucket" real quick if you did it more often.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

@@7eis Yep, the fact that he was looking up when he was cutting told me he pretty much knew what he was doing. I had a buddy nearly killed by a fallen branch because he wasn't paying attention to the top of the tree while cutting. The vibration and swaying caused a dead limb to shake out and came straight down on his hard hat, splitting his skull open. Even looking up in a bucket has no guarantees but at least gives you a chance to duck or block with an arm.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I was quoted 23k. It will cost me a small fraction of that DIY style.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yup, just take your time.

[@Jamesvh122]

23k sounds like you have a tree that boom lift won't reach, and is in rough terrain or over some costly structures. Or a job that would literally take multiple days. Don't under estimate the size of a job and get in too far over your head. Wood is heavy and the real cost is your safety and health. Be careful and be safe. Or you can scratch everything I said if you live in California or oregon, or any wildfire country. The overhead cost for tree companies there is insane.

[@tholi1052]

We have been in the tree business for several years and have not yet quoted a $23K single job. I think you should get some additional bids. Price depends on the size of the tree(s), complexity of the removal, and removal of the debris. Doing it yourself means you need to take care of the debris removal. If you live in the country, just burn it. It you are in the city, you will need to haul it and dump. You generally do not know how difficult it can be until you do it.

[@treeguyable]

Popping chunks, with people right there, not the best Idea. If folks had been out of the way, you could have pulled over bigger pieces of wood, utilizing them, and a rope.

[@garycasey991]

My neighbor is not that close

[@MrAlexyvane07]

5:58 the way you don’t do this job . 😅

[@garycasey991]

But I have a bit of a problem I don't like real high places off the ground

[@tholi1052]

Overall I would say that was an adequate job. You saved money and it does not appear that there was any damage or anyone hurt. You had an ample drop area that significantly simplifies the job. I would estimate that dropping the first tree would cost $650-800 and the second tree would run $750-1000. Debris removal would run $500. Stump removals for two trees would be $300. Anytime you are working in or under trees you need head protection. So does anyone that is working the ground under the tree. You were lucky, not good, with the first tree. The lift was not properly placed. Some type of foot pad should have been used so that the feet would not sink. They did not here because you were lucky. Those nails did absolutely nothing. You dropped many limbs right next to, or on, the lift. Again, you were lucky that you did not damage the lift, or worse. Did not see any backcuts or underside cuts. This assists in guiding the limb drop and eliminating or minimizing the tree rip that can change the drop of the limb and eliminates barber chairing. Your dad was working very close to where you were chunking down the pine tree. Dropped logs sometimes take unplanned bounces. He also had no helmet. When in doubt, smaller is better and safer. The limb you dropped from the zip line was large and should have been taken in multiple cuts. Again, you were lucky that you had a clear drop zone. You had many good cuts. Overall an adequate job. No injuries. No damage. You saved some money. I would not quit your day job.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

No plans on becoming an arborist’s :)

[@christophernaumann1650]

Put on a helmet , so many reasons to put on a helmet.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yup, you are right.

[@tomclose6643]

hi nice work what brand pole saw did you use?

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

It was a Poulan pro. Combination pole saw and weed wacker.

[@rogerhill7125]

Brain surgery is one of the most expensive medical cost ever. Hardhats are cheap by comparison!

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Ya, I guess homemade brain surgery via a tree branch is something they should be avoided….

[@MrScottgp]

fyi those nails did nothing

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

They made me feel more confident :)

[@xst276]

🤡 show

[@whatmust8146]

A piece of cake with the boom lift. Try to do it without one and no helper either!!! I did without helper and no boom lift not that tall but quite tall. I have no choice but to rent one with the next clean up.

[@VincesDIYsAroundtheHouse]

Yup, it makes it a lot easier! Did you climb the tree?