Why CO-DOMINANT STEMS CAN BE DEADLY?

Also, How do you get your rope up there?

[@timcrosby4651]

August, as far as answering some of the “dumber” questions, you have to remember that not all of your subs are tree climbers. I’ve been a sub for almost three years and I am a plumber..... nothing to do with the tree business however I am in the service business much like you and appreciate the way your crew approaches jobs. Cheers from Kansas City!

[@AugustHunicke]

Good point.

[@sethjones9480]

Its really good knowledge for the general public to have especially stuff like this so they can assess their tree's.

[@nhmountains5683]

Same here. I’m just a weekend orchard guy that likes to watch your team in action.

[@jonathanroux7883]

#snow boy in Kansas City you guys are getting a bunch of snow

[@gorillaau]

I cut down problems with a alphanumeric keyboard in Information Technology

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

The camera work when you sent down that second top was pretty damn cool. And for that we thank you.

[@GraeMatterz]

That shot was money! I rewound and watched 4x.

[@johnwoody9505]

Working in the local woodlands with the council as a volunteer, we had a guy come around to advise us on thinning trees out in our woodlands. He advised on species and percentages to clear, he also advised us on what he called trees with 'compression forks' the same I think as you call 'codominant' . We were advised to fell them if the fork was high or take out the smaller of the two pieces if the fork was low, none of us have climbing licences. He explained that in days gone by when these woods would have been owned by large landowners with their team of foresters, the foresters would always have been looking out for compression forks as they started and cutting them off leaving the tree to mature 'properly'. I had unwittingly allowed a eucalyptus I had planted in my garden to form a CP early on in it's life and one winter when the tree had got quite large it split!! I had two walnut trees that had split early on as well, I took one side out of one of them but the other tree was just a great looking tree and I didn't want to take off one side. It is interesting what one learns about trees as time goes on. I just wish I had started felling trees when I was younger and had got an arborist's licence, I'm a bit too old (76) now!!

[@deesestrees]

“I’m one of those guys that ties in twice “ That reminds me of a verse… Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, and Tie in twice. -Arborist Amplified King James Version

[@brucelund5788]

light over darkness, tie in twice ;{)

[@samuelasamoah6906]

Lol, interesting,really creative

[@itzOLE3]

Haha love it

[@1975dbryant]

Truly and sincerely, let it be so.

[@treeoflife7611]

nice reference !

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Interesting to see that junction sectioned... thanks for illustrating👍👍.

[@DAiriesojahs96786]

He flat landed every log. Masterful work man.

[@danieltrummer3498]

I have the utmost respect that u said "im one of those guys who tie-in twice"

[@theslowride66]

As A Former "Fat Guy" (Ground Man) you are a Artist up there (Tree Monkey). Yes I did enjoy the ride "Its not the speed but the sudden stops that gets ya". Nice work Crew!!

[@jaxturner7288]

Love the air cannon over throwing a bag.

[@johnwoody9505]

When I was trail riding in France some time ago one my Honda XR 600, I needed to buy some wheel bearings - really bad maintenance before a trip abroad. It was a great day trying to find the 6202 and a 6203 double sealed ball races. I was told a Citreon dealer would have the 6202 as it was in their alternators. Found a dealer and once I had found out that the spares guy spoke no English, I tried my French, "aves vous roulement soixante deux, zero deux s'il vous plait? The guy walks off and comes back with a boxed bearing. I didn't know the French for 'sealed' but I did know that double was the same, so I queried 'double seal?' He nodded and opened the package to show the rubber bearing seals on each side. When I was working with the local council as a volunteer and we wanted to get a rope up over a branch, we would tie a small ball race to some bailer twine and try to launch this up into the tree. We would always call the bearing tied to bailer twine a 'double seal' said in a French accent. We were incredibly useless at getting the bearing over a branch we wanted, each failed attempt would be treated with howls of derision. We would be in fits of laughter until a successful throw would get the twine, then the rope over the branch. The 'double seal' when required was brought out as a ceremony, great fun.

[@spaight711]

My dad and I set a couple lines for an HF antenna using a .22 cal decoy launcher, designed to train bird dogs. It’s wicked fun.

[@gumwap1]

On big co-dom trees, it’s almost a habit for me to put a big ratchet strap around the Union. Good for peace of mind, at the least.

[@JohnVander70]

Totally with you on that, especially in a pine.

[@jameshancock18]

agreed there, i’ll strap them always

[@steverobbins8661]

+3

[@cannonball9478]

Absolutely100

[@GraeMatterz]

I wondered about that when watching the "brave-deliberate" take down.

[@mattjordan6093]

Icy cool. Your experience just bleeds through every action. You and your crew are so dialled in. Keep on smashing it 💪

[@evanhooten4459]

August, I sincerely admire and appreciate your class when replying to the audience you interact with. You're doing a fantastic job, sir. Happy Monday!

[@Thetreefella]

Once again...loved it. thank you and your team for the great video.🌳💚🌳💚🌳💚👍👊

[@damiensampson7323]

You know August, That you and your whole crew love your work so much that you go the extra mile to make your videos so fantastic to watch. There is no amount of money you guys could ever get that would make them any better.

[@bruisterlenoir6474]

I always enjoy seeing master craftsmen at work and, as usual, if I’m not careful, I learn something every time I watch your videos. Thanks, Brother

[@Mandrtreeservices]

I absolutely love your videos and commentary and advice you give. I’m an arborist in the Vancouver/ Portland metro area with 15 years experience and I learn a lot from your videos.

[@tonyalways7174]

It is said that small things make the difference and whenever I watch your videos I look out for those small things that’s sets your crew apart. One of my favourites is watching how often you get free-fall logs to land flat: truly that’s a skill that not many seem to develop but makes a huge difference to damage on lawns and beds as well as being safer for ground crew with no bouncing logs. I applaud you for doing it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@cannonball9478]

Had to deal with a codominant stem Leylanddii/conifer recently. I like to use ratchet straps to support the stems while I dismantle. I just tighten them once they start to ease off. Great to see the speed line kit evolve even more. All the best, Alex

[@nhmountains5683]

Awesome video August. Some of your best footage ever. Thanks!!

[@hardyn06]

I'm always amazed at how smooth the 1-2-3 cuts are. No drama, no bad meetings of upper and lower cuts and more than half the time they're blind (side opposite from where you're roped in). Might've done this once or twice eh? Love your vids, August.

[@AdvancedLawn]

I like your videos more and more every time I watch one. Good work August! Been into trees the past 3 years as my landscaping business expanded. I’m so passionate about this stuff and you’re one of 3 channels I watch for inspiration.

[@evanhooten4459]

He has 2 channels. The other one is also very inspiring. Health commitments. August is a stand up guy.

[@feliciapeach]

Thank you for your detailed explanation. I had a Black Oak which grew in the same manner, and I feared that one day it would split in heavy wind. One side would have gone through my neighbours house, the other would have gone into my bedroom. I was not aware of the growth over time increasing the risk of this happening. I had it cut down approx 3 years ago. Very glad I did! Thank you again, and yes I have seen your vid(s) of the Black Oak you did at a wedding venue(?) - same as what mine was going to be like. Cheers from Australia.

[@dan-dan-da-treeman]

Thanks for the class this morning. Great to hang out this early am.

[@harrisonkatzz7090]

YOU ARE THE BEST .YOUR CAMERA WORK AND EXPLANATIONS ARE TOP NOTCH .KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[@mikesr3407]

Since I'm not an arborist it is nice to hear explanation but I understand why you don't every vid ! Love the top going out with camera in it etc , crazy how much extra stuff you do all the time We the students take for granted ! Thanks August ! 👍

[@Thundermuffin93]

Edit at 11:20ish was DOPE!!!! More top dropping like that! And love the sling kit, looks stupid efficient. Keep up the great work August and co.

[@saliemi1]

Amazing views and what a mouth full of technical rope wizardry :-) Love the video and team work.

[@Bush-man-north]

Great vid. Sometimes the most simplistic method is all you need. Some other climbers would have complicated the hell out of this job with their rigging and climbing set ups. I like you and your teams method. It’s reassuring me that keeping it simple is where the new arborist needs to start. The fundamentals. Thanks guys.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

August, Only recently have I heard arborists refer to forked trees (school marms) as co-doms. [Short for codominant]. In forestry, that refers to "One main crown class of trees [in the woods] with their tops in the uper canopy but lower than the dominant trees." (See Dunning tree classification chart, which is online.) See also Dominant, Intermediate, and Suppressed trees. For foresters school marms have always been their own thing. Separate. I liked your teaching about "included" bark, the force of diameter growth in a V crotch, too. I like climbing too. But when you strip a trunk and there is any breeze at all... let's just say I really notice the wiggle! You go up to some pretty small wood!! Good limbing video. Thanks, Michael Dogfir.

[@AugustHunicke]

Thanks Michael, good to hear from you again. I understand that foresters use codominant to mean something else, but arborists everywhere use the term (not incorrectly) to talk of co-dominant stems. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@AugustHunicke]

btw, I changed the title just a smidge, but I’m an arborist so... 😁

[@danmccann6666]

Glad you don't put more than 10 slings in that storage case. I think over 10 slings qualifies as a high capacity magazine, and those would be illegal in the States. LOL :-)

[@billybm0]

Thanks for talking about codominant trees. Super important for climbers everywhere to understand

[@JJ-pv9rf]

As a gardener should I warn all my clients about large co-dominant trees like that? Have one client with 70 foot cedar where the stems split off about 1 foot above the ground. Trunks are same width or thicker than the tree you were working on. As I'm writing this I'm realizing that I'm going to have them contact an arborist anyway.

[@caseyrobison252]

I definitely would

[@cannonball9478]

Yep

[@gorillaau]

As Gardeners, its important that they are co-dominant trees are not planted in residential areas. Stop creating problems for our children to solve. Eating crow scenario.

[@farmerjahn6714]

@@gorillaau you dont "plant" co dominant trees, they grow that way, its nature just doing its thing, used to see it all the time at the farm i worked at, sometimes a tree would grow normal, sometimes it would split off like the one in this video, you really cant determine from seed whether it will grow with 1 large trunk or split off into 2 or 3

[@WoodCutr1]

1:22 "Im one of those guys that ties in twice, even when im down low" is still higher than I have ever gone

[@Don.Challenger]

Me, too, unless there's a trail up. But, then, it's become a hill and not, then, a tree.

[@treeoflife7611]

Thanks for the lesson Everytime watching your video, learning something new...

[@0ptimal]

You do great camera work/placement for these videos. I think its one of a few things that really set you apart. After all, we are here for the perspective

[@Ademan555]

I don't know why youtube brought me here but almost the whole video had me at pucker factor 5. Makes me glad my job is safely on the ground and gives me a hell of a lot of respect for your job. Cheers.

[@willriseley]

Neat way to explain codom stems. Also the new speedgazine looks real neat

[@charlottebrown270]

That was awesome thank you so much for the explanation. Very informative.

[@willtricks9432]

I spent months pruning "Challenger to the Leader". done easy when the tree is 6ft tall Harder when a Poplar is 40ft so worth the effort when you plant,. Spent one dark evening in a storm up a CoDom Willow on a housing estate, thats how you learn and earn. Cheers

[@richardteychenne3950]

Brilliant filming and presentation coupled with excellent professional skills!

[@troytreeguy]

I love sending your u saver 😆👍 also super excited for the new developments with the speed line kit! Be well MB Crew and Family

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thanks for answering dumb questions!!! :) "you might need to do more homework instead of asking a dumb question" *** August, but also some of us who DO a lot of "homework" and practicing... but don't have anybody to work/climb with but are rather are "self" taught.......... it is very helpful to see how others (i.e. you) answer these simple/basic questions.... *because* it helps *reinforce* the things we already know... and/or... show subtle (or major) differences with what we knew and thus increase the *depth* of our knowledge. Thanks again!!

[@williamcorona6350]

Thanks for the explanation of co-dom,. Btw, that saw sounds wicked!

[@bobbykopas5358]

"Some Say Brave" was the first video I watched on this channel. It was a nailbiter! Then I liked and subbed!

[@AugustHunicke]

Thanks

[@justinmcnulty601]

“Sling Mag” nice so they don’t get hung up on anything!!

[@hphillips7425]

Good video I appreciate y’all sharing your knowledge 👍🏻. Be safe from west Tennessee

[@jdmiller7138]

Hi August, I believe the word you were looking for when explaining the co-dom is mitigate. Which is what arborists do when taking action on a potentially dangerous tree when targets are present.

[@jonathanroux7883]

Thanks at the beginning for telling how to get up the tree I want to be just like you when I grow up thanks

[@nigelhutchison3282]

Nice work , just love watching your vids from the uk . be safe

[@1acrehomesteader43]

Wow, I never knew all of this, thanks for sharing. But now I feel I need a line launcher in my life. I don't know what exactly I'd use it for, but now I want one...lol

[@bishopp14]

I thought the same thing! 🤣

[@stevesrt8]

good to see you up in the tops again. cheers!

[@StihlChainsaws]

Great explanation & killer job landing the logs flat👍👍

[@daveaskin1333]

Very many thanks for sharing your time... knowledge so carefully. Happy Kiwi.

[@Joshman5000]

Nice explanations about condoms, and the info as you worked your way up! Great job August! Man O man that new speed line kit 😍🤩!

[@gorillaau]

I think I was one of those that asked "what's a codom?". Thanks for the video, August.

[@conorsmith5471]

Just fot done plowing. So happy you posted a new video. Used a rigging carabiner to fix my chain

[@danpowell3750]

Great video August. I've book marked this one for future reference to share with tree friends. Just keep doing what you do. You're probably saving the lives of people with questionable judgmental skills.

[@boyse69]

thank you ! you all look great !

[@brucelund5788]

I first noticed this video and thought it was old, a tree you cut a couple years ago, the place just looks so familiar Damien did such a good job on the top, Jeff always does to, you are blessed, good job men! :{)

[@mattygersh544]

Always enjoy the videos.

[@cathyb2204]

Good stuff. I may never be able to deal with it myself, but at least I know when there is an issue that requires a professional.

[@billyshumate853]

As always good job guys. August soon as my back heals up more I've got a big white oak to take down at my daughter's house it's about 4ft on the stump. Y'all take care and have a blessed week and catch you on your next video.

[@jamtmann]

Awesome videos....thanks

[@geraldmoore3686]

I've always heard, you can't beat a man at his own game. If there is anyone who is on top of their game, it's you guys. Great content.

[@LumberjackSmokestack]

Nice work and great explanation

[@darrisnelson5223]

Thanks for talking about the dangers of co-dominant stems August. I like your term “dotted line” ... puts an accurate visual in the clients mind. Even city arborists and those in high places do not fully understand the dangers of a co-dominant stem with included bark ... I will not mention the city but we dealt with a city arborist who refused to allow a homeowner to take down an oak with several issues one of which was co-dominant stem w/included bark. One of the stems was over 2’ in diameter and 80% of it was bowed way out over a school parking lot, the other leaning out over the clients backyard. The city arborist concluded that there was no “imminent danger”.🙄

[@gorillaau]

Get the aborist to sign a paper saying that the tree is safe for the next two years, or whenever you need to get a tree rechecked. They won't do it.

[@darrisnelson5223]

@@gorillaau you’re spot on!

[@AugustHunicke]

Ya, not all authorities are the same. Around here the city gets their advice from experience arborist’s, myself included. Go a few cities over, to Ashland and foolishness reigns. The larger the group of people the dumber the protocols. And don’t forget, a committee is just a long hallway that ideas are led down to be strangled.

[@darrisnelson5223]

@@AugustHunicke love the committee quote ... and sadly true😢 Some of these ‘experts’ making dangerous decisions have never run a chainsaw🤭

[@gorillaau]

@@AugustHunicke I like that saying. Ahh yes, group think: An elephant is a mouse designed to government specifications.

[@Sascha_Ringtail]

That camera strapped to the lead that got cut out was great. Nice job.

[@Don.Challenger]

Innovation is what makes everydays different and yet progressively better.

[@jordanlewis4973]

That speed line magazine is awesome. I wanna get one!

[@DrHavok1]

That quiver looks pretty badass I must say... it looks a lot better than the old style briefcase thing the functionality looks like it's 10x better whoever designed that shake his hand for me I'm already sold

[@gonzokompadre]

"Pretty Perfect" OMG that was so cool...

[@treemerc101]

That sling magazine is money, sign me up! I'm so tired of my slings hanging down and get caught up.

[@mtbmattb890]

i have a big tri-dominate spruce at my place, its my favorite tree, a few tree lengths from the house though so no worries.

[@Maczust63]

You can get it cabled professionally to help it out mechanically, add some extra years to it. Supplemental support system. Probably want static cable and through bolts for a tri stem or if it's got okay attachment not super far gone then do a hybrid dynamic style cable to allow it to move slightly and beef up the wood at the junction (reaction wood).

[@scotts6955]

Amazing camera angles.

[@Cholton327]

Awesome. Another pro climb by the OG.

[@CounTreeGuy]

I just bought all that stuff..... I learned it all right here and I have a NASTY speed line job coming up.

[@1Builtcummins]

Would you ever consider coming to Salem and teaching our school district grounds department guys some tips on falling trees, safe saw use, maybe even tips on running winch lines to help with falling?

[@nateprusia9158]

Only thing I wish you'd do more is give us the height of the tree's you're in, so hard to gauge this on video. Of course I like all your videos anyways, great information and they're just fun to watch. Keep up the great work.

[@RobbieSongwriter]

Thanks for a very interesting vid. I was aware of how trees did that, but not aware how dangerous that makes it. Cudos on the new speed line quiver. Brilliant design, if you ask me - or even if you don't ask me. 😋

[@victorquesada7530]

Great video

[@jasonfeazel3806]

You are truly amazing at landing those logs flat along with pretty much everything else that you do. I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and I have learned a lot from you I have also bought a pair of your monkey beaver suspenders and I absolutely love them and I will never climb without them again. Climb safe and may God bless you and your family in Jesus name Amen. 🙏😇

[@AugustHunicke]

Amen!

[@gregoryb7485]

Awesome video

[@blainstenberg2806]

Thanks for the expansion

[@kevingoddard9287]

August can you please make a video on how to get the chunks to land flat please???!! Ive been doong tree work for 2 years now and its hard to perfect. That being said, I learn alot from you and would more than appreciate a video on this bro! God bless and happy trimmin

[@Guenol]

Thank you KZbin algorithm... subbed...

[@madsciencegary3830]

"predictable that this was going to fall some day." I'm thinking, "I hope that's not today" as he climbs it tied off to the part that might fall.

[@HiLineTree]

We deal with tons of Bradford Pear here in WV with multiple, multiple bark inclusive unions. Ticking time bombs that people unwittingly plant everywhere. They look nice until they break out. Sooner or later they will need help or removal. Work safe👋

[@a3waters]

In the nursery trade we call them turkeys on a stick!

[@Lazybiker60]

My neighbor has a white pine with a co-dom 10-15' up they got it taken down to 20-25' tall im just waiting on the day it breaks out and hopefully doesn't break out my way

[@HiLineTree]

@@Lazybiker60 Keep your eye on it😕

[@Lazybiker60]

@@HiLineTree ive been and it's looking pretty rough in the core, im pretty sure squirrels have been using a hollow out as a nest

[@jsunit5354]

Thanks. Now I understand what a co-dom is and why to be cautious. We once had a property with twenty-eight trees, a nice mix of matured oak, maple, fir, and a few Bradford pear. A few huge firs were co-dom, and a strong storm would take off one side. The pears were pruned early, and made beautiful trees but, over time, the storms would split them and we had to take them down. We didn't understand much about "co-doms" but those trees were well away from the house. It's interesting how a heavy ice-storm would take out the weaker side of a huge fir tree. Well, that's what it looked like for us. Tree life goes on.

[@Bork98]

I've been putting it off, but this makes me realize I have to act soon. I have a co-dominant tree way to0 close to the corner of my house, by my bedroom. It's either a Linden or Locust.

[@V3ND10L4]

"...saved this prophecy from coming true..."! You might be a Jedi! 😊👍🏾

[@craigprice425]

thank you

[@justintrussell7739]

I operate a small tree service in north Texas. Our trees don't get nearly as tall most of the time. I feel like such a wuss when I'm watching your videos XD.

[@maxziemer3631]

Nice job youngn

[@nottstrees]

Your almost getting too good at editing looking forward to the next one

[@joesphbest3120]

Very good idea

[@gregbrown9271]

The ride was nice 30 round magazine might be band so get one soon 😁👌

[@toddjacks8288]

Great video brother y'all stay safe

[@mikeholley4488]

i miss working at heights. it never got boring. days fly by.

[@GreatNorthWeb]

you have to appreciate a good ground man that can let a cut run smoothly to the ground and make a soft stop at the bottom.

[@molassescricket6663]

That’s one damn smart thing you just came up with August! Get a patent for it, and you’ll make a pretty penny!

[@raincoast9010]

I tie off one trunk to the other so they don't split out, i don't mind falling, it's the sudden stop i am scared of.