Brought Down by a Derecho but will Live on | Iowa's Biggest Cherry Tree?

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Жыл бұрын

In August 2020, Cedar Rapids was struck by a Derecho producing 140mph winds. These winds destroyed an estimated 70% of the tree cover in the city and surrounding area including this massive cherry tree (prunus serotina). The homeowners reached out to us almost a year later to salvage their tree as they were unable to find anyone locally interested in or able to do so. Josh and I made the trip in May 2021 to recover what we could from the tree.
Salvaging the tree - Salvaging the Biggest Cherry Tree in Iowa | Urban Logging
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Пікірлер: 663

@robertpearson8546 Жыл бұрын

Thank God that the tree did not fall on a nearby house.

@marjieestivill Жыл бұрын

Scott Carlson, teacher of Iowa arborists and proponent of the Big Tree initiative, will receive this video to make his day because these monster cherry slabs are destined for history and admiration for generations to come.

@judithfairchild8620 Жыл бұрын

Oh yes!!!!!

@johnking8679 Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more !!

@bigdbecker1336 Жыл бұрын

You got to love this guy and his work ethic. Taking a tree no one would touch. Turning it into thousands of dollars of usable lumber. On a sawmill he built himself. This is impressive!

@johnbergbauer8918 Ай бұрын

Have you ever thought about investing in a hose. lol

@tomcanham9218 15 күн бұрын

He's living my dream life. But just try to find enough land up here in the Seattle area to do any of this, unless you're already a millionaire. But if I could do this, it wouldn't be a work ethic, because it wouldn't be work! It'd be FUN. Of course, I'm sure there are tons of outtakes where he hurts himself or is just exhausted and not in the mood to haul thousand pounds of wood around... Video makes everything more glamorous.

@HyloWard 8 күн бұрын

❤❤ I loved doing what this man is blessed with gitting to experience.❤❤💕👽

@sea-ferring Жыл бұрын

It was such a privilege watching you mill this beautiful old tree - I can't even imagine what it was like in person, being able to touch and smell the wood. This probably sounds pompous but I love that you can honor this tree by ensuring that its wood will endure - the pieces made from this will last centuries. It makes me really sad that so many old trees are wasted because the expense of hauling and milling them is prohibitive. Kudos to the home owners in Iowa for reaching out to you - I'm sure it was a huge help to them to have large parts of the tree removed from their property, and now that wood will be treated the way it deserves to be treated - trees like this rotting in a landfill certainly isn't the worst thing that can happen, but what you and Josh will create out of it will be timeless and beautiful in the extreme. Thanks for this channel and thanks for sharing your passion!

@marjieestivill Жыл бұрын

Ditto

@starkenterprises2371 Жыл бұрын

Yup.

@dwilt8221 Жыл бұрын

Mat y uare such a tree nerd wonderfuto see nerd which is awesome

@sfan2767 Жыл бұрын

The Bombay chest in 20 years could time nicely to be a wedding gift for one of your children.

@jimbecker5675 Жыл бұрын

That is an INSANE log...wow...cherry is my favorite and that clearly is a "once in a lifetime or three" log!

@davesmith5656 Жыл бұрын

I hope Josh goes with clear epoxy resin and not the black colored stuff. It's going to be tricky to plane and sand that piece at 22:00 mark.

@davesmith5656 Жыл бұрын

AT about 36:40 "That's huge!" had to laugh that even someone like that guy would let on in his intonation that he was wondering how the heck he's going to handle that slab of wood! (Not that I've ever run into anything I wasn't sure I could handle.)

@bwillan Жыл бұрын

I think Iowa has now grabbed the crown from Pennsylvania for producing the best Cherry Trees. That tree has some crazy good figure and grain in it.

@doylerabjohn3435 Жыл бұрын

Agreed

@larryreddecliff2284 Жыл бұрын

Too bad you could not of recovered any cherries to plant and grow more cherry trees!!

@robertm348 Жыл бұрын

@@larryreddecliff2284 He can have a botanist extract DNA from the slabs and grow another one, just like this one. Heck, he could populate the entire with these trees!

@hoperules8874 Жыл бұрын

idk...mt Grandfather's property produced several cherry trees that were close to 140' tall as were the surrounding trees (honestly don't know exact girth-so leaving that off). The loggers he hired to bring them down to sell the trees-broke 7 chainsaws on the first tree-the first day.

@MrMuncieman Жыл бұрын

You have not looked at enough Pennsylvania cherry wood

@slytherinmama5379 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love that you like the crazy patterns and wonky pieces. I honestly thought I was abnormal because I love that stuff too.

@VacFink Жыл бұрын

After a long year of very hard work on the house and the barn-thing, its great to see so much excitement. A great way to cap off so much hard work.

@gayle4804 Жыл бұрын

That is the most beautiful cherry wood I have seen in a very long time thank you both for sharing it with us

@majorpayne5289 Жыл бұрын

👍Massive cherry tree! Oh the true beauty of cherry wood. I built a cherry clock for my mother in 1982 school wood shop & it’s still a beauty hanging in moms hallway. Thx Matt 👍🇺🇸

@kbaker7430 Жыл бұрын

Matt: Watching you and listening to you is a education in itself. Excellent information here.

@dannyderriso4982 Жыл бұрын

Josh, your State Department of Natural Resources would probably love one of those slabs to commemorate the largest tree of its kind!

@judithfairchild8620 Жыл бұрын

Gorgeous figures on the inside. The outside shapes have me cracking up laughing. The 1st few rounds were pig shaped then as you cut into the trunk it was dinosaur heads. Still so lovely in color.

@jasonyanna9096 Жыл бұрын

As both a woodworker and resident here in Cedar Rapids, I was watching this video in awe of the beauty that this tree held beneath its exterior. This is definitely going to be some very beautiful, very unique wood for the ages and will be a true gem to work with.

@randyboldt603 Жыл бұрын

Did not know how much I missed your skills as a sawer , not to mention the commentary as a videographer ; then the wood presented all of it’s hidden Grandeur over , and over with each cut . Thank you for Sharing !!!

@davesmith5656 Жыл бұрын

The care Matt put into setting the log up is remarkable. I doubt anyone could have done a better job.

@macedindu829 Жыл бұрын

Sawyer!

@robertm348 Жыл бұрын

What a great log! So much grain, so many crotches and burls are always a great surprise! Can't wait to see you construct the dresser!

@shumakerwoodworking4093 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. I grew up in Iowa , so I love this old trees story.

@judithfairchild8620 Жыл бұрын

Me too!

@kennethstevenson976 8 ай бұрын

That's the biggest and best pile of slabs I have ever seen from one tree. They are so solid with very few cracks.

@riccroft710 Жыл бұрын

I've gotten to work with some nice cherry over the years, but that is one of the nicest logs I've ever seen anywhere. I think your idea of doing three dressers over the years is really thoughtful. Please do a series on the first one. Congratulations on a great cutting session. Your colleague certainly added to this video. It would be neat to see his finished product.

@ericcorse Жыл бұрын

That is the Dune tree the color of spice and trees within trees. Magnificent tree.

@jimp.4531 Жыл бұрын

that is a rare and beautiful tree, glad you two got it and will make some wonderful furniture.

@davesmith5656 Жыл бұрын

The slab in the 47:00 mark was the best. Just screaming to be a table. Great video, it does the log justice!

@mauriceryton Жыл бұрын

Incredible, l hope at least one slab becomes a dining table or boardroom table. It would be criminal if this does not happen. Just magnificent.

@JamesWilliams-en3os Жыл бұрын

Matt, I’ve been waiting for this sawmill job since the Iowa video last year, and now I’m drooling. I love working with cherry, and the ideas I’m getting looking at these gorgeous huge slabs… I couldn’t even begin to process one of these slabs into usable lumber in my current shop, but if there was ever an incentive to buy more tools, this is it!!!

@nichfilk7767 Жыл бұрын

You would NEVER process one of these slabs into lumber brother. A slab of this size and quality is best left with a live edge and turned into a table or countertop in my opinion. By processing it into lumber I feel you take away the historical significance and how big this monster was and just turn it into some everyday cherry lumber that you wouldn't be able to tell from any other cherry lumber.

@p.d.nickthielen6600 Жыл бұрын

When you stand next that log …. OMG … huge

@wabio Жыл бұрын

7:34 "It's just a bunch of guessing". Pretty much a synopsis of my entire woodworking experience. 😂

@bruceg5729 Жыл бұрын

The laughter, can't have dirty wood 33:22 now we know who's behind the camera.👏👏👏

@robertpearson8546 Жыл бұрын

After seeing how useful and versatile your skid steer and telehandler are, I am glad you did not waste time and money on hydraulic handlers for your sawmill.

@lindnova Жыл бұрын

We get cherry trees up to 18" regularly before they get hollow and tip over in SE MN but that tree is unbelievable!

@margaretmclaren4685 Жыл бұрын

It's fun finding shapes in the slabs. Just like looking at clouds. ☁️☁️☁️

@doylerabjohn3435 Жыл бұрын

That is one largest Cherry logs I have ever seen.....I am sure the camera does no justice..... Down here in the southeast we have Granddaddy Oaks bigger then that, I have see them....100-200 year old. With that being said that still one massive Cherry. Thanks for bringing us along.

@B30pt87 Жыл бұрын

This is a fascinating video. Not just the enormous size, but also the variety of patterns and burls. I hadn't realized that cherry could even look like that. Plus, it's fun to see you guys interacting- including the Splash-O-Meter counts. Great job!

@13daniel1974 Жыл бұрын

I was just looking for this video about a week ago. I used to live in Cedar Rapids, and this tree was well known as a massive tree that was long lived. I was so happy to hear when you saved it.

@steveminer8341 Жыл бұрын

God does not disappoint. Thank you for exposing and sharing His creation. Best of luck with all of your projects.

@shieldwolffalcontrainer9040 Жыл бұрын

After years of felling veneer here in iowa. I find the best wood is the figured woods that you mill. Love your videos and how you are so excited as you open each slab to expose what beauty is inside. Got a huge maple log that would produce alot of figure(i'm thinking). Don't thing my chainsaw mill can do that much work.

@theodoranorton4779 Жыл бұрын

Well, I'm still not sure I believe it, but I certainly believe you gentlemen did it justice. Now I can have the pleasure of looking forward to the builds. Thanks very much for the update, and happy hernia.

@eddieforce2341 Жыл бұрын

Even the most talented artist could not match what nature has done in these pieces of wood.

@douglascook2088 Жыл бұрын

Best looking and largest cherry tree I ever saw.

@jamespooley7844 Жыл бұрын

I live in NW Minnesota now, but grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA. When Derecho happened I still lived in Iowa and drove to Cedar Rapids to help some of my family. Have never seen such widespread devastation in my life. There was a lot of very old and large trees, especially the older parts of town. It was very sad to see. Really enjoy your channel! Thanks for sharing.

@mcburcke Жыл бұрын

That's got to be one of the most amazing logs I've ever seen you process...wow! I absolutely love working with cherry stock...now I'm insanely jealous. Keep that pile under lock and key. Jus' sayin'...

@filmbluff99 Жыл бұрын

Some of those slabs should definitely make some impressive and beautiful cherry and resin table tops.🇬🇧😀

@kevingade5118 Жыл бұрын

I’ve been waiting to see that Cherry cut. It didn’t disappoint

@danaskubic2145 Жыл бұрын

Awesome wood Matt, I don't think I will be around to see a second bureau. Hopefully looking forward to the upcoming video of the first one.Thanks for sharing.

@localsouptalks Жыл бұрын

I might be around for the second (if Matt stays on schedule!), but won’t be for the third. That bums me out, but two out of three ain’t bad.

@jonathanljohnson Жыл бұрын

I heartily approve of your plans to build bombe chests from this gorgeous wood! It's a project that I'd love to do myself and I look forward to seeing the results of your efforts !

@davelindstrom6005 Жыл бұрын

*Bombay* chests

@donnymcarter Жыл бұрын

That’s definitely a beaut Clark!! Wow!!

@hebierob Жыл бұрын

Blessed to watch that tree show itself! Ty

@carlwhite8225 Жыл бұрын

Matt, this was very cool, Thanks.

@jeffk2501 Жыл бұрын

With the historical significance of the tree. It is great the way you have documented and saved the history and importance to how you have a plan to use and save permanently. How the appreciation I have for your saving and use of it is absolutely huge.this is a record of time that could last an extremely long time. I would love to have a slab but. My own skills are not equal to this tree's importance. Love your work and thank you for taking us all with you on this journey.

@sheilamclaughlin963 Жыл бұрын

That second cut would make a great coffee table

@jagdishprasadkhaitan4815 Жыл бұрын

I love watching timber sawing.

@MRrwmac Жыл бұрын

Matt, WOWSA! Those are some absolutly b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l slabs you two got out of that tree. Obviously George Washinton didnt get to this one. Your water splash at 47:10 was as near perfect as anyone with one 5 gal bucket could get. Josh does well too though!

@timothyball3144 Жыл бұрын

Just last week I revisited that recovery video. In that video, you said that you were going to build extensions for the mill, and now, here you are.

@mcremona Жыл бұрын

Finally 😄

@JamesJones-cx5pk Жыл бұрын

I like the "Fiddle Back".

@chetbiddlecom6016 Жыл бұрын

what a beautiful tree! Wow!

@daviddifonzo7938 Жыл бұрын

That was great, I did not want that log/episode to end.

@bay9876 Жыл бұрын

The Biggest Cherry Tree gives the biggest surprise. Beautiful grain in cherry wood that could possibly be found. Such a beautiful Cherry tree lives on in beautiful exotic furniture.

@frankfowler8295 Жыл бұрын

beautiful stuff. Thanks Matt

@donnagaxiola9675 Жыл бұрын

Love these old trees! Nice job!

@131dyana Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed the video. Great job there.

@christophermckinney984 Жыл бұрын

I’m glad you got a good Pole Saw, since if you go by the rule of not chainsawing above your head, that’s a LOT of real estate with your short self!!! 😂

@normolson1 Жыл бұрын

Great job Matt, thank you

@TheChuckb712 Жыл бұрын

Incredible!! Absolutely beautiful grain!! Keep them coming Matt.

@richardthornhill4630 Жыл бұрын

Wow ... beautiful Cherry slabs.

@irvanairvana4055 Жыл бұрын

That was exciting for all the cuts and so interesting!

@jaimecastells9750 Жыл бұрын

Amazing! I'm living vicariously through you, Matt!

@mikeestes4119 Жыл бұрын

Wow. Just wow. What stunning wood! Well done!

@johnraue5708 Жыл бұрын

What a MASSIVE CHERRY TREE- like you say a 'BANANA' of a tree. Was it a great producer of fruit for the community? We live on a former farm, on the Old Orchard part. We made jelly from the bruit trees, that are now part of the school play yard. BIG Cherries- big juicy 67 jars jelly. City got the farm in 1960, became a Plaza- "OLD ORCHARD PLAZA' The first shopping in North America- was 'ROYAL OAK' across the water. made in 1957. Massive FIR trees in early times. 1950 we lived on the Walnut Stock Farm near TORONTO- great to see these massive logs. ENJOY for projects John

@johnraue5708 Жыл бұрын

Hi Matthew- Correction the First Shopping mall was 'PARK ROYAL' in British Properties part of West Vancouver now. We live in BURNABY part of BC CANADA near CENTRAL PARK- a stand of tall FIR- saved for sailing ships to replace broken masts for the Tea Clippers sailing the PACIFIC

@jasonflechsig4203 Жыл бұрын

That is some of the most beautiful cherry I've ever seen. I would love to buy one a slab when you get them dry.

@jamesfreda1903 11 ай бұрын

Matt .I've been watching you for quite a while and I really like your work and videos are excellent. I believe that you have basically found your dream job!! Your commentary keeps me engaged, and I enjoy hearing how you are going to make your cuts to get the exact results for the next adventure with the pieces of lumber. Thank for sharing.

@robertneel8931 Жыл бұрын

Great looking slabs, marvelous tree!! Can’t wait for some finished projects!!

@tielkgate 6 ай бұрын

Good job on both the video and the tree slab results. Very entertaining and informative. Beautiful tree! Lowell

@stuartlast8156 Жыл бұрын

That tree is awesome, thanks for sharing !

@alanr745 Жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this video since you mentioned it on Woodtalk last year. Thanks Matt! Awesome work and splashes.

@jimaronson2323 Жыл бұрын

That is some beautiful wood. Wow!

@rodneybooth4069 Жыл бұрын

Wow!,, doesn't begin to touch that tree. One of a kind, so glad you got that log.

@suziqbrown7073 Жыл бұрын

What an amazing log. What fortunate people that get something made out of this

@randallsmith7885 Жыл бұрын

This was an amazing log. The grain patterns are beyond awesome!

@joewilson4436 Жыл бұрын

It's great to see you doing something with these trees. We didn't get hit quite as bad in Iowa City, but there were a lot of downed trees in our area too. Driving around Cedar Rapids shortly after the storm it was really sad to see the damage. It made me wish I had a saw mill

@petermarsh4993 Жыл бұрын

Dear Matt, thanks for this beautiful timber cutting exercise. I note that your saw cuts smooth and flat with lots of sawdust. Other millers who have motorised feed seem to have lots of problems with their blades. Maybe, being a manual feed you are feeling the resistance continuously and adjusting the force to give you the excellent results you seem to get. Penny for your thoughts. Cheers.

@samflynn3670 Жыл бұрын

Who needs college football or the marvel cinematic universe when we have Splash Cam...lol.

@karenalefounder4083 Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful tree. Some really cool patterns swirls etc.

@jillp3761 10 ай бұрын

I love trees and am always sad to see them felled either by man or nature. But it is truly WONDERFUL to see how much you both care about the slabs that appear from your cuts. I have done a little very amateur carving,the feel of the wood and the appearance of the grain feeds the soul. Thanks for your videos and the love and sense of humour in them, they make me smile 😊

@johngagne986 8 ай бұрын

That cherry is surreal. What a wonderful find and fantastic sawing guys.

@raybaker8726 Жыл бұрын

The beauty of the wood inside that log is awesome. Glad to see it is going to be used and enjoyed.

@philipdiehl9849 10 ай бұрын

Matt I love your enthusiasm as you see the slabs one to life Grandpa Jack

@northvegassailrabbit3642 Жыл бұрын

You are correct, I have been awaiting the processing of this giant, and I'm not disappointed.

@shk2564 Жыл бұрын

What an amazing tree and all that burl is beautiful! 🤗

@j.muckafignotti4226 Жыл бұрын

The Japanese wood working community would have paid you a small fortune for this log! You should have put it up on an auction site, that’s a $100,000 plus log due to its size and clarity.

@dancrites453 Жыл бұрын

Started watching slabbing videos at the old homestead. Loved the addition/renovation at the new place, as well as the barn construction. Donovan cracks me up. You two play off each other very well. This cherry tree, however, was the most incredible tree I've ever seen. Absolutely stunning. Great video. Thanks so much for sharing....

@benjaminmatte5225 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful guys

@bavondale Жыл бұрын

Beautiful wood there. Great numbers on tosses too.

@carlosadkins9221 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful

@jessetheunending9357 Жыл бұрын

It was a very crotchiety old tree!

@ConnieWojahn 6 ай бұрын

I remember the video where you guys picked up this tree, and I've just now found this video where you milled it. Yes, I'd been waiting for you to get to it. I figured it'd take at least a year to dry out enough to cut. Amazing job, guys. Beautiful grain. Love it!

@angelabarton4389 Жыл бұрын

Matt i love cherry at the best of times but that log...takes it to another level......it was fabulous....cant wait to see the furniture you will make from it 😊😊

@antonoat Жыл бұрын

Amazing, nothing can match nature’s beauty! 👏👍😀 can’t wait to see how you bring this timber back to life, it’s sure going to be very special! Thanks for sharing this, loving the channel! 👏👍😀