Side Cuts: A Really Good Habit!

Рет қаралды 32,674

4 жыл бұрын

Side Cuts / Kerf Cuts / Wing Cuts: A Really Good Habit | Arborist Topping and Felling Best Practices
In this video we take a look at Side Cuts: what they are, how to do them, why they are important, and what can happen if you forget to make them...
For more tree felling and topping knowledge, check out 'The Fundamentals of General Tree Work - Digital Edition' by G.F. Beranek, available exclusively at www.educatedclimber.com/fundamentals - it's a lifetime of knowledge!!
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." - Ernest Hemingway
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- Patrick

Пікірлер: 171

@richardcrowe4207 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very important video. Recently here in New Zealand a climber was cutting a top out of a tree. He did the usual face cut and back cut. He was secured to the tree with a flip line. As the top went over it torn down the trunk on both sides just under the hinge. This tear down pulled the climber up and over the top of his cut and he fell to his death. Those little side cuts would have saved him. All the best. The best. Rich.

@jesseshort8 2 жыл бұрын

I've came back to this video a few times in the past year. Good habit indeed.

@jnltreemasters1269 4 жыл бұрын

The smallest piece of wood can screw up your whole day. Just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INFO

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Ain't that the truth. Thanks for the support, appreciate it! - Patrick

@Woodrats272xp 4 ай бұрын

Black walnut got me years ago. Before I knew about this technique. Slammed me big time with my lanyard. I got Super Lucky! Thanks for discussing this topic Patrick.💪

@JurBols477 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Patrick, thanks for the clear explanation - I never understood the purpose of the side cuts so I almost never made these. From now on I will!

@johnnyguzman2131 4 жыл бұрын

Love it!! - need them side cuts in my life! - great habit! - man thank you for your videos!

@imaphxaznative 3 ай бұрын

Love ❤️ your videos bc they always reinforce good best practices

@14guitars67 2 жыл бұрын

Man, you have the heart of a teacher. Thank you so much for all the great educational videos.

@treeculture9249 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Patrick,,, very nice to have you out there teaching the young guns!

@jnltreemasters1269 4 жыл бұрын

I use sidecuts every time the very first vid i ever watched of yours. And seen u do it i started useing it u didnt explain real good the first vid but enough to make me understand. Very informative love the vids keep em coming and climb high

@RainManFights 4 жыл бұрын

Side cuts added to my toolbox now :) thanks for the video.

@sawdustjunkies5779 4 жыл бұрын

I've had enough tear over the years, I've gotten into the habit of putting kerf cuts in all my tops and large pieces of wood.

@rstreeservicellc5480 4 жыл бұрын

You convinced me and I will change my ways and now use side cuts thank you for the video

@steveg9863 4 жыл бұрын

Solid advice. Been there, did that and felt the pucker..

@michaelpcooksey5096 2 жыл бұрын

Really good explanation. Great diagrams. Excellent example in action of the reason for doing side cuts. Thank YOU.

@skyrunr 4 жыл бұрын

You're doing a great things here! Thank you. I'd like to see more on that braided knot you use. I've created some interesting new retrievable tie-ins trying to figure it out, and I'm a HUGE fan of knots that don't bind up under load. I especially like the dropper loop and angler loop.

@firedtradesman 4 жыл бұрын

Love it! Thanks so much for continuing to share your knowledge and experience Pat. Keep 'er comin'!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother, appreciate it... - Patrick

@waynegriswold8953 2 жыл бұрын

thank you very much for this video!!! it takes an amazing person to use there own mistake as an example of what not to do. i really like your channel and im learning so much from it as a fellow tree hugger! literally 🤣

@treesforme556 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see a thorough explanation with video about this. Hope it makes a round in the ISA community so they can go back to the drawing board.

@WARBIRD13 2 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy your videos

@scatoutdebutter 4 жыл бұрын

This was such a well done video explaining the concept... the whys, the why nots, thorough, succinct, focused, on topic, good examples and bad examples. This narration format is really good. Very nice job, and very convincing. Lots of good succinct knowledge shared in 6:39 minutes. Thanks.

@tnmantn8938 4 жыл бұрын

Great video...thanks for that info...I’m not a climber for sure!!! but cut a lot of wood lot trees for firewood...I will start using the side cuts for more predictable felling direction...

@eliseosierra2911 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you will definitely use side cuts now on .! 🌳👍🏽

@bctreeclimber8520 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve seen more then a few tops almost take things out below on green trees due to not having release side cuts! They will hold on to the bitter end. Time of year can really affect that too. Great video and excellent advice.

@troytreeguy 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation! I've had a few top cuts go wrong for the same reason. One pine top actually tore 30" down the spar and pulled my rope and lanyard down with it! very exciting LOL Be Well Patrick!

@neild7971 4 жыл бұрын

😲

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

That's a great point Rob, I should have mentioned that outcome in the video as well. It's definitely happened to me, but not 30 inches down! Holy schnikes, that must have got the heart racing... - Patrick

@finarborist868 4 жыл бұрын

That's one reason I allways do the side cut's on the tree.

@888HUSKERS 4 жыл бұрын

I learned something new today and as someone just felling on the ground I’ll definitely be doing this going forward because I have seen this and it is not a good feeling.

@mattd6086 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Kudos for showing an instance when things went wrong. This happened to me once, in a spruce. The strip peeled down, over my lanyard and climbing line, which were both around the trunk. This pulled my body in, pinning me to the tree. As the top fell, the strip bent over my ropes, and that sharp bend broke the strip. It was a scary moment. You are right - this is somewhat unpredictable, so side cuts are a quick way to guard against it.

@mjbelken6462 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all of these! I’m learning quite a bit from you and I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to share your knowledge with us!

@TreeBuds Жыл бұрын

You saved me from typing same sentence. Carful all you wood lovers

@turtlezed 4 жыл бұрын

Belt and braces, great point Pat . .I will remember this on next job, thanks👍

@backwoodsengineer 4 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you had examples of the technique working and what goes wrong. Great footage. Thanks!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother! - Patrick

@dwaynemadsen964 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to make these. IMO invaluable information. Stay safe.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother, appreciate it... - Patrick

@keithcramer3844 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid I always try to use side cuts yes and ur right it could have been worse lol. Like August side a inch is a mile when it comes to tree work. Thank u for ur vids. Cut it deep!!

@compostjohn 4 жыл бұрын

Felled some weedy plums today, used this side cut to ensure accuracy of where they landed as in congested garden. Worked like a dream.

@bradmetcalf7832 4 жыл бұрын

Thank's for the tip Tree Mugs!

@tonyk9722 4 жыл бұрын

Thank-you for that important information. Something everyone should be doing or at least know about. Great video,keep them coming,luv the new format. Climb smart and stay safe.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! - Patrick

@w4rg3rm 2 жыл бұрын

I will make this a habit. Thank you.

@kellyroyer8476 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Patrick. Awesome to learn from you. I always use side cuts on my tops and understand why. Like you say - lots of factors. For felling though I was always taught to keep the sapwood intact right to the edge since that edge grain has the most integrity. I could see why to maybe make sidecuts if you are trying to pop the tree off the stump but shouldn't a properly engineered face cut that has been properly aligned and cleaned out not need side cuts otherwise? I have never seen this done by commercial fallers in BC and they tend to be really up on best practices. Hope you see this and get a chance to comment. Thanks for the awesome videos and podcasts?

@VanderFoch Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Really good tip

@mvblitzyo 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent exclamation. Thanks for great coverage really enjoy the end. were the explanation of why fibers hold together in what a slightly uncontrollable fall can do.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe, appreciate it... - Patrick

@1stFlyingeagle 3 жыл бұрын

Really good to know. Thanks

@1975dbryant 3 жыл бұрын

I can't believe that 4 people gave this a thumbs down. This to me is excellent and resourceful information. Nice example of what could potentially happen with this type of short comings.

@dontitomartin5396 Жыл бұрын

Some people watch too much television and they are very negative! That might be the reason for a thumb down.

@brother_jay 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Patrick

@cbr600rrturbo 4 жыл бұрын

Love these vids with the tips & tricks, I need all the help I can get,thanks

@daybreakdrummer 4 жыл бұрын

Dude awesome video!

@InDisTREETV 4 жыл бұрын

good information...thanks for sharing

@jtr109 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent. Please keep this stuff coming.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! - Patrick

@waynegriswold8953 2 жыл бұрын

i really liked that intro!!

@EricJemAndes 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for the info

@jaredhatton3261 3 жыл бұрын

I'm a selective cut logger and I have tried to pound this through guys head for years. I do not fell a tree thought side cuts. I've seen to many vaneer logs pealed from pure laziness!! Love the channel

@andrewriley5472 2 жыл бұрын

Good info to know brotha !

@johnwhitacre7063 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the knowledge.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support! - Patrick

@brandenkelsey8929 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that explanation I’ve asked before no one could give me the reason

@TalaypodaCat 4 жыл бұрын

Buen consejo, evita problemas de direccion.👏. Genial el montaje musical.

@jieg01 4 жыл бұрын

Great video plenty to think about

@dprevish100 4 жыл бұрын

Hey man, just found this channel, great stuff. Learning lots, keep up the great videos!!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Right on brother, welcome to the channel! - Patrick

@Daniel_4.27 2 жыл бұрын

Great video thank you for sharing this video is 2 yrs old but if you happen to see this comment would love to see more on how you make these side cuts also I really like how you through a crotch and tie on the spur lower for mechanical advantage those would be gold to myself and I'm sure I'm not alone

@jackprier7727 4 жыл бұрын

Funny, humble, knowledgeable and skilled--our videos are easy to watch and pick up tips-

@robertkennedy3632 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, go Wings

@jnltreemasters1269 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much.

@dirk_krueger_baumkrueger7612 4 жыл бұрын

Moin You explained that very well. Thanks for this. Greetings

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers - Patrick

@kimoalana426 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you brother

@DDXY2K Жыл бұрын

Makes perfect sense.

@rickyguerra3559 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you brother, definitely CAN screw up a really tight, well thought out plan and only takes a couple seconds to put some cheap insurance on top of it! 🤘🏽

@boomupengineering 11 ай бұрын

Good tip to remember.

@PoplarMechanic 4 жыл бұрын

Great info man! I always use side cuts on spruce around here they are really bad for that in the summer. I always try to stay away from branch unions wich make it far worse, It pays to look! Great video man 👊

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother! - Patrick

@neild7971 4 жыл бұрын

Nice analysis of that last top there, if I need it not to nose dive I always add a Swanson too, breaks it loose early and takes away the material that could slow up the butt leaving.

@rastadude202 4 жыл бұрын

Great video 👍 respect the time and effort you put in.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, appreciate it! - Patrick

@JasonSmith-xo9qr 4 жыл бұрын

R.E.S.P.E.C.T can't say much more. The learning value in a mistake is way greater than most people may know. Again thanks for new format and willingness to put yourself out there like this. Best practices are seldom learnt the easy way.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you brother, appreciate it - Patrick

@jefhaverans3100 4 жыл бұрын

Thx for the good info.

@fobo79 4 жыл бұрын

Nice very educational continue with such videos!!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! - Patrick

@bobswartout214 4 жыл бұрын

Good info Patrick. Thank you. Can you cut one side only to help steer the fell.

@stephenlawlor211 4 жыл бұрын

The cuts only take seconds to do ! And worth it !

@cannonball9478 4 жыл бұрын

In the UK we dismantle a lot of Leylanddii trees. They hang on badly without side cuts (or cutting the ears 👂). Dead Elm doesn’t like to hang on and neither does Ash :-)

@treeman765 4 жыл бұрын

I believe in the side cuts too but just to play devil’s advocate on the one you didn’t do the cuts on the ground man was pulling from a little off and you shoved the butt end toward the house as it came off... stuff happens and I’m glad your making the video so we all can learn from it, Thank you

@sethmcdonald2777 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the videos, I really appreciate it! I also really admire how you used one of your errors as an excellent teaching moment too, good on ya!

@Joshman5000 4 жыл бұрын

I dont employ this enough I will admit. I will try and make it a habit from here on out. At the same time I tend to be pretty cautious and take stuff smaller even when it could be sent bigger, I guess to try and make sure the odds are in my favor in situations when I'm unsure. You always have some good topics and I like this style of video. Keep em coming sir!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother. It's that age-old competition between 'go big or go home' vs. 'go small AND go home'... All the best... - Patrick

@orest227 4 жыл бұрын

I am very new to climbing. I don't work for a tree service anymore, but I work at a non profit that does woodland restoration in urban parks with sizeable natural areas. Being that I have tree work experience, good saw control and a willingness to climb and work at height, I am the go to tree man. I am very fortunate to have this job as I am treated and paid well. Recently I have gained an ally in a local arborist and feel that I may have found a possible mentor, or at the very least a great source for thoughtful hands on training. your videos are great for someone like me. I am in the position where I don't want to waste this man's time so I am learning as much as I can before I begin working with him, although I know my limits and value my life in it's current form. Thank you for your efforts. This is an invaluable resource.

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for being here brother, I appreciate that! - Patrick

@MrBullockable 4 жыл бұрын

Love the intro! Great coverage of the topic. I'm not sure why this isn't taught at the basic level of "how to fell a tree". Side cuts, for me, generally depend on the situation, but they are indeed a great habit to get into and will save people a lot of headaches down the road. Keep it up!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Indeed, thanks bro. Love them Bend Right Rings... - Patrick

@FertileUnderground 4 жыл бұрын

for the next generation. perhaps it will :) just heard about this last month, great to see these examples. i actually did forget to do it when my friend told me to, and the black cherry top did indeed tear just as discussed. understanding! just dont stand under

@almogaberc4t862 4 жыл бұрын

Gracias por los videos que haces. Aprendo muchísimo. 😉👍

@luig624 3 жыл бұрын

Can you provide more information about the rope set-up on the white pine at 3:14?

@tuanas458 2 жыл бұрын

nice.

@user-me5yv3ps9q 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice job, Hi from Ukraine!!!

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers from Canada... - Patrick

@douggibson9084 4 жыл бұрын

Side cuts thanks Patrick

@ramonavalos6842 Жыл бұрын

Correct me if I'm wrong that top you free felled would have cleared if you aimed left a little and didn't push the butt end to the right?

@3scotto 4 жыл бұрын

Like a gloooove

@brad2548 Жыл бұрын

Subscribed 👍

@benhudson7285 Жыл бұрын

Worth mentioning is that your ground guy appears to be pulling, rather firmly, on the rope. Think that exacerbated the left turn once the hinge closed?

@jwit76 4 жыл бұрын

Great tip, easy to do, adds some cheap insurance. Indirectly related, wanted to ask you what you would consider the top 1 or 2 factors in making material (limbs, tops, logs etc) land flat. Been a topic of conversation on my crew lately. Seems like a shallow angle notch helps..

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I would say for tops, definitely nothing more than a 45 degree face. Depends on how far it has to fall, whether the ground is flat or sloped, lots of factors to consider. For chunks of trunk wood, look up the Rule of 1/5ths from "The Fundamentals of General Tree Work - Digital Edition" by G.F. Beranek, there's a link in the description of this vid. Thanks for the support brother... - Patrick

@georgewilson2065 4 жыл бұрын

Jerrys 1/5 rule!!👍👍👏

@rolandsalinas5991 4 жыл бұрын

I noticed you put the rope through a crotch up high but tie it down low when you having your helper pull it for you. What’s the difference between just tying a knot up high vs putting the rope through a crotch up high and tying it down low?

@chrisstar8508 4 жыл бұрын

Its definitely a good practice. 👍Most people dont. I do occasionally

@adamcastro8497 4 жыл бұрын

I to do it occasionally but not always sometimes the peel is good if you know how to use it for your advantage

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I was going to show some examples where I purposely only made the side cut on 1 side, but I figured that was getting to be too much. I will skip the side cut on the one side when I'm trying to swing something, but I find that it rarely, if ever, helps on a branch that is mostly horizontal... lots of factors to think about... - Patrick

@TheFullyChargedGardener 4 жыл бұрын

😀 Great video 👍🏻

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! - Patrick

@jason1938 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all of your good information on your videos. I am a new climber. What do you suggest I purchase as a first ascender/descender?

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 3 жыл бұрын

I would just start with a hitchclimber setup, if you want to run srt then get a wrench... - Patrick

@jason1938 3 жыл бұрын

I’m using a Blake’s hitch I learned from you. Thanks for all the helpful information.

@TonyMontgomery18 2 жыл бұрын

You're awesome for posting this brotha. And perfect, concise explanation too, great examples, this should stick in my memory nicely 👌

@robertbettis6552 4 жыл бұрын

thx tree muggs

@odieostrich7718 4 жыл бұрын

simple mitigated risk. Great vid. Thanks for the bad example.

@brad2548 Жыл бұрын

How far up does your bucket truck safely reach sir ?

@franck1806 4 жыл бұрын

hello, do you have video where you show how you are attached on the tree ? Thanks

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

You can probably see it in some of my other videos, I have a lanyard and a choked off climbing line. Will be making a video of my tie-in setup. Thanks for watching! - Patrick

@jerrycarr8780 4 жыл бұрын

You didn't do the side cut . You can also make the face cut opening larger for longer control. That ground guy can pull in line instead of 10 degrees off.

@hopkinstreeexperts759 4 жыл бұрын

Haha my auto captions put music at the start and applause when the that walnut top with the pavement

@johannesschafer1168 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video as usual! Much appreciate your Content! I also feel like side cuts reduce the risk of a barber chair when it comes to forward leaning pieces or trees, as the cuts release tension on the outer fibres...really good habit indeed to add to your toolbox :)

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

That may very well be true. Thanks brother. - Patrick

@andrewmarshall6848 4 жыл бұрын

Really good video, but think it should be mentioned that if the top sits back hard with the side cuts in its way more likely to break off. would need a pretty big miscalculation or guys bouncing the pull rope or something, but I've seen it happen

@TreeMuggs_PatrickM 4 жыл бұрын

That may very well be true. If I was ranking my priorities in taking a top, certainly side cuts would be much further down the list than properly judging the lean... it would also depend on how deep the side cuts were... they should just score into the cambium usually, too deep is not good... lots of factors to think about! Thanks for the comment, really appreciate it... - Patrick

@andrewmarshall6848 4 жыл бұрын

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM thanks for replying. keep up the good work 👍