First Topping

Porter_Young

Porter_Young

Location
New Hampshire
Topped my first tree today! It was 90 to 100ft pine. I limbed as I climbed. I climbed to where I reached about a 10 inches in diameter, and then made a 70 degree open face notch then came in with a back cut. It went right over, then I went for the ride. It was the biggest adrenaline rush I had in a while!!
 
Save the open face for the ground. Cut a narrower notch, say 45 degrees and you will get less of a ride and the peice will land better on the ground. Even when rigging the peice out with a block the narrow notch is the way to go. stay safe and keep up the good work.
 
I thought the larger the face the less rocking from the stem and better control with the hinge (as it isn't severed as quickly)? I do like cutting narrower faces cause it is easier, but I've been told to make larger faces by the pros.
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Keep up the good work! Hopefully you didn't leave the tree like that right!?!
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jp
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general rule of thumb is to cut the notch so that when the hinge breaks it does not occur at the same time that the spar is being pushed sideways from the top pushing it away as it falls from the cut or you will get a violent ride, which is why you should use a running bowline and cinch up the split tail to help hold you on ,,,along with your lanyard. ps don't forget to cut the bark (kerf cuts ) on the side to keep the bark from tearing and ripping your ropes with it..otherwise good job porter stay safe
 
Thanks Guys for the good advise. I used my lanyard, and split tail system with a blakes for security.
Jim: Chris was right there guiding me through it, he was great help.
Thanks Chris!
 
I was with Porter when he topped out his first tree. He’s been working with me for about a year now, first as my primary groundman and now as my backup climber. He has completed the TCIA Tree Care Apprentice and Tree Climber programs and is certified in both. His next goal is to become both a NH and ISA Certified Arborist.

My goal was to be able to have him climb and wreck out his first tree by the end of the summer and he has been able to do that. More important to me, I’ve already trained him to SRT and prune efficiently and work safely.

Porter is only 20 years old and wants to stay in the tree care industry. He has a bright future ahead of him and it is nice to see young people showing an interest in learning to climb productively.

Here are some pictures of Porter topping out his first big White pine.

PIC 1, Getting ready to make the topping cut.
 

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[ QUOTE ]
And why was the tree being topped? As a prelude to removal?

[/ QUOTE ]

I wondered this when I saw the thread's title. I read it as first time topping a tree as part of a removal.

This is a big psychologically challenging leap Porter. Good Work!

My employee Ben is still freaked out by it. I think that he negatively visualizes the outcome--cut the top and have the tree break for no reason.

After enough experience, the average top-drop loses the thrill/ nervousness. Then its just sometimes losing you sun shade or umbrella while you work the spar down.

Enjoy it while you can.
 
[ QUOTE ]
And why was the tree being topped? As a prelude to removal?

[/ QUOTE ]

That’s exactly it. There are still 4 more pines in the same area that need to be removed as part of a thinning in a front yard. Porter will be topping those out and removing them too.

This will allow more sunlight for the property owners, as well as releasing the understory maples and hemlocks to grow in better
 
matt that is correct now you have a quick out of the tree if need be and you can work around the spar on the rope and the lanyard is your backup...try it low and see how you like it...plus the climbing line tight around the tree with the split tail up tight gives you a safety margin if the ride knocks your gaffs out of the tree...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Porter enjoying the ride.

If you look in the adjacent tree, you can see me with my white KASK helmet on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ha HA HA HA! YEAH LOOKS LIKE HE'S ENJOYING THE RIDE!

Then the earlier picture of the poor boy, looks like a chipmunk in Walmart $30 boots.

.... I tried to hold, back, I really did, but the "enjoying the ride" comment made me write both my comments I had in mind.

I think the man (Porter) will look back on this in years to come and agree with me.

Keep learning buddy and you'll be happy.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Porter enjoying the ride.

If you look in the adjacent tree, you can see me with my white KASK helmet on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ha HA HA HA! YEAH LOOKS LIKE HE'S ENJOYING THE RIDE!

Then the earlier picture of the poor boy, looks like a chipmunk in Walmart $30 boots.

.... I tried to hold, back, I really did, but the "enjoying the ride" comment made me write both my comments I had in mind.

I think the man (Porter) will look back on this in years to come and agree with me.

Keep learning buddy and you'll be happy.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know X, he looks kind of nervous, but do you remember the the first time you topped out a tree? This wasn't a small 30' or 40' pine either. It was over 22" DBH and very near 100' and it was his VERY FIRST topping.

I remember my first time topping a tree that size. I hung on for dear life too. He really is enjoying the ride though.

Are you coming up to work with Bull this week?
 
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