Restoring great grandparents' farmhouse in Italy : challenging DIY tree removal 

Tree guy here. You really did your homework for this one! Very impressed with your performance and knowledge of tree work. You killed it though! Great job!

If I were 25 years younger and realized how fabulous Northern Italy is I would have moved there years ago. Congratulations on a beautiful home!

I'm a climbing arborist with almost 20 years of experience. Absolutely fantastic job!!! Well done!

I could hardly watch the pruning of this tree. I've never seen this technique - unbelievable what you did - respect!

It is my desire one day in the future, to return and help put back together my family's ancestral home. It's in the valley in Norther Italy, near the sea town of Albenga. You have to drive about an hour to get there. When I was little, my parents introduced me to some of my great aunts (no uncles, they died in WW2) and my cousins (their sons and daughters). I can remember my aunts, dressed in long black dresses. Their white hair pulled up into a bun. They (were sisters and lived in the same house in the little town). I had lunch with them, they were so precious! I never ate food like they made it before (even though my mother was a great cook herself). I loved it in their house. The back was a small porch that overlooked the river below, and a Roman bridge (which to my knowledge is still standing but no cars or trucks or animal used for labor can go over top of it). My grandfather lived in the house further up into the valley. This is the house I want to renovate and live in myself. But that's some time in the future, when this planet is finally cleaned up and no more divisions and violence or wars exist! I long to meet my grandfather again, my father's aunts, their children (all deceased now) my grandmother who died in 1942, I never met her. I have a picture of her and she was a nice looking woman. I hope to have lots of fig trees (they died off during this summer's drought, along with the groves of olive trees that dated back several thousand years. Yup, the olive trees were still living when I was there last time in 05! Sorry but you guys who are renovating your ancestral home, brought back many fond memories. The houses made over 600 yrs ago and more the mortar was volcano ash it was wet and it made the best cement ever. Look at those Roman Bridges, in various parts of Europe, still standing!

I love your philosophy concerning your place! I've done the same thing at mine - using natural materials from my small piece of land for projects, and gradually accumulating used furniture that feels homey to me. Yes, it takes longer, but after 9 years, it's really starting to have some character. And you are so right, it's not about just making a place to live - it's about paying attention and understanding the reciprocity between you and the place where you live. The energy of your tending and your slower approach to the time it takes is tangible, and people feel it when they come to my place. Rica, I salute you for learning how to take on a task you've never done, and modeling that for your son. I was raised by parents who did that, and it's made my life so much richer. At 74, I still have that confidence, and I still take on projects I've never done. One thing - when splitting wood, you'll save energy and avoid injuries if you start the swing from about your shoulder instead of lifting the entire splitting maul from below your waste each time. Most wood will be easier to split once it's dry. And it will also be easier if you split in line with the grain, not across it. You'll get the hang of it pretty soon. Pace yourself - it's the key to longevity. When it's a pleasure to do, you'll know you've got it right. Best wishes to you and your family.

I teared up when Rica described her learned helplessness. I'm glad she was brave enough to follow your lead.

Thoroughly enjoyed your video and your personal reflections on what the property means to you. Do continue to document your adventure. It will be a family treasure!

arborist here. looks great for having no previous experience. Alot of investment :)

Intricate and impressive tree removal. Your farmhouse is very charming and I love your philosophy. I hope you post more videos and perhaps feature a tour of the house?

I have worked in the woods for years and your equipment is exactly what I would use👍👍

Very moving story that gives a man the feel of continuity of his life from his ancestors’ lives.

Fascinating to see, thanks for sharing. The Alaskan Mill looks interesting. YT's superb algorithm bought me here - I also watch Martijn Doolaard & Talasbuan

Many times I hear highly educated people verbally diminish the value of farmers and trades persons because they are, in their opinion, 'uneducated'. I'm elated to see those from places like the Silicon Valley getting a sense of what the 'uneducated' do every single day, and appreciating what it entails and the benefits of physical work. As an educated person that also delves deeply in physical work, I had no idea that those in the city had to rethink and process a plan in order to accomplish such work. Glad you are giving their child the resources to manage this work at a young age. Great job on the tree, by the way. I honestly don't think I could have managed this in the way you did.

I love the sound of falling timber . I don't know why just do. So that was very satisfying. Xx

My lil brother loved Italy. He was on leave rom the Iraq war . He said I’m going to retire there . Asked would I go with him I said if you want me too. He didn’t make it October 2006 he was killed in battle he was 27 . I went to Italy to try to understand his obsession for Italy since he is Lithuanian American. He right though Italy is beautiful . If you can work from home both of you do it life is very short and painful at times .if you only need to pay taxes and utilities grow your own food chickens and all that . Do it get solar panels or any other way to save. Enjoy your lives congratulations on the home!

Well mate, like most Canadians we is a chainsaw early in our lives. I will say that you took on a bloody task I sure as the devil wouldn’t have. I still have my grandfathers spurs for treee climbing. Good on you, as for your lovely wife, her views on doing things outside the comfort level are bang on.🇨🇦

This is like Stardew Valley in real life! Jokes aside, this is really beautiful. I think we, as in most of humanity, have strayed too far from nature. We mostly spend our lives indoors and many people don’t even know what the “smell of rain” is. We’re mostly busy with social media, watching the TV, playing video games… and don’t get me wrong, those are fun, I love them too, but that’s all we do. We don’t go outside and enjoy the sunshine, or listen to the wind, or watch the clouds. Many of us don’t even have the opportunity to do any of that. And it makes us depressed and unhappy. I’m not one to scoff at the comforts of modern life, I like living in the time of washing machines and modern ovens. But I think straying so far from nature is very bad for us. That’s what our ancestors had on us, their connections to nature. I’m lucky enough to have grown up in a small village close to nature, and I learned how to seek and find refuge in it. When something bad is happening in your life and it feels like your whole world stopped moving as you wonder what to do, you go out and just look at all the creatures surrounding you, watch them go about their life doing their best, not worrying about tomorrow, just making the most out of the moment. You see old plants that have now died and gave an opportunity for new buds to grow. You realise that no matter what, the world keeps moving on, and tomorrow will come eventually. It reminds you that what you currently feel, the sadness, anxiety, fear, all of that are temporary, and even if it feels like they rule your world right now they will go away. That there is always a way to go, even if it wasn’t what you originally planned. That you don’t need to save the world in one day, or do something extraordinary, you just have make what you can out of what you have. You learn to take things one step at a time, through many years, without giving up. Just do enough, you really don’t need to do something significant every day, or make every minute count. That’s what we miss in our modern life, which is scheduled around making a profit. There is nothing wrong with working hard today to live well tomorrow. But I think we’re so caught up in trying to bring out the absolute most of every minute (financially) that we forget to live. I’m happy that you’re willing to take hard steps to ensure that you and your family have a happy life, and return back to nature, even if you keep modern commodities (which you absolutely should). Your son will grow up much happier and more peaceful.

Right on Tree Brother. Beautiful! I am an arborist and climber. And you are a very impressive young man. Blessings to you and your family.

What a dream house. The spirit of the house called you back yo your roots, a magical place for a new family.

Been helping my dad cut trees for years but never ever tackled anything like this!! Well done! So happy I found your channel.

I've forgotten your name (Giovanis wife) you might think it's a bad idea to fell that tree, but it's far worse to have a dead tree leaning over your home. You did the right thing. 👍👍

I would keep all the branches you cut on the ground to be always reminded of the harduos job you did.

Loved this! Idaho Rancher here and daughter of a Sawyer. My son and I bought and renovated old homesteads. You have done Great. We manage 1000 acre ranch and timber. Great Job. Fyi; Even I can't handle a Stihl that big lol. We have owned our property 158 yrs. Roots are irreplacable.

Hats off to you mate removing that tree so professionally. Even professional arborists may fail to clear with clinical precision. It will be an interesting adventure to watch your future episode. All the best from Australia

I applaud you for your quest for what is of true value to your family. Your Grandparents risk all for financial stability-generational family wealth (a good thing). You have already achieved or understand how to manage fiscal responsibility. What your Grandparents could not calculate is how technology and societal development would impact the quality of everyday family life in a modern world. I studied, lived, and worked in Italy as an American. I came from a rural background with a strong, yet non-Italian background. However, family is universal. I cherish the Italian concept of family and La Dolce Vita. Your path is noble and wise. Best Jeff

Really nice story of your lives. Thank you. In 2017, my wife and I moved up the mountain in BC, Canada. I had previously built a wooden structure around my little trailer. The steel roof was installed. There was a single layer of plastic on the open walls and the old wood stove works. We got the fire roaring and then internal temperature went from -12C to -10C. So I turned to my wife and said "Well honey time for bed" under 4 blankets with hoodies on a head torques as well. That was our first night. Every night I worked on something to keep us warmer, more insulated, more solar PV electricity, hot water etc. It was definitely hard work and a challenge but fond memories too.

U scared me up in the tree. Wow but u were an expert and did your homework. I agree u killed it. Great video.I subscribed.

I wish they would show the inside of the house. This is an exciting project. I love Italy and the area where they are is beautiful.

build quality of the masonry is superb… this is one solid house, PROVIDED you take care of the roof ASAP and not allow water seepage to freeze/crack the angles where walls meet … buona fortuna !

That was wonderful. I am sending this to my step son and his wife. Thanks for sharing.

I’ll be watching for your future videos! Very excited to see what you will do.

Bravi ragazzi.... Tornare alla vita campestre è la cosa più bella e migliore che potevate fare per la vostra famiglia. Tutte le persone dovrebbero imparare a lavorare la terra, essere agricoltori di sussistenza cioè coltivare il proprio cibo. Sporcarsi le mani e lavorare la propria terra ci rende persone migliori. In questa maniera creiamo un legame maggiore con madre natura e impariamo a rispettarla ogni giorno di più; in cambio ne traiamo un beneficio in salute e nello spirito. Bravissimi. Un saluto, Dario da Ferrara

Dude you did an AWESOME job with that tree. Enjoy your beautiful home.

This house has a huge potential! You were lucky to inherit it but it's good that it happened to someone like you that is able to perceive and respect its story and history, and also to valorize it. Very interesting journey, I'm following!

Just think , you’re ancestors stood on that very ground. They looked up at the very same rolling hills and mountains top and thought about their own lives and dreams, loves , worries for literally generations, they watched their children. Hundreds of years man. That’s just wild, blows my mind. My family is from the same part of the world, southern Italy. Congrats taking down that tree and stepping up to the challenge. I’m sure they’d be proud.

Omgosh im so glad RU-vid suggested you!! You look like a fun and sweet family and I can’t wait to follow your progress!! God bless and protect you always!!♥️

Thank you for your great movie and sharing your story. We, my wife and I, recently also got two properties in the country side and however our backgrounds are different from yours, we share that same filosofie. Use and/or re-use what is on your property.

As someone who repelled out out helicopters, I was very impressed seeing your skills in that tree. Really nice job!

The way you takled that tree looks if you have done this all your life! Very brave of you!

I was holding my breath when you were cutting that hallowed tree. It is a good thing it is down. A strong winter storm may have had it come crashing down on your home. I like how you are both willing to be mindful stewards of our beloved mother Earth. It gives me hope for my grandchildren. Thank you.

Wow Mr off-grid southern Italy guy I am totally impressed I have never seen this technique of tree trimming before it's genius and safe you are doing a magnificent job and I think everything is going to be just fine only very minimal damage to the roof with those two little terracotta shingles and also now you have firewood for the whole winter good job love your Channel and thanks for sharing this is outstanding❤

Amazing work by Giovanni in this tree cutting! It looked scary, but he seemed to take precautions to SUCCESS! BRAVO! Beautiful statement/thoughts from Giovanni's wife❣

You have to learn somehow. As a young boy i watched my dad and other family members on the farm do things. Finally, i began to take part and then i was allowed to harvest and sell cord wood. I learned great skills that make me pretty much able to fix almost anything in the home, inc repairing componets in a laptop... It was nice seeing you guys learn.

I just found your channel. You are not only lucky to have this beautiful home, but you are a poet… your words and voice are so easy on the ears. I will look at all I’ve missed and look for to all your future videos.

Beautiful !!!! You will never be just a number living there. I feel infinitely sorry for people who live in pigeon coups in large cities when they could be surrounded with such natural beauty and independent of rules and regulations. You are giving your son a wealth of knowledge and freedom that city kids will never know. Well done. Viva l'Italia !!!!

This was a great watch, incredible easy watching and some great cinematics! It gave my vibes of Martijn Doolards Italian restoration, thoroughly looking forward to episode 2, when can we expect it?!

At 66, I've done all the trades on my properties over the years- EXCEPT....risking my life on a tree. I had a big/scary fir outside my living room years ago that needed to go....and when I found out all that was involved, hired it out. My mistake was two-fold: I agreed to be his "helper" for the project, bucking sawed rounds over two days; the 2nd. mistake was NOT agreeing to have it hauled off afterwards: it took me another 2-3 years just to cut it all up, stack it, dry it out BEFORE I could actually use it. Kudos to you and your hard work, and INTELLIGENT approach to your own project.

You are game doing that tree yourself, I applaud you 👏👏 can’t wait to watch more .👍

How wonderful to have this beautiful home gifted to you… also fortunate that this experience is a choice… can you imagine your forefathers surviving…so much hard work ..so much knowledge they had..and you will pass on to your child..🇦🇺

What a fantastic job of extreme tree removal. I was getting very nervous viewing this but he was very successful with the task at hand. We can learn a lot from this young couple. Love it.

What a wonderful job your family did on this visit. I am looking forward for more videos on this project. Thank you for sharing.

I like your philosophy. And the way you honor your bloodline. Great tree work. One piece of advice from a forester: Always use two hands one a chainsaw. And use the chain brake always when changing or altering your footing. A chainsaw, especially a Stihl like you are using can be a device that kills. Good luck with your dreams.

I connect with this. I taught myself the same way once covid hit. Watched every video I could find. Now I run my own business and climb multiple times a week. I watched the funniest and most simple lengthy videos on chainsaw safety. Now once someone over there asks for your help on a big job I'll come help to pay for my vacation to Italy. Such a great video man

It is a bit funny how you analitically explain everything, as if you are looking from a synthetic point of view back into a organic life, which is explaining why you eat or go to the toilet... But I like listening to how you describe things.... Thank you...

Living in Italy will always be interesting. And difficult. But not difficult in a way that you cannot accept it. It has taught me to respect nature, difficulties and accept them as a learning process. If I had to change anything about my journey, I would have done it sooner. I wish you all much luck and happiness.

As a professional arborist this was very entertaining to watch! Best of luck with this project! It has amazing potential!

Un luogo magnifico per una nuova esperienza di vita!!! Dissezione ponderata dei tuoi schemi mentali e comportamentali! Nuovo livello! Fantastico! Traduzione di Google imprevedibile)))

You might get some negative comments . But as someone who has used a chainsaw for many years i say well done taking your time and not dying are all that i care about when using mine . Not destroying your house is always a bonus . Lovely place i moved to the south of France 10 years ago i love it .Good luck and enjoy .

This is a great project. Please continue publishing your videos.

Wow what a great idea for removing branches down the rope I didn’t have my glasses on initially I thought wow he’s skilled……managing to get those branches to balance on that rope

Beautiful, beautiful. The people, the place and the dreams.

eline emeğine sağlık bu güzel vlog için kolay gelsin hayırlı işler....👍👍👍👍

Good job taking those trees down safely! Waiting for the next episode :) cheers from Liguria

Good to see both of you getting involved. 😀

I agree, my sister married a man that his family always "called a guy" when they needed something done. He was absolutely amazed that my Dad could fix things or figure out how to fix things himself. He spent alot of time with my dad and really enjoyed pushing his limits into new things.

Very thoughtful and interesting commentary - a spoken essay. Look forward to seeing more.

Onwards and Upwards Good People 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Gr8 job, amazing that I taught yourself… I pretty much did the same, admire your determination, tag lining rigging is 1 st class, gr8 risk management, and skill… Make a nice place for your family to settle… Enjoy the country side, keep it simple and have fun…

Wow amazing tree work ! My wife knew nothing of cast iron cook ware I’m 58 she is 38 so I had too show her the way , now she won’t cook on anything else easy clean up a paper towel wipe it around with a splash of water dry it on the stove and it’s done she wants everything cast now 😂. But she’s found some amazing cast at garage sales and estate sales ! And I love to clean and restore them !

This one video incorporates SO MANY SKILLS! I'm excited for you and hope that there's another video coming soon.

Watched your catalog of videos❤you rocked that oak tree ( my favorite), your wife splits logs, and your spray bottle is much larger😃a tad of sadness in your voice... let that italian out loud and proud 👏

With no more experience with chainsaws/cutting down trees than you have (and what you do have, you googled), you did an outstanding job!!! No bloodshed and no more damage than the 3-4 roof shingles, I applaud you - Bravo, Bravisimo. Very good.

Excellent story telling. Could listen all day!!

Hello to the three of you from Wisconsin, USA. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and the next one too. What a wonderful place you have there. I'm looking forward to more!!!! Your son is adorable. I have 3 sons of my own, all grown now. Take care and stay safe💚💖♥️😁🤗

Thats pretty impressive work u did there with those trees, considering u havent had the experience. Abseiling & chainsaw work both require specialist skills and many things can go wrong and quickly.

You truly built tension there with the cutting of that tree. Your courage is to be admired.

Would it be possible to have the wood taken to a mill and cutting it into long pieces to make furniture.

di bellissima forma questa casa in pietra. un bel regalo dei nonni! e complimenti per il taglio dell'albero: ingegnoso e coraggioso!

Congratulations on your decision to take on this project. Great work all around. Keep it up, looking forward to your progression.

lovely story...but one word regarding the slash piles...biochar. Thank you for the detailed "felling".

You might consider tree species of tree that you can coppice or pollard. Hazelnut coppice can provide firewood, building/fencing, nuts, and pig forage. You can mix multiple species of tree into a coppice as well. Hazelnut, oak, walnut, etc… It would give you multiple uses and because there have been coppiced woodlands for so long there is a lot of literature/best practices research on how to manage them.

It was a pleasure listening to you and your wife and watching your story with a little bit of the family history, you took on a challenge and did it very well so well deserved sir and a happy future for you and your family God bless.

@Off Grid Southern Italy: "Splitting firewood": Your swing should be one continuous windup and swing. No pauses. You lose rotational force when you pause and your back has to make up for that pause. Your back will pay the price short term and long term. Don't arch your back backwards at any point in your swing. Your back should not provide any of the force in the blow to the log round (again, your back will pay the price). Never square up on the log round you are trying to split. As a righthander, your left foot should be forward and pointing straight in the direction of the log, but slightly to the left side of it on a parallel line with centerline. Your right leg should be back and to the right (natural spread, not exaggerated), with the right foot pointed outward at a 30-45-degree angle (kind of like one of the martial arts stances). Your body should be leaning into the swing. This will set up a swing dynamic that is more of a diagonal arc. Your arms and the momentum of the maul should provide all the force. (Opposite stance for Lefties) Invest in a set of splitting wedges (I find that I need up to four for difficult wood). Establish the crack with the maul and finish up with the wedges and maul/sledgehammer. There is a lot less sweat and sore body parts involved. If the wood splits easily - ignore this advice. If you have to swing more than 3-4 times, switch to the wedges after establishing the split. With wedges, many times full body swings are not necessary. Your wife should never let the maul hang down her back as part of her swing. It leaves her back doing the majority of the work (not good) For the most part, the maul or sledgehammer should not be behind your rear shoulder line. For her, smaller or shorter swings combine with the wedges might save wear and tear on the body. Ask my worn out back why I know these things. For a first timer, that was excellent tree work. Proper equipment pays for itself, even if you only use it one time. Good research and execution.

WELL DONE VERY IMPRESIVE CANT WAIT FOR MORE VIDEOS GREAT THANKS

Greetings from New Zealand, enjoyed watching your video, well done.

I'm impressed that you took on this lifestyle . And you are both partners in in this new lifestyle

Great job. A pity the roof got hurt. Expensive to have it fixed!!!

Canadian here! Was raised fixing,building cabins/homes/homesteads with my dad. Us kids were part of it all, doing everything we could and learning a lot. I remember these cold nights and haven't got one single bad memories from it. In fact, it still is the best part of my childhood. I'm from Northern Quebec, and sometimes, winters meant -50c, so we'd cuddle next to the fireplace to sleep until the walls were done. And I fondly remember the songs and smells of wood, fire, even sap in my clothes after spending my whole days out in the forest. All this to say I'm genuinely happy and excited for your son. Sadly I was not privileged to raise my own children like that. They've since grown, and are not connected to their indigenous roots and nature the way I was. In fact, by travelling with me, my youngest is closer to the alps and Switzerland 😅 Anyways, lol, I'm rambling haha My friend is, like you are, restoring an ancestral home, but in the French countryside. I think I'll be bringing my grandchild with me so I can give her that gift. Thank you for your inspiration. 💜

I am really happy to find you on RU-vid. You have really impressed me with your knowledge of trees and the interest in your ancestors' home and now yours. I know you will have many other projects that you will address in the future. I really look forward to your postings and progression. May you and your family stay healthy, safe and happy. Rich Marino/Hunterdon Cty. NJ.

Just discovered your channel. Look forward to following you. Best wishes from Cornwall England

Found your channel and this was the first one I’ve watched. Super impressed! I will keep watching. Well done.

Amazing video! So wonderful to see your progress! I was right there w you the whole time, cheering you on and laughing w you! Beautiful home for a beautiful family!

So glad I found your channel. Love your emotive narration, and your beautiful new home and it’s stunning surroundings. …brilliant job with the tree cutting too!

Very impressed with the courage and execution involved in tackling a tree of that size, it could well have destroyed the house, so hats off. I also enjoyed the little monologue about just doing things yourself. We have created a society of experts in which we are no longer empowered to try stuff, I especially feel this as a woman. Laying bricks or adobes or working with cob is something anyone can do, we’ve just been too far removed from creating our own space, our own life. Growing your own food if you have a bit of space is one of the greatest things you can do to take power back. Wishing you every success from Spain 😊

Fantastic job to both of you, your place is wonderful! God bless your family❤️🇺🇸Nevada USA

Great episode. Loved it! Thoughtful, precise, skilled, thorough, safe. Great storytelling and cinematography.

I am very much looking forward to watching your journey home. Exciting tree cutting. Amazing.

Looking forward to more of your work on the homestead. My dream is to live in Italy but do the same thing.

Good job 👏 👍