Advice needed on dropping a tree

[beezer]

I was wondering if I could get some suggestions, tips or advice on dropping a tree. Sorry no pictures, so I will do my best to describe it.

The tree is a Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), it is approximately 30"-32" DBH and 40'-45' tall. If you are looking from the road it is located at the front left corner of the house. I trimmed this particular tree away from the house and the wires back in November. I did inform her that this tree was in very poor condition structurally and that it should come down. The main trunk is solid, no real signs of decay. Approximately 30' up it begins to branch of into 3 main stems. There are large cavities in the limbs and at the main crotch.

Two of the three main stems broke off, leaving the one that grows towards and over the house. The trunk has a lean parallel to the front of the house. Unfortunately this tree is unsafe to climb, otherwise I would take some of the weight off, then drop it. There is a lot of room in the front yard to drop it.

I was going to use 2 pull lines attached to come-alongs then have a side rope in case it wanted to go straight down the house, and use wedges as well. I talked to a friend of mine that is also a climber and we agreed that we were not completely confident it would want to go.

I asked her if a neighbor of hers (they live in the country) could bring a tractor up to pull it over for me, but she didn't seem to respond for some reason (maybe a neighborly dispute?). I told her I felt I couldn't do it with any confidence and that she might hafe to have a bucket truck come in to take the weight off over the house.

This was a week ago, and it has been bugging me ever since. The tree is still there, and I would hate to see it hit the house or one of the kids. Just wondering if I have any other options.

Thanks,

Beezer

 

[lawmart]

Hey beezer, I live in Freelton,

If you need any help or advice, message me, I will be free most of the time except on Tuesday till Friday as I have my EUSA profenicey course in Mississauga. But free on Sunday as i will be in Brantford to take at look at my friends medical clinic there. I you need i could bring my Bucket truck.


Lawmart
play safe

 

[GlennG]

Really need pictures, stay safe

 

[treevet]

I was researchingthe purchase of a U S Woodstove add on furnace and punched in the model number and ended up on this website a few days. Man, this website is the sh t! Those first two posts are just poetry in motion.

 

[beezer]

Thanks for the replies.

I got a hold of the lady this morning, she had a company come in with a bucket truck to take it down yesterday.

This is good news, but I can't help but be a little disappointed, almost feels like I let the customer down. There aren't too many trees I simply say I can't do. Oh well I guess you just hafe to walk away sometimes.

I'm still interested in hearing what techniques other people use to handle unsafe trees. What do you use to tension pull lines? Any basic guidelines on how much pull is needed etc.

Thanks again

Beezer

 

[Munkee feet]

felling trees

I have to say that is the most scarest part of my job. its not for the faint hearted. I like to attach a rope puller to the tree. I would also suggest to read everything you can put your hands on about the subject to learn about the dangers of felling....too much cutting here of there or not enough...and you can have big problems. Then your insurance company wants to cancell you (If you are still alive) As far as not satisifing all your costomers...thats part of business. For me, I have reconized my neich and can tell the customer right at the beggining its not a job for me...then I try and help them with a great referance. good luck. Munkee feet

 

[Munkee feet]

felling trees

I have to say that is the most scarest part of my job. its not for the faint hearted. I like to attach a rope puller to the tree. I would also suggest to read everything you can put your hands on about the subject to learn about the dangers of felling....too much cutting here of there or not enough...and you can have big problems. Then your insurance company wants to cancell you (If you are still alive) As far as not satisifing all your costomers...thats part of business. For me, I have reconized my neich and can tell the customer right at the beggining its not a job for me...then I try and help them with a great referance. good luck. Munkee feet

 

[boo]

knowing your limitations and comfort zone is valuable alone.
accepting and admitting that you dont know, and seeking the answer, is very smart to begin with.
be sure, or be smart.
no worries beezer, you made the right call.

 

[beezer]

I don't want it to sound like I have never dropped a tree or pulled any leaners over, it just happened that this was a little too much in my eyes.

I thought about opening a new thread, but I will just stick it in here. I've been climbing full time for 8 years (full time and my own business) and 1 year at college, for urban arboriculture before that. I've certainly improved over the years, mostly by using my energy more efficiently and experience to make the job go more quickly.

The company I work for is good, they are a little old school though as far as their views on new rigging techniques etc. While most trees can removed safely and efficiently with very basic rigging, I'm interested in learning more, mostly to make my life a little easier, I'm not getting any younger.

I was looking at The Art and Science of Practical Rigging video series, I'm sure some of it would be review for me, I was wondering if it is worth the money. There were a few books I saw I just can't remember the names off hand. If there are any other things that you have found over the years that have made your life easier I would like to hear.

Thanks again,

Beezer

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

The two things that had the biggest influence on me, were becoming ISA Certified, and participating on good web forums.
The ISA connection go me to conventions, attending equipment expos, making professional contacts and relationships, working with other climbers, and attending the climbing competitions.
On the web forums, like this one, you have to participate, just reading won't get you anywhere. You need to talk about how you do things, and answer questions. Then when you open yourself up to scrutiny, the other members will sometimes, if you're lucky, tell you you're an idiot, and you'll learn something.