Constant Tension Line

[fire67bird]

Greetings - I plan to drop a ~60 ft pine tree in my yard and have concerns about the cable slacking up before I get the tree committed in the direction I want it to go. I have the cable rigged about 40 ft up but it is between a couple of branches that will likely break. To keep the tree from whipping back when the branches break I intend to have another rope about 30 ft up in the tree that I will be using to provide constant tension for when the cable slacks.

What is the best way to use this rope so that one other person can keep the tension as I ratchet it down the cable? I thought about wrapping the rope around the anchor tree once and the other person would then just walk back to keep the tension. Will this hold the rope or is there a special knot that I could use that will work better?

 

[BC WetCoast]

If the tree is straight (ie not pulling against a lean), then it won't take much to commit it.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Are you saying the branches will break as the cable snugs up? If so, just do that before you start cutting.

 

[fire67bird]

Are you saying the branches will break as the cable snugs up? If so, just do that before you start cutting.

Yes that is my concern. The tree has a deformation about 3 ft up the trunk and I am concerned that it may break when I start pulling on it. Are my chances high that it will fall in the direction that I am pulling if it breaks?

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Pics would really help

 

[fire67bird]

Pics would really help

I'll upload some pictures tonight. I appreciate the help.

 

[Del_]

Yes that is my concern. The tree has a deformation about 3 ft up the trunk and I am concerned that it may break when I start pulling on it. Are my chances high that it will fall in the direction that I am pulling if it breaks?

It will probably fall in that general direction.

 

[Pelorus]

Could the failed execution of your plan result in, I dunno, for example, a divorce, death, carnage, a feud, excommunication, exile, banishment to the outer realm? You could become a man of constant sorrow.

 

[fire67bird]

Could the failed execution of your plan result in, I dunno, for example, a divorce, death, carnage, a feud, excommunication, exile, banishment to the outer realm? You could become a man of constant sorrow.

There certainly could be a feud if the tree falls on the neighbors house. I'm confident there won't be an issue but I'm here to get some more experienced eyes on the task.

Pics would really help

Here are a couple pics. It's hard to see but there is a cable on the tree I want to take down. I intend to pull it toward where the far away picture was taken.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

That wound is well calloused , you'll be fine, just cut low. It won't take much pull.

 

[Pelorus]

Going by the photos, a single rope and a Masdaam or other come-a-long should easily get it down where you want it to go. That is, as long as you also cut a proper face & back cut, leave enough hinge wood, etc.

 

[BC WetCoast]

As you are making your backcut, have your helper apply gentle tension to the rope/cable. Put a wedge in your backcut.

That scar in the tree looks pretty solid with plenty of callous wood, it won't be of concern.

 

[jefflovstrom]

WAIT!
We need to ask ' Guy' ,,,,,,some of you get it,, and that is funny to them,,,
Jeff

 

[fire67bird]

Everything went smoothly. Thanks for the advice.