I like the stick trick. Its easy to practice if you have got a wide open shot. Measure, drop the stick, then the tree and see where it tops out.
John
John
Estimating Tree Height?
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Ive used the stick trick for a few years, and its very acurate as long as you are on level ground. If you are up hill of higher elevation than the tree you need to back up an equal ditstance to your hight above the base of the tree. If you are below the base height you need to move toward the tree.
I hope that is clear. If not ill try to sppplain it better.
I hope that is clear. If not ill try to sppplain it better.
Koa Man
Kahuna giganticus
That is what I use. I have a Suunto. They are made in Finland. Around a $100 or so when I bought it several years ago from Forestry Supply.
ROLLACOSTA
Addicted to ArboristSite
and this system is very accurate ..i use it now and again..although i have a clinometer..theres nothing in it both ways are equaly as accurate
i use a rake handle measured from ear to grip.
If using angled instrument, such as Ruger's sextant; i think you just need to line it up on 45 degrees, to be just as far from a tree as it is tall. Thus eliminating the need for extra number crunching for height calculation; also allows you to walk the projected footprint of the fall.
Measuring the height in a too small yard for drop, can still tell you when you can drop the tree, and also calculate where to top sections at; to fill the box available to maximum; without damage IMLHO.
If using angled instrument, such as Ruger's sextant; i think you just need to line it up on 45 degrees, to be just as far from a tree as it is tall. Thus eliminating the need for extra number crunching for height calculation; also allows you to walk the projected footprint of the fall.
Measuring the height in a too small yard for drop, can still tell you when you can drop the tree, and also calculate where to top sections at; to fill the box available to maximum; without damage IMLHO.
T
topnotchtree
Guest
I watched a foreman trying to explain this topic to an apprentice one time. He told the apprentice to stand with his back to the tree, spread his legs, bend over and look at the tree. The point where you can see the top of the tree between your legs is the piont where the tree will land. I have never tried this theory, but it sure was funny watching this poor kid looking thru his legs all over the yard! I will have to try the arm and stick thing. We regurally place bets to see where the top lays. Maybe I will finally win a six-pack now!
tawilson
Addicted to ArboristSite
Got to try it out today. A dead hemlock had to go. Worked great. Thanks again. Ever see a pileated woodpecker knock the bark off a hemlock looking for bugs? Seems like it can strip a tree in a day.
i believe that is an olde rule of thumb/method; who's accuracy is contingent on how well looking between your legs makes you look up from a 45 degree angle (on flat ground).
With an assumed flat ground and vertical tree to give 90 degrees (right triangle) at that point, extending a line from the top to the ground, that meets at 45 degrees; gives a 45-45-90 triangle; which defines that both legs connected to the 90 degree angle of tree to ground will be equal. Therefore, at that point (45 degrees) that you stand; the length from the base of the tree to the top, will be equal; the distance from you to the base of the tree. Thus giving the fall.
Sticking a rake handle under arm pit and gripping handle at arms' length; then raising till arm is parallel with ground and rake plumb bobs vertical (perpendicular/ right angle); would give a 45 degree angle for calculating this. For you make a right angle with both legs equal, the 45-45-90 works forward and backwards; it is a point of equality, here just reversed. Measuring the rake handle to jawbone/ear as Tom suggested some time back, instead of arm pit, makes one leg longer, so throws things off a bit. But, it compensates somewhat, for not being able to line your eye up at your own arm pit!
If, the tree is too big for the backyard; you can mark the height calculated with this method. Then pace off from the tree, the amount of available room for laying things safely. Then pace that amount down from the marked position of the total tree you originally made. Re-site and mentally mark as an approximate maximum topping point to fill the whole box. Repeat as necessary, pacing off the room to work with, fewest lengths to cut, before able to lay rest of stick. Werks fer me!
With an assumed flat ground and vertical tree to give 90 degrees (right triangle) at that point, extending a line from the top to the ground, that meets at 45 degrees; gives a 45-45-90 triangle; which defines that both legs connected to the 90 degree angle of tree to ground will be equal. Therefore, at that point (45 degrees) that you stand; the length from the base of the tree to the top, will be equal; the distance from you to the base of the tree. Thus giving the fall.
Sticking a rake handle under arm pit and gripping handle at arms' length; then raising till arm is parallel with ground and rake plumb bobs vertical (perpendicular/ right angle); would give a 45 degree angle for calculating this. For you make a right angle with both legs equal, the 45-45-90 works forward and backwards; it is a point of equality, here just reversed. Measuring the rake handle to jawbone/ear as Tom suggested some time back, instead of arm pit, makes one leg longer, so throws things off a bit. But, it compensates somewhat, for not being able to line your eye up at your own arm pit!
If, the tree is too big for the backyard; you can mark the height calculated with this method. Then pace off from the tree, the amount of available room for laying things safely. Then pace that amount down from the marked position of the total tree you originally made. Re-site and mentally mark as an approximate maximum topping point to fill the whole box. Repeat as necessary, pacing off the room to work with, fewest lengths to cut, before able to lay rest of stick. Werks fer me!
tawilson
Addicted to ArboristSite
I meant that I used the stick method, not the look between your legs method.
Kneejerk Bombas
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My method is to estamate where every tree I cut downwill end up, then see how close I was after it's on the ground. I can usually get within a foot or two.
