How would you drop this tree?

[blsnelling]

I'd like you guys input on the best way to drop this tree. Either way I go about this, I will use my pull rope for insurance, since they're so close to the buildings. BTW, this tree is on my BILs fathers property in Alabama where I vacation sometimes.

1. I could drop each of the two stems individually, but this would require cutting over my head or standing on something.

2. Fall them both together.

3. Should I strap the trunk together just below the Y to insure the trunk doesn't split.

4. Should I pull on both leads simultaneously if falling them together?

 

[2dogs]

It sounds like you know the answer. I would first inspect the tree and esp the crotch union. If it is OK, which it looks like it is, I would then strap the union together with a chain binder and fall as one toward the direction of the last pic.

I would always use a rope when the tree is that close to a structure. The rope should be set as high as possible consistent with trunk or limb strength. The rope should be at least 1 1/2 times as long as the tree is tall (100' tree-150' rope). Pickup trucks don't work well for hard pulls but this tree looks to just need tension. A 1/2" rope should do OK. I will only pull with 5/8" Stable Braid or larger but that gets expensive if you don't already own that rope.

Buy yourself a throw bag and Zing-It and a pouch if you don't already own them. Practise, always wearing a hard hat, till you feel comfortable. Set your line over a sturdy limb, pull the rope through and tie it off. Don't pull the bull rope to hard, just enough to pre-tension the tree.

BTW do you have a good running saw and a sharp chain? If not I can lend you a saw.:msp_tongue:

 

[CentaurG2]

Park the 70’ next to her, put up the alpine and chunk her down. A lot of them leaders don’t look like they have a lot of structural integrity left in them. Be real careful if you go pokin' it with a saw. If you don’t already, this is a good tree to wear a helmet around.

 

[blsnelling]

I use a 150' 3/4" rope for pulling. I'll have to check the aresenal to see if I have anything up to the task

 

[K7NUT]

It sounds like you know the answer.

I would always use a rope when the tree is that close to a structure.

I think you got it!?
The pictures don't show where your wanting to drop it, but I guess if that was an issue, you would have included it?
I second the rope trick. My wife and I decided to drop this Maple tree in our back yard and because last summer we, re-sided, new windows, wiring, plumbing, whole new kitchen(on the other side of that wall) and a new metal roof! I too was VERY concerned about that tree going the "wrong" way! I did just what anyone would do to any tree, cut my notch, but I also had the wife pull some pressure the way we wanted it to go, just for good measure(notice the orange Big-Rig tie down on the ground). Went right where we wanted it to go. If you use a rope and a truck, I think you'll be just fine.:msp_thumbsup:

OK, OK, my Maple is'nt close to this tree, but I think it's still relevant being the structure is so close!?

OK, It's a cheesy shot, I couldn't resist!

 

[Sagetown]

2dogs ~ I would then strap the union together with a chain binder and fall as one toward the direction of the last pic.

+1 maintaining steady rope tension directing the fall.

 

[ChipMonger]

I was in a situation like this once before and while it was a bad tree (didnt know this till after, by all counts it was stable) i dealt with it the same way by in essence lashing the two stems together. One stem snapped under very little load while i was starting my back cut. Good thing i was looking up, i barely got out of the way. I left my saw, it survived unscathed. If it were me...im a bit of a goon lol, but i would cut them individually. Thats my opinion and we know what those are like:msp_tongue:

 

[PARTSWOODCHUCK]

I would tie the rope in it, but try to wedge it over first. If the wedges won't do it pull it gently. I've seen a few go backwards because people pulled too hard on the rope

 

[Storm56]

I am not a pro and do not profess to be one. However I have dropped my fair share of trees around buildings etc. I have a 1/2 inch steel cable that I use when needed. Others have already mentioned chaining the crotch together.

But what I do different is to use an anchor point such as another tree that will drop the tree where I want, then use a snatch block pulley and connect the other end to a beefy tractor etc. I then have the person driving the equipment tension the cable. Then I cut my notch and do the back cut, but leave a couple inches of hinge. At that time after getting out of the way, I have the driver pull over the tree. It always goes just where you want it because you are completely controlling the direction and start of the fall.

You just need to be sure the equipment is heavy enough and do not leave too much hinge so it will break when the driver pulls. Dropped many trees this way in tight places with never an issue.

Have also done the job when no anchor is available, it just requires a bit more planning.

 

[sawinredneck]

Lots of problems with this tree, it's a Maple, it's old, it's close to a structure and you have no idea what condition it's in without climbing it and doing an examination!
I've worked a lot of old Maples, every one is different! The 14" limb you were just standing on might be hollow and drop with the next gust of wind. One leader may be solid and the other hollow. One leader may be hollow more than half way up and fall opposite way of the tree. You may put in a rope, load it and start to pull and snap the leaders right off sending the spar backwards into the buildings. The trunk may sound solid and be rotted out wood in the heartwood.
Like I said, I've seen lots of these old Maples and seen them do some impossible things, in my mind at least, because I underestimated them! NEVER underestimate them and NEVER think you have them figured out!

 

[Tzed250]

Call a professional tree service that has insurance should something go wrong.

 

[beastmaster]

I think I would take em one at a time. I my self would probably remove a few limbs especially those going against the direction I wanted to fall the sticks. Maybe take out even a top or two. Im kind of a sissy these days on removals and try to eliminate all potential for something to go wrong. It may take longer, but it takes only one mishap to ruin the whole job.
Removing both leaders at once with all the limbs intact its hard to judge things. It could twist or a piece could brake out, If your cut wasn't perfect she could fall side ways.
You more them likely could get a way with taking it all in one cut, but with the leans and branches and being that close to a structure, there is the slight chance something could go wrong. Take an extra hour and make it safe. It may look different standing there then in the photo too. But like I said I'm not as brave as I use to be. Beastmaster

 

[oscar4883]

I would probably remove a bunch of that ugly stuff in the lower 2/3rds or so and make a call from there to take them both at the same time or individually. I am leaning towards taking each one separate. I like a mechanic advantage system for most pulling.

 

[forestryworks]

You gotta pick it up before you can drop it :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Tree Pig]

One thing I know is that pic is an awesome example of how a tree (especially a maple) will attempt to sustain itself by producing suckers after someone removes way too many of the leaf producing branches. Great pics BJ thanks.

That tree looks like a chick from a 1970's adult movies (cant type ####o) bush

Oh yeah maybe trade some saw work for getting someone to drop it for you safely. Some times you have to ask if its worth the risk if there is other options.

 

[redoakneck]

Call a professional tree service that has insurance should something go wrong.

+1...

At least make sure you have insurance if you are going to do that one!!!!!

 

[belgian]

I know you know your way around chainsaws, but that tree is a bit tricky to take down. Like redneck said, do study that tree carefully, a lot of things can go wrong.

I just learned my lesson taking down a tree at my folks place and got away with it, but when that tree sat back on my saw, I nearly sh@t my pants. No more dangerous trees for me.

Since it's not your money, have them hire a treeclimber that is all familar with this kind of job. Well worth the money if he gets the job done safely.

 

[sprung22]

Dont Drop It.Pay for my gas down there and ill climb it and chunk it down for ya Brad.But I get to use your ported saws

 

[rwoods]

Call a professional tree service that has insurance should something go wrong.

+2 IMO Unless your going to chunk it down. There is too much at risk to cut it at the base as a favor. Ron

 

[z71mike]

I like the idea Storm56 had. That's how I do things too.

But for a favor like that, I wouldn't touch anything before having the guy sign a waiver. I don't care how close a friend or relative it is, I'll make them sign something that keeps my nose clean. They look at me weird, but I get the job done. Luckily I've never needed to 'use' the waiver yet, knock on wood.