Hung tree with load bearing limbs

[Timber5]

I have a large hardwood the came down. It is hung up in another tree, but also propped up by a couple of limbs mid way down the tree.

Looking to get some advice on where you would start with a tree like this. Uphill side is the far side of the tree, towards the pasture. Trunk is not completely detached at the base, but is close. From looking at it, there doesn't appear to be any stress on the tree from where it is connected at the base, but I do have concern with that connection causing the tree to want to spring back up if I don't cut that first.

Based on what I can see, best bet would be to cut above the load bearing limbs, notching the top compression side and finishing from the bottom, as the top half of the tree is going to want to fall down and swing towards the hang. This would also reduce the overall stress and weight on the load bearing limbs, making them a bit safer to take later on with a series of cuts.

The other thought was to take the limbs out first, then buck the tree from the base to the top, until it is mostly stood up, then drag it out of the other tree. I could also take out the entire limb that is home to the 2 smaller load bearing limbs first, this part would probably remain exactly in place, propped up on the limbs and still hung in the tree, and could reduce overall movement of the large trunk.

What do you think?

 

[DR. P. Proteus]

I would pick a spot on the trunk where it was comfortable to cut, maybe 2 feet back from the first Y and bore through the middle of the trunk cutting towards the ground until it was cut through. Then I would use the top of the bar to slowly finish the cut cutting towards the sky. This would allow for slow movement of the tree settling down and provide time for your escape if need be.

Then I would take a step back and think how to do it again and again until the thing slid out of the tree it was in and I didn't get wacked.

 

[r1stgei]

I agree with Proteus. There is allot of stored energy in that setup. Looks like most of it it where the tree branches are leaning on the opposite tree. I would start by cutting that trunk from the safe side to remove the stress from that area and see what you come up with. I cannot tell by the photos but it looks like he two broken limbs are also holding the base in place. I would closely take a look at those and once you cut the trunk , cut out those from a safe are in case it starts to roll. Once he tree is sitting better on the stump re evaluate . If it's just hung up on branches at that point could you sling a rope and drag it out free with a tractor or a truck? If not I would just keep cutting from good ground to towards the tree branches and let it keep falling. Let us know how you make out... (do not cut the tree it's leaning on) may go without saying, but I've seen a few knuckleheads do it. Dangerous ...


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