Large White Oak split down center
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KenJax Tree
Terraphobic
:hmm3grin2orange:
:hmm3grin2orange:
woodchuck357
Addicted to ArboristSite
I have taken down similar trees by climbing
I would set up a high cable between two nearby trees if possible at right angles to the split to attach a bailout line to. Then wrap the split, cut the big limb with a jump cut to keep bending force on the trunk at a minimum. The split will most likely snap shut when the limb hops off. Re do the wraps after the limb is off, they will have slacked off. When you get to the top use a jump cut to top it, again to keep sideways forces from pushing on the stem as a normal notch would do. Use vertical zip line to keep chunks near the trunk as they are dropped. Don't rope chunks down. Make all cuts at right angle to split. Film everything from multiple cameras. Lotsa luck.
When you get down to the split either take small chunks or leave bindings in place and drop the whole split at one chunk. If you drop the whole split, write off the stuff you used for binding!
I would set up a high cable between two nearby trees if possible at right angles to the split to attach a bailout line to. Then wrap the split, cut the big limb with a jump cut to keep bending force on the trunk at a minimum. The split will most likely snap shut when the limb hops off. Re do the wraps after the limb is off, they will have slacked off. When you get to the top use a jump cut to top it, again to keep sideways forces from pushing on the stem as a normal notch would do. Use vertical zip line to keep chunks near the trunk as they are dropped. Don't rope chunks down. Make all cuts at right angle to split. Film everything from multiple cameras. Lotsa luck.
When you get down to the split either take small chunks or leave bindings in place and drop the whole split at one chunk. If you drop the whole split, write off the stuff you used for binding!
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deevo
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yeah what about a crane? Any access? 2 grand climbing that isnt worth an accident either. If you read the monthly TCIA magazines like 7.3 rocket is talking about, tree failures are becoming a lot more common. Be safe.
Think outside the box
I concur on a pic of this road. Having designed logging roads for 20 yrs, including several over 30% grade on sidehills over 100%, I have never seen one fail when a log landed on it.
As for taking down the tree. Dynamite. Climb up as high as you feel safe, tape a stick (or half stick depending on size) to the stem, come down. Kaboom.
If you can climb high enough, you will blow the top out and then just have the stem to fall without damaging the surrounding vegetation.
http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf08672325/pdf08672325dpi72.pdf
Explosive tree felling has a place
http://www.bcforestsafe.org/files/Training/DangerousTreeBlastingForFallersOverview.pdf
I concur on a pic of this road. Having designed logging roads for 20 yrs, including several over 30% grade on sidehills over 100%, I have never seen one fail when a log landed on it.
As for taking down the tree. Dynamite. Climb up as high as you feel safe, tape a stick (or half stick depending on size) to the stem, come down. Kaboom.
If you can climb high enough, you will blow the top out and then just have the stem to fall without damaging the surrounding vegetation.
http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf08672325/pdf08672325dpi72.pdf
Explosive tree felling has a place
http://www.bcforestsafe.org/files/Training/DangerousTreeBlastingForFallersOverview.pdf
I'm still waiting to see a full pic of a 120' white oak that's only 40" at the base.
KenJax Tree
Terraphobic
imagine a tall straight white oak (forest style) with a wide split down the center 10feet long. both ends taper.
What more do you need to know?
Just not buyin' the 120'.... or the whole story to be honest.
Bandit Man
ArboristSite Operative
I'm not sayin' the OP's tree ain't 120'. But if it is , it's the tallest white oak I've ever seen in that latitude. :msp_tongue:
KenJax Tree
Terraphobic
Agreed. No way in hell i'd tackle that job for 2k. I think he took that job and now realizes he's in way over his head.
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I've seen a lot of climbers climb HUNDRED FOOT TREES!!!! ..... ddrt with a 120' climbing line... just sayin...
Be nice to see more pics, but I would say that a 120' tree where the next closest tree is 70' away (unless I'm confused by his description of the site) is going to have enough momentum that it will not hang up. Make a big mess though.
sgreanbeans
Treeaculterologist
The answer to your simple question: Hire a pro that knows what he is doing to do it, watch him and take note, get him his smokes and a cold Pepsi, keep that brush clear and shut your mouth.
Come here a obvious novice and be a douche to those who have epic skills, will not work in your favor, a little courtesy goes a long way.
Big oak, yeah.......... OK
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woodchuck357
Addicted to ArboristSite
beastmaster
Addicted to ArboristSite
I don't know how many times I look at a tree, decide on a method, climb the tree and based on different things I see and feel change my whole strategy for removal. How much more so from one little picture.
If the trees been like that for a while it's not likely to buckle from your weight when you climb it. But as soon as you start cutting on it removing limbs and cutting through stressed wood things start changing. I'm just saying what ever you do and decide on may have to be changed to plan B or C as conditions change in the tree.
Binding it, and supporting it if needed are just the basics. Trees going to decide what to do from then forward. If you had to climb it as you say and you decide to do it. I would climb it with a good pole saw and start wittering a way at it trying not to get it to off balanced. Climb high and make small cuts. Make a nest below to catch the chunks so they don't roll a way.
Good chance the trunk is split and still under tension, Having it well strapped helps but sometimes it'll pinch your saw.
Any time you climb above a defect your taking a chance. I would have to be there and make that judgement my self based on many variables. Giving advice on climbing a potentially deadly tree over the internet is insane. I mean not for us, but for who ever is takeing it. It could go with out a hitch, probably will, but it could easyly go a way not even thought of yet. I might do it, but not for 1500.00
If the trees been like that for a while it's not likely to buckle from your weight when you climb it. But as soon as you start cutting on it removing limbs and cutting through stressed wood things start changing. I'm just saying what ever you do and decide on may have to be changed to plan B or C as conditions change in the tree.
Binding it, and supporting it if needed are just the basics. Trees going to decide what to do from then forward. If you had to climb it as you say and you decide to do it. I would climb it with a good pole saw and start wittering a way at it trying not to get it to off balanced. Climb high and make small cuts. Make a nest below to catch the chunks so they don't roll a way.
Good chance the trunk is split and still under tension, Having it well strapped helps but sometimes it'll pinch your saw.
Any time you climb above a defect your taking a chance. I would have to be there and make that judgement my self based on many variables. Giving advice on climbing a potentially deadly tree over the internet is insane. I mean not for us, but for who ever is takeing it. It could go with out a hitch, probably will, but it could easyly go a way not even thought of yet. I might do it, but not for 1500.00
Sounds like one of them jobs where the first two questions are - "how much is my life worth" and "what could possibly go wrong". The Aussies use big ratchet straps on Mountain Ash because they split down the stem when chogging down, I've had finger thick birch limbs hold my weight and thigh thick oak limbs break on me, each tree is different even within the same species. If the tree can be reinforced mechanically to stop the split opening then ok, but there's always the bits you can't see, the crack could easily go another 10' in both directions, visual assessment is essential for anything more than vague direction. I haven't met a road yet that's worth more than me or that can't be protected.
Good luck mate.
Good luck mate.
treeclimber101
UNCLE BUCK
I hate to see red names for new guys , I turned him neutral and within 20 seconds he was red again , I would say he may not come back. ...........
As soon as he said he was bound and determined to climb it no matter what I didn't figure he'd be back anyway.
