Leaner over Hiking Trail

[MtnHermit]

Here's a leaner over a hiking trail. More than enough headroom to walk under, but still a potential danger. The trail is just right of center in the photo.

It's 15-18" DBH and snagged at the top in a group of 4-6" trees. I have no clue how to remove it and at this point I won't try. Still I'd like to know what might be done?

Thanks for looking.

 

[2dogs]

You could tackle this tree one of several ways. First I assume this take down is legal and you have a permit or permission to do so. Second I assume that you can not drive a dozer or even a truck there to help you out. You could pull the tree out with a Tirfor or other hand winch (aka come-along). The simplest way (if you have experience) is to "fence post" the tree down by cutting short sections of the trunk starting at the butt. This process is easier than it sounds and is pretty safe. From where the tree is resting on the ground make bucking cuts about 3' apart vertically up, so they are at an angle to the trunk, till the tree falls to the ground. Of course you have to saw from the safe ide of the tree and having a 5' Peavey to roll the tree out will help. A throw bag and a bull rope is good insurance. Be safe and ALWAYS take pics.

 

[stikine]

2dogs summed it up quite nicely. If you decide to fence post it, just be prepared for the possibility of the tree getting more and more vertical as you remove the chunks (if the top is really hung up). Given the angle of lean this tree already has I think it will drop just fine. A rope and a come-a-long is good insurance.

 

[MtnHermit]

A rope and a come-a-long is good insurance.

Please explain where/how the rope and come-a-long are used.

Thanks

 

[stikine]

Please explain where/how the rope and come-a-long are used.

Try to get a bull line as high up the tree bole as you can...most folks use a small diameter throw line with a weight to position the bull line in the tree. Once the line is attached you can connect the end to a come-a-long that is anchored to a tree in a safe position and ratchet the offending tree loose.

 

[MtnHermit]

Try to get a bull line as high up the tree bole as you can...most folks use a small diameter throw line with a weight to position the bull line in the tree. Once the line is attached you can connect the end to a come-a-long that is anchored to a tree in a safe position and ratchet the offending tree loose.

If I understand correctly, you want the tree on the ground before any cutting? That would indeed be much safer. Conceivably it could be "winched" totally off the trail and no cutting required.

Thanks

 

[stikine]

If I understand correctly, you want the tree on the ground before any cutting? That would indeed be much safer. Conceivably it could be "winched" totally off the trail and no cutting required.

That's not what I meant...at the very least you will have to cut the tree off at the stump (if it's not already broken) before winching out the top.

 

[ShaneLogs]

Put a big wedge cut in it and take out the wedge piece and cut down from there and when the saw starts to pinch some, Put a plastic wedge in and/or cut from the bottom up. Be careful and have fun!

 

[2dogs]

Put a big wedge cut in it and take out the wedge piece and cut down from there and when the saw starts to pinch some, Put a plastic wedge in and/or cut from the bottom up. Be careful and have fun!

No do NOT cut a wedge out of the top of the log. You do not want the tree to buckle. The pieces slide past each other, very rapidly, and the cut end of the trunk usually sticks in the ground.

 

[MtnHermit]

I've done a few small leaners, they always react violently, so I can only imagine what this big fella would do. I'm aware of two bigger, more vertical leaners over trails I frequent, hence my question.

Too much uncertainty, to little knowledge on my part, I'll simply walk past and wonder and let father time bring `em down. I may get back to this spot next spring, if it's still there fine, if it's in pieces I'll spend a few minutes examining the pieces to see if I can figure out what a skilled forester decided to do.

Thanks for all the posts, you've convinced me to stay away.

 

[Gologit]

I've done a few small leaners, they always react violently, so I can only imagine what this big fella would do. I'm aware of two bigger, more vertical leaners over trails I frequent, hence my question.

Too much uncertainty, to little knowledge on my part, I'll simply walk past and wonder and let father time bring `em down. I may get back to this spot next spring, if it's still there fine, if it's in pieces I'll spend a few minutes examining the pieces to see if I can figure out what a skilled forester decided to do.

Thanks for all the posts, you've convinced me to stay away.

Good choice.

 

[ShaneLogs]

No do NOT cut a wedge out of the top of the log. You do not want the tree to buckle. The pieces slide past each other, very rapidly, and the cut end of the trunk usually sticks in the ground.

I did that once on a small one and it seemed to work good. Never tired it with a big tree. Maybe winch the tree the other way and make a cut and pull it at the same time so it does not come buckling down on you and who ever is near you.

 

[D&B Mack]

You can fence post like 2dogs said, which is most likely what I would do if I was limited on tools/equipment.

You could also do the same technique, but if you are afraid of it walking away from you and remaining hung up in the tree, you can leave a hinge in the cuts and winch the bottom section back in the direction of the stump. This at least causes the tree to drop straight down, but most of the time the tree will start to follow you back. This usually helps the tree become unhung in top.

 

[MtnHermit]

You can fence post like 2dogs said, which is most likely what I would do if I was limited on tools/equipment.

You could also do the same technique, but if you are afraid of it walking away from you and remaining hung up in the tree, you can leave a hinge in the cuts and winch the bottom section back in the direction of the stump. This at least causes the tree to drop straight down, but most of the time the tree will start to follow you back. This usually helps the tree become unhung in top.

What would really be appealing is to use the stump as a winch anchor, To do that, you'd need to remove blocks. But as soon you make a vertical cut, the leaner drops and digs into the ground, making winching difficult. So prior to the vertical cut, cut a "skid plate" into the base of the leaner so it won't dig and hang. Would seem only one or two blocks and the top would be free, problem solved.

Another feature, while winching, you're away from the fall/crush zone.

Is this workable?

 

[D&B Mack]

What would really be appealing is to use the stump as a winch anchor, To do that, you'd need to remove blocks. But as soon you make a vertical cut, the leaner drops and digs into the ground, making winching difficult. So prior to the vertical cut, cut a "skid plate" into the base of the leaner so it won't dig and hang. Would seem only one or two blocks and the top would be free, problem solved.

Another feature, while winching, you're away from the fall/crush zone.

Is this workable?

To be honest, can't really picture what you are doing. I don't see how you would use the stump. I assumed the tree was blown over, so still connected to stump, which would make the stump unusable. And not sure what you are doing with a vertical cut.

 

[floyd]

Here is a novel concept. Leave it alone. Plenty of room to walk around it. Or do you actually have a contract to do this trail clearing you seem to be doing alot of.

 

[Gologit]

Here is a novel concept. Leave it alone. Plenty of room to walk around it. Or do you actually have a contract to do this trail clearing you seem to be doing alot of.

As nearly as we can tell, since he won't answer that question when asked, he has no contract. No permit, either.

You're right, if something is in the way and you can't move it...go around it.

 

[RandyMac]

sound advice floyd.

 

[rwoods]

Permit or no permit, there are some things too dangerous to try with just an internet tutorial. Add to this mix a remote location and no help - a sure recipe to find your name in the news and the obits. Ron

 

[paccity]

go for it. ...... what could possibly go wrong.:msp_rolleyes: