Need advice: Split Oak needs downed before bad things happen

[Johnnybar]

Here's pics of my situation. It's leaning and limb weighted in the direction it needs to go down. Only concerns are:
1. Too far clockwise (CW) and we might lose gate posts and maybe some wire fence (no big deal).
2. Too far counter CW (CCW) and it gets into the two story garage. (BIG DEAL)
3. It is split in at least one or two locations with regrowth, has been struck many times over the last 30 years, and had some rot of which I think I've cut all of it out...can't be certain that the heart is solid until I bore cut or auger drill it.
4. Potential widow makers on back cut side...to be limbed before felling.

I have chains, binders, heavy nylon load straps/binders, tractors, post augers, hedge posts, etc to secure it. Need lots of advice on making sure the garage (and me) stays in one piece.

Backcut side with rot removed. Felling planned toward shed.

Garage view.

Future face cut / line of fall view. That current cut is bark removal for rot test only.

Future face cut side closeup.

Good wood on right side with shallow cut.

Good wood on left side with shallow cut.

 

[no tree to big]

Im not sure id trust the base of that thing... If you do try to drop it Put a rope in it very high and anchor to a large vehicle, ideally bigger then a pickup.

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[Oldmaple]

Depends on whether there is any decay in the base where you are cutting the notch/hinge area. Looks weighted to the left in the pictures and should fall that way. Pull rope in it is always a good idea.

 

[Johnnybar]

Im not sure id trust the base of that thing... If you do try to drop it Put a rope in it very high and anchor to a large vehicle, ideally bigger then a pickup.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

I was thinking maybe set a hedge post or two several feet deep and strap off to them at a 85-90 deg angle from the felling target line. My 16 ton dozer will cost >$500 to move from the ranch to the house so the posts are the anchor option. Only other option is a 1 ton F350 7.3 diesel and a 25' GN flatbed.

 

[Johnnybar]

Well I punched that little 16" pruning saw's bar in at knee height about 14" deep from the back cut side and had good wood until possibly a smidge softer wood was hit in the last inch or two. I'm thinking it's getting close to time to break out the Stihl. Anyone else have any words of wisdom before I jump in?

 

[Johnnybar]

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead...the Wicked Witch...the Witch is Dead............. The garage, gate, fence and I are still standing!


Missed aligning the hinge a bit! 18" bar vs 30"+ stump...all's well that ends well.


The Ol' Witch fell right where I had marked with some rebar.

 

[Johnnybar]

2 months later..........

 

[Johnnybar]

Here's some of the slabs that have come off so far.

 

[mr.finn]

Those slabs are awesome!!! What do you plan on using them for?

 

[Johnnybar]

Not sure yet. They have a long drying wait but I have contemplated tables, benches, bar tops and selling as options so far. I keep thinking that it would be a shame to waste them on a wood worker as mediocre as myself...LOL