New member from north central Iowa

[Kenh]

Thanks for letting me join. I'm a casual tree cutter and do OK with trees that have no issues but have a couple dead or near dead ash trees that could cause issues. I wish to learn more about some techniques to control the fall.

Ken

 

[stihlaficionado]

Welcome to AS

 

[Bill G]

I am over on the Iowa/Illinois border. I wonder whereabouts you are. I see you said NCIA so I am thinking maybe around Boone or so.

 

[Kenh]

I am over on the Iowa/Illinois border. I wonder whereabouts you are. I see you said NCIA so I am thinking maybe around Boone or so.

I have a Rockwell address so we are a little ways apart

Ken

 

[pdqdl]

Tip #1: Read a couple of short books or a lot of online conversations. The drawback with the online conversations is that they seldom focus on normal, easy, tree felling. Let us give you advice when the tough ones come along.

Tip#2: Get a throwball setup with some good arborist rope. Using them regularly will cover a lot of other mistakes when it comes to putting trees on the ground where you want them.

Tip #3: Just learn to keep your chainsaw sharp. Always. Dull chains cut slow, they make for dangerous chainsaw habits, and they take all the fun out using a chainsaw.

Tip #4: Get some wedges, and learn how to use them, using the rope and throwball as a safety backup. Once you have it figured out, then you can use whichever method strikes you as best in any situation.

Tip #5: Throw away any thoughts of climbing a tree with a ladder. If you aren't ready to do it the right way, for goodness sake, don't even think about using a ladder to make a cut in a tree.

 

[Kenh]

Tip #1: Read a couple of short books or a lot of online conversations. The drawback with the online conversations is that they seldom focus on normal, easy, tree felling. Let us give you advice when the tough ones come along.

Tip#2: Get a throwball setup with some good arborist rope. Using them regularly will cover a lot of other mistakes when it comes to putting trees on the ground where you want them.

Tip #3: Just learn to keep your chainsaw sharp. Always. Dull chains cut slow, they make for dangerous chainsaw habits, and they take all the fun out using a chainsaw.

Tip #4: Get some wedges, and learn how to use them, using the rope and throwball as a safety backup. Once you have it figured out, then you can use whichever method strikes you as best in any situation.

Tip #5: Throw away any thoughts of climbing a tree with a ladder. If you aren't ready to do it the right way, for goodness sake, don't even think about using a ladder to make a cut in a tree.

Replying in order..
#1 Yes I've been doing some reading and why I joined this site for good info

#2 I actually have some rope, just need a throw ball

#3 I'm a former Stihl tech. I purchased a pro style chain sharpener. And use it! It's already paid for itself so a good investment.

#4 I bought some wedges and and watching some educational videos on the proper use. The do a lot!!

#5 LOL Yes the thought crossed my mind and I even set up a ladder ONCE. Then better judgment kicked in remembering those You Tube videos of ladder fails!

Thank you for the advice and the reminders of poor practice!

Ken

 

[pdqdl]

I use a ladder every now and then, but I ALWAYS use my safeties to make the cuts. If my ladder gets knocked out from under me, I'm still rigged to come down safely without it.

Furthermore, I'm quite expert at dropping branches out of trees, and I know how to miss my ladder. Until you've done quite a bit of tree climbing (and cutting), you won't realize how much more complicated it is than just felling a tree. So my advice is just don't do any aerial trimming from a ladder.

Branches seem to head for the ladder like they are being guided by an evil wizard.