spar strength

mikecross23 · Mar 9, 2003

Yesterday I ran out of daylight and had to leave a 75'-80' pine spar standing. I was kind of worried about it with all of this bad weather N. Fla is getting right now. The tree was completely healthy before I limbed it up. I know w/ no branches a spar has more sway to it, but does that weaken the structure to the point that it is dangerous to leave standing for a day or two? I don't think it is, but for some reason I was worried all night about that dang tree.

Anyone have any bad experiences with a similiar situation?

treeclimber165 · Mar 9, 2003

About the only problem you will have if you finish the removal within the next month is all the sap. That spar should be good and sticky by now! :laugh:

Bring the Go-Jo when you go back to finish.

I've done several pine removals where I left a 25'-35' spar for habitat. They took several (5+)years before starting to crumble from rot/ termites/ etc.

mikecross23 · Mar 9, 2003

I saw another post, I think by Dave (DDM) about being sick of the rain. Well, ME TOO!!! I have a limited # of days each week to do my tree work, and with this rain those days are lookin' scarce! I was going to finish it this morning but once again it's rainin'. The customer made it clear that it is ok to take my time, but I hate leaving a job unfinished!

Didn't figure a standing spar was much threat but was uneasy about it. I guess since I trust my life hanging on the side of it, I should trust its strenght for a day or two.

Just lookin' for some peace of mind from you experienced folk!

-Mike-

NeTree · Mar 9, 2003

If it didn't fall with all those limbs bearing weight and wind load to it, you'll be just fine.

John Paul Sanborn · Mar 9, 2003

If it did not fall with you climbing down...think of the force applyed to that long lever with you body and gear up there.

Look at dead trees, how they can stand for years and my stand through storms that take out live trees. There is very little resistance to the force of the wind to get it pushed over.

What you notice with the movement of the spar as you remove crown is called Mass Dampening by the engineers. The limbs move at a different rate/frequency then the trunk so thier movement will dampen the movement of the trunk. the more of this mass removed the less dampening effect on the lever that the spar is.

Once we realize this we try to take long branches apart from the tip out and tall trees from the top down if possible, so you don't have to fight the sway of a skinny spar.