Strengthening of a tree before removing

[Grigory]

Yesterday we did the work on removal of a pine. DBH= 40 cm.(16”) 66’ tall. The tree was very dangerous, however below described measures have enabled to execute work successfully. We for the first time have applied such system.
In the bottom part of a tree there was a open crack. The crack went at first across a trunk on ~1/3 diameters, then along a trunk on length ~50 cm.(20”) (After removal the cross cut of a trunk in a place of a crack was made. The local decay on half of diameter was found out ) During a not strong wind this crack was opened up to 1 ñì. Before climbing on a tree he should be strengthened. The “brace” was imposed on a trunk. The brace represented a Ï-figurative steel beam 6’x 2’ and long 2 meters (~ 7’) The beam fastened to a trunk by four straps with ratchet buckle. The tension everyone straps was about 800 kg (0,8 tons) After imposing the brace the crack was completely closed. The guy also was install in addition.

 

[Grigory]

Some more photo

 

[Grigory]

2

 

[Grigory]

3

 

[MasterBlaster]

It looks like a good idea to me.

Were there any problems?

 

[Grigory]

In our case all has turned out very solidly. The problems any were not.
If the crack would be longer, longer beam, or even 2 - 3 beams and lot of straps was necessary. The installation of all design last 10 minutes. I think, if this installation to do not below, and in an average part of a trunk is will be not so simply. The beam weighs approximately 25 kg.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Glad everyone is okay, pretty risky job. Binding a vertical crack along can fortify i think, beam gives extra stiffness though. Maximum would be as long a support as possible with some bindings on the outer reaches for most leverage i think for stiffness, some bindings raight on crack line to compress for maintaining straongest cylindrical shape, minimizing any chance for shifting of the crack's 'pieces.

Fortifying a crack with a horizontal crack in stem, i don't know about; especially opposite lean; forcing guy line to pull off building to lock horizontal crack, rather than locking into building; guying over the top of building.

i would have wanted to brace and fell whole thing off roof if i could. Consider a tie in that was throw lined to other trees perhaps, maybe even another guy line higher, then throgh high branch of other tree; maybe even tying in below that guy. Then running DdRT lines up through a sling /carabiner set every 5-8' like a mountain climber, making allowances for this and that to fail, and successive catches. Even then i'd want to throw the top, then drop the stick from roof; cuz i mighta walked from that if i had to climb! The low crack position places tons of leverage on it IMLHO. Good Job!

 

[Koa Man]

Wasn't it too cold to be doing tree work?? Good job on the bracing and safe removal.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Originally posted by Koa Man
Wasn't it too cold to be doing tree work??

HA! Then you would not work for 3-4 months out of the year.

Oh, that sound like me, anyone further south need any help for a few days?

 

[Grigory]

Already habit. Normal weather of -5C (23F). Once worked at -20C (-4F). It is our record. Usual, if it is more cold -15C (5F) we try to not work. The basic complexity is a short day at 16 hours already darkly. There is one advantage in the winter: The layer of ice and snow by thickness 10-20” well protects a lawn and bushes. It is possible to throw downwards branches and parts of a trunk.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Hey Grigory, how do you say 'treeman' in Russian?

 

[rborist1]

:Eye:

 

[NeTree]

Good job, Grigori.

Using braces to support an otherwise unsafe tree is another good skill to keep in our "tool boxes".

Better to be safe than sorry!

 

[Lumberjack]

That looks like the best way to set up the brace. It seems that the tree was trying to barberchair up, so placing it against the barberchair woulda been the best spot. Multiple braces on that side might have supported it better, but it seems to have worked fine. Also 2 guys woulda prevented the spar from swinging if it broke, if you set them up so they made a V to the tree.

Good job!


Carl

 

[underwor]

Good to hear from you Grigory, I had a great time last summer visiting. Haven't heard from Dima in a long while. Is he still around. I still have not tried your method of climbing, but I have the photo I took of your set-up, so will get to it sometime. Had some health problems this summer that slowed me down a little. Don't know if you saw the attached photo or not.

Your ND Friend, Bob

http://165.234.175.12/photos/Russia/1 Trip Pictures/IM000155.JPG

 

[Grigory]

To M.B.

Certainly Russia "the country of the barbarians" , however names at us too are not translated. The computer gives such of result while translating there – here:
Tree man – ×åëîâåê äåðåâà - The man of a tree

 

[MasterBlaster]

Spell it in english, and phonetically if possible.

Like 'Das-va-don-ya'.

 

[Grigory]

To Bob

Hi Bob
Thank behind a photo. I already have looked some photos on yours web a site, about trip to Russia. I also read yours trip diary. On our website I have made small page about your visit to Moscow: http://www.udal.ru/visit-2.htm
I want to tell a thank for demonstration of throwline technology. Some days back we have received from Sherrill "Rihno Line" We have tested this method. After eight attempts I install a line on a pine through a good branch at height of 15-17 meters (45-50")
It essentially has sped up our work. We want to use soon this technology at pruning of oaks. I think it essentially will facilitate and will speed up work. The oaks have the convenient form for installation throwline, and to work on the ends of branches much more conveniently with a high point of an attachment to a trunk.
Still have received from Sherrill Port-A-Wrap this tool now is tested.

Your Moscow Friend, Grigory

 

[Grigory]

To M.B.

It sounds approximately so:
Czelovek Dereva, or Drevesniy Czelovek

 

[MasterBlaster]

It looks like I won't be getting that russian interpreters job anytime soon!

Thanks, Grigory.