The working man, and chainsaw thread!!!!!!!!!

[struggle]

Here's the rest of the story

The owner that hired me bought this home as a fixer up and it is currently being renovated. Owner said not to be concerned with her home in the tree removal as roof is going to be replaced gutters are falling off etc. It was a reposeed home in dire neglect. I got this job on recommendation from other people I have done work for. This owenr also had a place for me to dump all tree branches for free and it was near by. I made a connection with another family in need of firewood and those poeple have taken everything away that was over 4' in size. Huge help.


Yesterday I cut down a mulberry that had turned into nine different trees like they do when a bird puts them there in the fence line. The mulberry was on the roof of the home next door Roof is in terrible terrible shape, did I mention it was in terrible shape! I took before pictures of the roof with tree in place. I told my owner that she needed to get persmission for me to cut the tree down the other owner so I don't have an issue later. My owner said the homeowner said no problem and thought it would be great as she wasn't footing the bill for it.

So yesterday I took down all but the trunk of the mulberry and today I go to clena up some more and cut the rest of the trunk limbs down to ready them to be picked up by my firewood seeking person. Shortly after I get there man exits neighbors home and very angrly tells me I wasn't to cut that tree down and I went to far in what I did. (I thought this was the owner) So I call my owner and tell her of the situation and I am feeling uncomfortable with this. A little while later a lady comes out (renter of said house) and chews my butt for doing the tree removal and I said I am working with the owner and she said she has persmission from property owner to remove the trees since they are on the fence line. I call my owner back and told her that she needs to contact the owner again of this porperty and explain what is going on as I'm not going tobe a go between on this. It seemed to me this could get ugly really fast.

My owner comes over and talks to the renter lady and she has calmed down and not crying anymore saying the lady she rents from won't make any repairs to the home etc. They hug and all seems good.

So I'm up in the walnut tree pictured above and now this older lady walks through the yard and says she owns the property. Keep in mind I'm up the tree 30' climbing down it and sectioning it out as I go. Nothing but trunk at this point:hmm3grin2orange:

She says my husband passed and mumbles I should sell this house etc. Huge red flag to me (she is right away telling info I don't need to know, pulling out the widow card:msp_ohmy Then ask is anything of this tree removal going to damage her property (red flag, thankfully I have pictures) Old lady (slumlord)says well these trees are not on my property line they belong to my owner. I'm not sure how she determined this. So after these red flags I have deteremind at this point this job has to stop until we get some stuff in writing between the owners.

So I go in full clean up mode. Firewood collector brings over two vehicles within an two hour span. All but a small amount is loaded and the rest will be picked up tomorrow. I completely rake and groom the ground leaving everything way cleaner than it was when I got there to begin with on both properties I had no damage what so ever at ether home. I asked my owner to come over and see me. She is a very personable and has been great with all this drama. I told her I will have everything cleaned up but still have two more trees to take down there. One very alive one on the property line and one large one that is clearly my owners tree but over hangs the neighbors property where they park thier cars which is 70% dead and they have complianed once already about branches fall out during storms hitting thier cars (hello that is why I'm here to stop this from happening anymore) Nether tree is in range of any structures. These ones I have been looking forward to taking down. Not the big risk the others have been.

I told her I would finish work after she gets something in writing from the owner of the rental property that I can be over there taking out the other two trees that hang over on her property and that she acknowledges a ten foot chain link fence that goes no where, currently falling donw and not connected to anything might be the subject a branch or two hitting it giving it the final death blow to the ground. The fence has no pupose at all other than someone being to lazy to remove the rest of it. I have been paid in full to this point on the job thus far.

Here are some pictures of the rental porperty:msp_sad:

Also forgot before the final clean up with the rake I was leaving to dump the trailer and look down the street since I was in the alley and I see a guy out front of the home taking all kinds of pictures so know I am like NOW WHAT! So i go dump the trailer and come back and see a yellow tag on my owners front door. The city want to get into the home to give it a once over to see what type of wrok is being done on the home (code violations) So now we suspect the rental people called the city on my owner. She also told me she switched insurance companies so the guy taking pictures was from there.

Also will add the HT131 is the cats ass what a great tool. No regrets at all. Super companion to have along.

 

[struggle]

Great pictures Shane! BUT!!! I'm hooked, what is "the rest of the story....."??? :bringit:
Glad to hear the take down went well. I see you had your flipline wrapped around the trunk, did that make working any easier?
.....so, fess up, what happened?!? :dunno:

I felt a world better having the line wraped like that. Completely changed how I felt being in a tree. The only thing though is I went up and down with the line like that which took a little extra time as I don't have a bail out line back up line. I am hoping the video series I have will explain some of this as I can ascend and descend fairly fast with the line not wrapped but I did not want to what so ever unclip while in the tree just holding onto the trunk trying to double wrap the flip line in transitioning flip line.

 

[NHlocal]

I felt a world better having the line wraped like that. Completely changed how I felt being in a tree. The only thing though is I went up and down with the line like that which took a little extra time as I don't have a bail out line back up line. I am hoping the video series I have will explain some of this as I can ascend and descend fairly fast with the line not wrapped but I did not want to what so ever unclip while in the tree just holding onto the trunk trying to double wrap the flip line in transitioning flip line.

Ayuh, I know for me it makes all the difference. And yes, going up and down the tree with it wrapped around the trunk is much slower/harder. I use my climbline as a second "flipline" which gives the ability to safely unhook the primary flipline and "reset" it. :msp_thumbup:
YIKES!!! Sounds like you had a very "exciting" day! Sounds like you're covered with the work that you did, you said there are two more trees to take down? Hope that all works out for ya' with less "drama" than yesterday.....:hmm3grin2orange:.
I hope to be cutting tomorrow, but right now it's make coffee and get ready for work time.....thanks for the "update".
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[struggle]

Hey I did at least get through the first DVD video on using a throw line. I am impressed with it. I had no idea a person could throw one so far up by hand. Clearly a lot learned skill over time.

Now I am starting a wish list of stuff to buy and a proper throw line is on that list. I am using the first tools he mentions like bolts and have used a wrench as well. Which are not very effective

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Whats up fellas! Just got back from hunting, got a nice deer. Shane gotta be honest, I know work is good, money needed, but I would walk away from that one. Only had to walk away from a few, but ones I did I was glad. I would walk away my friend. Glad you like the pole saw!

 

[struggle]

Whats up fellas! Just got back from hunting, got a nice deer. Shane gotta be honest, I know work is good, money needed, but I would walk away from that one. Only had to walk away from a few, but ones I did I was glad. I would walk away my friend. Glad you like the pole saw!

It is all good now. I spoke with my owner today and she spoke directly with the property owner and she said all the trees we/I cut were not on her property so that resolves the whole issue of the renters being mad as this is out of thier control. I will be back there on Monday to take down the last two trees. Once this is done it will completely change the way the property not only looks but will also make it much safer for both homes and for the cars that park under the half dead tree now which is on both properties

The rental owner also said no issue with being on her property just clean up any mess created. I will be glad once it is complete. My owner I think is quite well contected and very happy thus far so I don't want to back out now on the job when homeplate is in site.

If I had knew up front it what might happen it would for sure have been handled differently. A learning lesson for sure

 

[NHlocal]

O.K., was able to get started cutting this afternoon at the property the homeowner wants 20+ trees taken down. overall it went very well. Started with the tree that was closest to the house, took quite a lot of rope work to get it all down safely. Gained a huge amount of "practical experience" today. Completely worn out and sore. :hmm3grin2orange: It was a good day. :msp_thumbup: I'm ready for sleep, but first, here's a few pics.....

....."gunning".....I stuck a stick in the ground on line and at the height(distance) of where I wanted the trunk to hit.....

.....dropped it EXACTLY on the mark, and VERY close on the "height estimate".....

 

[struggle]

Great pictures! Did you take the whole top out at once as it looks and swing it to the other tree instead of taking the branches down one by one?

 

[NHlocal]

Great pictures! Did you take the whole top out at once as it looks and swing it to the other tree instead of taking the branches down one by one?

Ayuh, it'll take me a few days to edit the video and post it, I'll get it posted ASAP.

 

[jimdad07]

O.K., was able to get started cutting this afternoon at the property the homeowner wants 20+ trees taken down. overall it went very well. Started with the tree that was closest to the house, took quite a lot of rope work to get it all down safely. Gained a huge amount of "practical experience" today. Completely worn out and sore. :hmm3grin2orange: It was a good day. :msp_thumbup: I'm ready for sleep, but first, here's a few pics.....

....."gunning".....I stuck a stick in the ground on line and at the height(distance) of where I wanted the trunk to hit.....

.....dropped it EXACTLY on the mark, and VERY close on the "height estimate".....

You are getting very good at what you do, I am enjoying checking in and looking at this pics. Keep up the good work!

 

[NHlocal]

You are getting very good at what you do, I am enjoying checking in and looking at this pics. Keep up the good work!

Thanks, always trying to learn more and improve.....:redface:

 

[Denis Gionet]

Well, we're back, and we'll have a freezer full again this year .....

View attachment 254056

First and only one we saw in the week. It's been incredibly dry up here and the moose haven't been in their regular spots. Ended up moving the camper on the Tuesday, as there was nothing moving where it was. And had to drive back to town on Wednesday to change out the starter on the pickup, warranty at least. Lost 2 afternoons there. Got the moose on Friday.

Randy, I LOVE the first pic in the bunch, you're "out on a limb" on that one for sure !!! I love your job !

Struggle, too bad for the property line and neighbor issues. Gotta hate when others stick their noses in too far. You did them a favor taking down the trees, looks like the limbs/tops would flatten the roof anyway. They should be more appreciative.

On a positive note, we got a contract at work for 26 modified pickups for an open pit gold mine that's reopening, backracks with add-ons, front lift kits, rear brake protectors and a bunch of other stuff. We'll prolly start on the racks in the coming weeks.

 

[NHlocal]

Well, we're back, and we'll have a freezer full again this year .....

View attachment 254056

First and only one we saw in the week. It's been incredibly dry up here and the moose haven't been in their regular spots. Ended up moving the camper on the Tuesday, as there was nothing moving where it was. And had to drive back to town on Wednesday to change out the starter on the pickup, warranty at least. Lost 2 afternoons there. Got the moose on Friday.

Randy, I LOVE the first pic in the bunch, you're "out on a limb" on that one for sure !!! I love your job !

Struggle, too bad for the property line and neighbor issues. Gotta hate when others stick their noses in too far. You did them a favor taking down the trees, looks like the limbs/tops would flatten the roof anyway. They should be more appreciative.

On a positive note, we got a contract at work for 26 modified pickups for an open pit gold mine that's reopening, backracks with add-ons, front lift kits, rear brake protectors and a bunch of other stuff. We'll prolly start on the racks in the coming weeks.

Thanks Denis,
I've still got TONS to learn, a few things happened to remind me of that during the take down. I'm grateful that nothing more serious than losing a little skin off my ring finger and being "a bit" more sore than usual. :redface: And no damage to the house or property. I've got tomorrow off so I'll be cutting again tomorrow. :msp_w00t:
Congratulations on the moose and the contract at work!

 

[Brian13]

Shane, the pics looked good. Climbing will look very simple after watching those DVDs lol. If you ever get a climb line, it will make things a lot easier. You can leave a stub and repel down, as well as use it as a second lanyard. Glad that job worked out in the end. Dealing with renters isnt always fun, they seem to think they have the final say for some reason. Randy, great pics. Really looking good. If you dont mind my asking what was your learning experience?

 

[NHlocal]

Shane, the pics looked good. Climbing will look very simple after watching those DVDs lol. If you ever get a climb line, it will make things a lot easier. You can leave a stub and repel down, as well as use it as a second lanyard. Glad that job worked out in the end. Dealing with renters isnt always fun, they seem to think they have the final say for some reason. Randy, great pics. Really looking good. If you dont mind my asking what was your learning experience?

Well Brian,
when I get the video posted it will show a lot better than I can explain. The two main things that happened (went wrong), happened at pretty much the same time. As I've said in earlier posts I have VERY little practical/hands on experience with the Porta wrap, and there wasn't anyone there with any "real" tree work experience.(the home owner was there and his family so they were dragging brush) so I had to rig the Porta wrap in the tree so I could "run" it. When I cut the top out I should have had 1 or 2 more wraps on it 'cause it "ran away" on me and pulled my hand partially into the Porta wrap. Peeled some skin off my ring finger and my hand is pretty sore but nothing is broken, I'm grateful for that. The other thing that happened is, having to run the Porta wrap I had to finish the cut with one hand (should've used the hand saw:bang when the top just started to go I shut the saw off and swung it around to my side to drop it let the leash catch it so I would have a free hand to hang on with. What I didn't know was the leash had come unhooked while I was putting in the back cut and they saw it from the ground but couldn't say anything 'cause that's when all the "action" started. I was about 45 feet up and when the saw hit the ground there happened to be a piece of plywood the home owner had put down to give some "protection" to his leech field which was right there, and wouldn't you know that saw hit square on the tip of the bar and stuck in like a lawn dart! The bar was pushed out of adjustment and the chain brake handle popped out on the starter side, but after I took it apart, checked it over and put it back together it ran as good as ever, nothing bent or broke. Can you believe it!!! :msp_w00t: I am super critical of myself and when something(s) like that happens I beat myself up quite a bit:bang::bang:. What bothers me the most is I ALMOST lost the top of that tree over the house, it's a very humbling experience to have something like that happen, it is for me anyway. I've got so much I need to learn, but I am very grateful "cause I didn't lose the top over the house, and I didn't bust up my saw, and I didn't break any bones(or lose any fingers). So, other than that, there were a bunch of things that went REALLY well, I'll work on getting the video done and you see what I mean, gotta get to sleep, I'm going back over tomorrow to do some more cutting(got the day off from work).
Thanks for asking.

 

[struggle]

Uh WOW Randy. Glad most of all no harm to you. I can't imagine how you heart sank when that all happened and then wondering on top of that what happened to the saw until you got down.

I hit a fence on the last job and I took it really personal as a failure on my part as it could have been avoided. Things happen and we live to learn about what to do the next time.

I have soooo much to learn on rigging myself and don't even understand how you took the whole top out like you did as I have not tackled anything of that height yet or in that size I don't think.

I have an elm which is the last tree at this home where I have had the issues at with the neighbors. I should be able to just climb it and drop the branches off it, but just for safety sake I am going to cut and lower each branch. Everything on this job so far has went very well and I don't want to leave things to chance on what should be the easiest tree of them all to take down as you know that is the one that can turn into the worst one quickly.

 

[NHlocal]

Uh WOW Randy. Glad most of all no harm to you. I can't imagine how you heart sank when that all happened and then wondering on top of that what happened to the saw until you got down.

I hit a fence on the last job and I took it really personal as a failure on my part as it could have been avoided. Things happen and we live to learn about what to do the next time.

I have soooo much to learn on rigging myself and don't even understand how you took the whole top out like you did as I have not tackled anything of that height yet or in that size I don't think.

I have an elm which is the last tree at this home where I have had the issues at with the neighbors. I should be able to just climb it and drop the branches off it, but just for safety sake I am going to cut and lower each branch. Everything on this job so far has went very well and I don't want to leave things to chance on what should be the easiest tree of them all to take down as you know that is the one that can turn into the worst one quickly.

Thanks Shane,
as I said, I'm grateful the worst that happened was getting beat up a bit physically. Ayuh, a lot to learn, :msp_thumbup: I'm there.
Take the time to do it safe for sure, hope that goes well for ya'.
I'm on my way to pack gear right now, cutting again today at the same property. I'll make sure the day goes better this time. :msp_tongue:

Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[Brian13]

I know exactly what you feel like. I beat myself up over mistakes as well and take it very personally. Glad so far between the two of us pride has been hurt more than the body. One thing I that comes to my mind is that when you are hanging a top like that you are trying to do two peoples jobs. Just my .02$, but I would try to find a buddy that wouldnt mind helping you from time to time when it comes to roping stuff down. Glad your saw did not get damaged. I got tired of being tangled up, and ditched the lanyard. My boss sold me on going with out and so far I like it. Took a bit to get over the fear of dropping my saw, but so far its not to bad. Really looking forward to the video and the pics looked great. Hope all goes well today.

 

[Denis Gionet]

Yup, errors in judgement and mistakes are a working man's education. What we learned today we won't likely repeat tomorrow. As a mechanic I learn something every day. If I didn't learn, it's cause I didn't work. Some days are ho-hum, but days like today and yesterday are very educational.

Randy, make sure you come home tonight with all of yourself ....opcorn:

 

[Alex D]

Well, we're back, and we'll have a freezer full again this year .....

View attachment 254056

First and only one we saw in the week. It's been incredibly dry up here and the moose haven't been in their regular spots. Ended up moving the camper on the Tuesday, as there was nothing moving where it was. And had to drive back to town on Wednesday to change out the starter on the pickup, warranty at least. Lost 2 afternoons there. Got the moose on Friday.

Randy, I LOVE the first pic in the bunch, you're "out on a limb" on that one for sure !!! I love your job !

Struggle, too bad for the property line and neighbor issues. Gotta hate when others stick their noses in too far. You did them a favor taking down the trees, looks like the limbs/tops would flatten the roof anyway. They should be more appreciative.

On a positive note, we got a contract at work for 26 modified pickups for an open pit gold mine that's reopening, backracks with add-ons, front lift kits, rear brake protectors and a bunch of other stuff. We'll prolly start on the racks in the coming weeks.

Nice moose there Denis. Spike bulls are the best freezer fill/eating moose while calves do taste better they don't give a lot of meat. Spikes give plenty of meat and they are also still fairly tender. Whereabouts do you go moose hunting Denis?? I am going myself in a week or so up near Thunder Bay.