tree felling question

[nomak]

Im a newbie and see people scale trees and top them out because of not being able to drop them due to structures being close by. Once they have sized them down then they drop them with a normal face cut and so forth at the ground level of the tree.. Is there a book that has good info and pics on how this is done.. Im wanting to do some reading and learn the art of doing this.. also I have a buddy that has a tree service company and im sure he would let me help him out beings im laid off right now or even on weekends just so i can learn the tricks of the trade.. thanks..

 

[bigstihl]

Check out Baileys, they have a bunch of books on tree felling and such

 

[avalancher]

I would highly advise that you contact your buddy with the tree service and offer to trade education for free labor first, then supplement your on hands education with what you can pick up from a book.I taught myself to climb,but it was slow going and looking back I would never do it again.There are a lot of books on the subject, The Tree Climbers Companion is an excellent reference,but it is no substitute for hands on learning.No book can possibly touch on all the variables associated with climbing,and it certainly can not address things as proper fit of harness,rope selections and rigging for each situation,etc.

Unless you are well insured and want to leave your wife or signicant other a wealthy woman,get the input of a seasoned tree service to show you the ropes.
Even speaking from a pratical side,it would be disheartening to buy all the equipement that you need and a book then discover that climbing is not for you.Lot of $$ gets tied up really quick in a decent climbing rig.

 

[gwiley]

Jeff Jepson's "To Fell A Tree" is a great resource for novices. I have read and re-read that book. I still have a rule though - if a situation causes me doubt/concern then I don't touch the tree.

Over the years I have accumulated a lot of gear for handling hazard trees - I can't calculate the cost of getting it all at once. So when I face a situation that I am not equipped for or don't have the skill to handle I wouldn't hesitate to call in the pros.

You WILL respect the power of a falling tree, either because you think it through before hand or because the tree "schools" you on the way down.