Tying into adjacent tree

[Big O]

Looking for rule of thumb or advice on sane distance limit for using an neighboring tree to safely tie into. I've been doing a lot of looking at trees that need to be removed but will probably just be allowed to slowly fall apart by cheap, rental property owners. Studying what I would do if the job were to actually be done correctly. Many have neighboring healthy trees and most of these dying trees are probably safe to climb but would like the insurance of a safer tie in. With a ground guy and a tie line attached he could limit the force of any potential big swing but then he's useless for anything else for the day. Without someone for belay what would be the sane distance limit?

 

[stltreedr]

I don't have any rules of thumb.. I think it depends on the situation, height of TIP, how far you are willing to allow yourself to swing in case of an emergency. Maybe it would be best to do with proper equipment. No shame in turning trees down.

 

[kyle goddard]

Use 2 lines with a swivel on your saddle to prevent twisting. If the tree will support you id just climb it. Inspect it first. Make sure you know it will hold you along with any rigging you will be doing.
Have you any pictures?

I also just thought of this. Climb str with your line going up through the neighbors tree to the top of the tree you will be working on.

What condition are the trees in? What kind of tree is it?

 

[Big O]

Wow! Went by to take a closer look and thump one or two. Dead as a door nail, even the roots are dry and ring, fractures throughout. I've no experience using a bucket but might give it a try but the owner is an older lady that kept talking about how two guys came by and dropped a tree a number of years ago for $100 bucks. No way in hell I'd try to climb it. It's too close to two buildings and a fence to fell. Again no experience with a bucket but I think I would want to try and secure it to the neighboring tree in case it decided to go from vibration.
It's beyond what I'm comfortable with and I don't think she can or would pay the price needed for me to put on my harness. I would like to see how to do it safely though but I'm betting gravity does the job before a sane human is given the chance.

 

[Overwatch]

Sounds like one to pass on, IMHO.

 

[woodchuck357]

I would use at least three guy cables or ropes to hold it upright, climb it and work it down.

I don't have any guidelines for putting a lifeline into adjacent trees, but have done it often. You just have to judge each situation and make sure the swing you may take will take you out of danger without getting you hurt at the end of it.

There have been times when the lifeline was attached to a pulley on a cable strung between trees that were not close enough to the tree I was working in to use them directly.

I work very carefully and have only rarely had to swing out on the lifeline.

 

[kyle goddard]

Perhaps you can get a self propelled lift to the work area. Checkout some local rental places and see what they have to offer.

I use to have a fear of dead trees untill i started working were i do now. Unless it is crispy crispy and or hollow to the point it will not suport a climber. It will be climbed.

I dont always climb dead trees. When i do its always safety first all the time.
Climb safely my friends.:msp_biggrin:

 

[PassionForTrees]

Being tied in twice and an adjustable lanyard only if you really think this tree is workable, sometimes they are so risky that there is no rigging to itself at all and no over pulling or jerking the tag line for pulling over chunks. Remember there is always a crane and or manual lift. But you have to get paid for all that! if not let some other dumb cowboy do it! for nothing. BS :msp_sneaky: