I have a small tree felling job to do for a lady. All the trees are low risk in terms of damaging structures or property. There is one wind damaged poplar, about 18" dial. with a vertical crack about 10'-12' long from the ground up. My question, is there a technique for cutting this tree? I'm concerned about a barber chair. I am thinking about wrapping a chain around the trunk above my cut and treating like any other tree. Does that seem reasonable?
vertical crack in poplar
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littlejoetqt
ArboristSite Lurker
Though a poplar tree isn't normally a likely tree to barber chair, I would be a little concerned, especially if you have a small landing zone. If the tree allows it, I would put my hinge perpendicular to the crack in the tree, and be very careful in the process. I am just a greenhorn, but that's how I would do it. The chain isn't a bad idea, I've never tried anything like that. make it a 3/8" transport chain if the tree is very big at all.
Might be a job for a bucket truck...no amount of easy money is worth your life.
Might be a job for a bucket truck...no amount of easy money is worth your life.
oscar4883
Addicted to ArboristSite
Tough to say without pics, but maybe put a ratchet strap/chain on it and proceed as you normally would. Or, strap it, set a rope in and and when it is cut up get out of the way and pull it with mechanical advantage, vehicle, winch, etc. You are in North East PA?
tree md
Addicted to ArboristSite
I had to do one yesterday that was split from the rootball to 20' up the spar. It was uprooted and hanging over an 8' privacy fence. I cabled it together with a 5 ton come along in hopes of making it a little more predictable with no nasty surprises.
troythetreeman
ArboristSite Operative
pictures help
chain sounds reasonable
i sometimes use a short piece of rigging rope myself in similar situations
stay safe and use your common sense
you have to climb it or its a notch and drop?
chain sounds reasonable
i sometimes use a short piece of rigging rope myself in similar situations
stay safe and use your common sense
you have to climb it or its a notch and drop?
Yea I'm in nepa, Wilkes-barre Scranton area. You?
Ok cool, no I'm not going to climb it. I will put a rope on it and pull with the truck to be safe.
troythetreeman
ArboristSite Operative
ive seen people break ropes pulling with trucks, be careful
yea or the top breaks off. No I will notch it but leave a strong hinge and then use the truck with a redirect pulley. I will take some pics.
deevo
Addicted to ArboristSite
Buy some masdam rope pullers with 150' of 3 strand! Well worth the minimal investment! Like others said strap it as well.
I will look into that, thanks
deevo
Addicted to ArboristSite
Anything to help you out. Add a block and you have a 2:1 mech advantage. We have used this system to pull over big trees, leaners etc.... they work great!
Captain Crunch
ArboristSite Operative
I have used the masdam rope puller with 3 strand quite a bit and really like the system. I have found that by the time I am pulling really hard on the handle, I am close to the point where the rope will slip in the puller. If it slips, it does NOT release the load which is good, but it puts a nice burn on the rope, not good. Rope is still usable, but certainly not as trustworthy as before it slipped, so "don't do that". My guess is that this occurs somewhere just above the rated 1750 lbs pull, but I have not measured it.
So, when I get to where I am having to pull with two hands, it is time to back off and put in a block to double my pull. So unless it is a small job or I know single line will do, I tend to just start with the doubler and save the trouble.
deevo
Addicted to ArboristSite
Used it on this one
Put 2 ropes into this poplar the other day. My original plan was to climb it, rig everything down, got up to where the first union splits off, 3" hole in the tree that I couldn't see from the ground, my 13" hand saw went right through it! Went to plan B, roped it above the hole/hollow spot, then roped it below (that was more for the side lean control) did my cuts, went nice and slow on the back cut, and one of my guys pulled it over nice and easy! I did not have a strap with me (water access was in my truck), but tied off the bottom part above my cut in case it wanted to roll toward the cottage on me and in case of a barber chair Went great. I have a video of it as well, will try and post when time allows!
Put 2 ropes into this poplar the other day. My original plan was to climb it, rig everything down, got up to where the first union splits off, 3" hole in the tree that I couldn't see from the ground, my 13" hand saw went right through it! Went to plan B, roped it above the hole/hollow spot, then roped it below (that was more for the side lean control) did my cuts, went nice and slow on the back cut, and one of my guys pulled it over nice and easy! I did not have a strap with me (water access was in my truck), but tied off the bottom part above my cut in case it wanted to roll toward the cottage on me and in case of a barber chair Went great. I have a video of it as well, will try and post when time allows!
oscar4883
Addicted to ArboristSite
Pocono area. If you need a hand let me know. Have had good experiences working with guys I have met on here and their friends.
Thanks for the offer, and same to you. I would like to learn more, do you know of any classes in our area? I am proficient with a saw, and have rock climbing experience as well as high angle rope rescue training as a volunteer firefighter. I want to learn more rigging and arborist stuff, but I am having trouble. I thought about calling local guys to see if I can moonlight with them for experience.
oscar4883
Addicted to ArboristSite
Nothing wrong with finding a local co. to do some work for. I am not privy to any local classes. I am more than willing to impart the little bit of knowledge I have. LOL Shoot me a PM if you want to hook up sometime.
thepheniox
ArboristSite Operative
The chain sounds reasonable. A rachet strap probably a little more reasonable. Just to get it as tight as possible. After putting the strap on I would fall the tree just like any other tree. Works very well. Not saying it would make it safe to climb if that was an issue but for felling yes.
