Vertical split in dead standing tree - how to take it down

[ykkramer]

I have a dead standing ash tree that i’d like to remove. There were two other nearly identical standing dead ash trees in the vicinity - one I fell with no issues (but it didnt have a crack) and the other fell earlier this year by pulling up the roots which were mostly rotted away.

This one seems a little more “precarious” to say the least and to further complicate things, I don’t recall noticing the split earlier this summer when I fell the other one so either I just didnt pay attention or it occurred somewhat recently. Not knowing for sure gives me a little more concern. I’m also operating under the assumption something will definitely fall from up top so regardless I really want no part of being anywhere near the base of this thing when it starts to come down.

What is the best way to approach this tree? Or is it better to leave it standing and let things run their course? It seems like it is super solid despite the crack but it’s super hard to gauge how long it’ll hold upright. I searched for answers but most scenarios were either heavily leaning trees or trees with forked trunks. Any advice here is much appreciated!

 

[BeatCJ]

I think if I had to get that down I would push it over with a Dozer or excavator. If those aren't options, and it's not going to hit anything when it comes over, I would stay away from it.

If it's a danger to people, I would get someone well versed in hazard tree removal.

 

[lone wolf]

That tree should give the OP pause! Stay away from it.

 

[lone wolf]

I think if I had to get that down I would push it over with a Dozer or excavator. If those aren't options, and it's not going to hit anything when it comes over, I would stay away from it.

If it's a danger to people, I would get someone well versed in hazard tree removal.

NO! Try to break it down with a heavy machine from a safe distance. Don't be under it, anything could happen.

 

[Mad Professor]

Let it fall over or tannerite.

 

[capetrees]

I have a dead standing ash tree that i’d like to remove. There were two other nearly identical standing dead ash trees in the vicinity - one I fell with no issues (but it didnt have a crack) and the other fell earlier this year by pulling up the roots which were mostly rotted away.

This one seems a little more “precarious” to say the least and to further complicate things, I don’t recall noticing the split earlier this summer when I fell the other one so either I just didnt pay attention or it occurred somewhat recently. Not knowing for sure gives me a little more concern. I’m also operating under the assumption something will definitely fall from up top so regardless I really want no part of being anywhere near the base of this thing when it starts to come down.

What is the best way to approach this tree? Or is it better to leave it standing and let things run their course? It seems like it is super solid despite the crack but it’s super hard to gauge how long it’ll hold upright. I searched for answers but most scenarios were either heavily leaning trees or trees with forked trunks. Any advice here is much appreciated!

View attachment 1221465View attachment 1221466View attachment 1221469View attachment 1221470

Buy some heavy tie down straps and wrap it a couple of times nice and tight. It wouldn't hurt to put a chain around it also. At that point, cut it as you would any other tree but do it carefully and ready to run.

 

[ZinTrees]

its a dead ash, its already one of the sketchiest trees to work on, add the split and some inexperience, and you have a recipe for disaster

leave it, or if you must take it down, throwline over the limbs and break them off one at a time from a long distance away

can also shoot if down if you don't care where it falls assuming local laws allow for it (its what I would do personally)

 

[jblnut]

Buy some heavy tie down straps and wrap it a couple of times nice and tight. It wouldn't hurt to put a chain around it also. At that point, cut it as you would any other tree but do it carefully and ready to run.

I’ve done this as well with split trees like that in the past with fine results. Gotta take ones time and not rush any part of it. I like to ramjam those trees with the skiddy first to knock anything loose off before strapping it together. Never tackle something like this alone. Always have someone watching above you for movement of any kind.

 

[dboyd351]

Leave it to fall on its own

 

[Mad Professor]

Leave it to fall on its own

That's what I've been doing.

Loads of EAB ash here but in the woods, and in the canopy. Unless you get them before the tops start rotting, they are widowmakers. That is FIRST year the top starts dying. Mark the ones starting to die summer, so you can tell what to cut when the leaves fall off.

I let them fall on their own, some get hung up, and I loose some firewood to rot. But I won't get planted from a dead limb hitting me.

 

[ykkramer]

I appreciate all of the input and it more or less confirms what I expected as far as danger goes. I don't have anyone else to help me on this one either so not having an extra set of eyes/ears is another factor in leaving it for the time being.

What about pulling it over with a tractor? Assuming I'm far enough away of course from the tree falling directly onto me (which would be priority one), is that feasible without cutting or am I introducing more new risk than it's worth? The other dead ash I mentioned that are almost identical were strong and seasoned standing trees so I guess I wonder if it would still be too strong to pull down despite the crack with just a tractor and rope setup.

The "shoot it down" option definitely intrigues me and I also happen to have some tannerite so

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

Regarding the Tannerite option- what's the longest clear distance to the base of the trunk?

 

[capetrees]

Regarding the Tannerite option- what's the longest clear distance to the base of the trunk?

 

[ZinTrees]

View attachment 1221866

ehh, its a legit technique

even legal here as long as you have a blasters license and call the fire department like 3 days ahead of time, theres a few specifics but its not very difficult to do

 

[Marley5]

It's good burning wood, hard to pass up.
When we had no choice but to remove a split tree " someone's yard ",
We were successful by keeping the split centered in the face cut and back cut as you still have hinges working for you.
Must admit though, I had the luxury of a 2nd man.

 

[ykkramer]

Update- tractor option won out.



Offered barely any resistance, definitely would have blown over on its own sometime soon if I had to guess.

 

[chipper1]

Update- tractor option won out.



Offered barely any resistance, definitely would have blown over on its own sometime soon if I had to guess.

It's down!
Welcome to AS.
Where you at in the great state of Michigan.
I'm east of GR.

 

[woodfarmer]

It didn’t look too bad, since the split was with the lean. I’ve felled a few of those. It’s when the split is perpendicular to the lean that’s when I bring in the heavy equipment.

 

[chipper1]

It didn’t look too bad, since the split was with the lean. I’ve felled a few of those. It’s when the split is perpendicular to the lean that’s when I bring in the heavy equipment.

I agree.
With ash you have to be very careful when using equipment, the tops like to break out and come back at the base, this evening happens just falling them. They can be quite dangerous.

 

[Kdavis2685]

Buy some heavy tie down straps and wrap it a couple of times nice and tight. It wouldn't hurt to put a chain around it also. At that point, cut it as you would any other tree but do it carefully and ready to run.

Agreed. If it has to be done, and not an expert tree service, then a few heavy ratchet straps is the way to go. Get a couple nice and low, maybe 1ft above where the cuts are planned. Try to get another about 3 ft above that, and another 3ft above that. I would use nothing less that the 2" heavy duty kind. If it has a dominant lean, then fell it as normal, using cuts similar to a heavy leaner. Medium to deep face cut 35% of tree diameter, 90 deg open, to control all the way to ground. Then bore cut 1" above hinge, set hinge thickness, and then cut inside out through the back, until she goes. If it doesn't have very dominant lean, then do the same face cut, but make the depth allow you room for wedges on the back cut. Get wedges in ASAP, but don't go crazy pounding them in at first. Finish back cut to set hinge thickness pretty quick. Then pound it over with wedges. Look up often to see it shift and watch for hangers to fall before you cut. Clear every escape area for a good 30ft. Being ash, prone to barber chair, it's a job for a big saw to make sure you can perform cuts quickly and align them accurately. Lots of danger in this tree.