How to remove fallen tree from pond

rekees4300 · May 29, 2013

Western said:
I think I'd rent or hire a backhoe if I really needed it out.

Thanks but same problem with backhoe as tractor ... accessibility. Would have to cut down many trees just to reach the location.

Depmandog · May 30, 2013

I would definitely use a snatch block (in addition to your come-a-long) for two reasons, first it will double your pulling power, and you can put the snatch block up high in a tree to help prevent the trunk from digging into the mud.

The other important safety aspect of a snatch block, if you have a catastrophic failure, you won't be in line if the cable snaps.

Like others have mentioned, use rollers of some sort.

Sounds like a lot of work!

dave1949 · May 30, 2013

500' does complicate things.

If there is enough water depth, you could wrap a cable around the tree at the upper end of the trunk and attach that to something large that floats, like a swimming raft, etc. Then use the come-along to apply some lifting pressure to improve the buoyancy of part of the tree. That could help some.

If you could lift it out of the water enough to cut the top of the tree off that would help too. Lift and cut, lift and cut from the water side maybe? Somehow, I can picture a chainsaw going into the pond.

Working from the water end, you have the advantage of some buoyancy.

MikeInEburg · May 30, 2013

This is going to be a very difficult task. A 3' diameter oak probably weighs 20 tons plus drag from branches in the muck. I think your only chance for success will be to segment before moving. Take every precaution when using a manual come along - failure can be fast and furious.

TripleR · May 30, 2013

Have you considered leaving the portion you can't reach easily where it is for fish cover? We have several ponds and have left some fallen trees in there to provide shelter. This may or may not work depending on the size of your pond and its intended use.

murphy1244 · May 30, 2013

Pics we need pics!

Hollow · May 30, 2013

murphy1244 said:
Pics we need pics!

Get a boat and cut what you can in the water and float it to the bank.

jinman · May 30, 2013

Where is the rootball? Is it on solid ground? Are you cutting it off and leaving it in place? I think a come-along is like digging a swimming pool with a teaspoon. It's way, way undersized for the job. You may be able to pull out cut pieces with it, but it's gonna wear you out long before there is much tree moved. Here's a few pictures of the much smaller willow tree I pulled out of my pond. My tractor was spinning and struggling the whole time I was moving the tree.