Felling dead tree

[Cord]

A couple of months ago I was cutting a dead tree that had a significant lean to it. I was pulling the tree in the direction that I wanted it to fall as I cut it. Over the chain saw I heard a loud crack overhead. I immediately let go of the saw and turned to my left. Didn't even make a full step when the top 6' of the tree fell right where I had been standing. Of course by now the tree was falling and my unattended saw was doing a really nice pirouette through the air. This fell could have gone so wrong that now it's got me a little hesitant to drop some more dead trees. This weekend I'd like to fell 8 popular trees that died over the last couple of years. Some died just this past year and still have all their branches. I think these trees are pretty safe. There are a couple that have been dead for a few years and have lost their branches. These are the ones I'm worried about. Is there a safer way to drop the trees that are loaded with widow makers? The pop'ls like to form trunk rot that's concealed by the bark so I've learned to not climb them.

 

[MMagis]

Can you hook a chain as high as possible, and give each tree a good jerk with the tractor? I’m thinking that should knock off any dangerously loose limbs and such. I’m just throwing out ideas, I don’t know if that’s the best idea or not.

 

[k0ua]

I would try to pull them over with a long chain too. What ever you do, don't try to push them over.

 

[handirifle]

If you try to pull them over, make sure the rope/chain is longer then the tree is tall or else you will pull it on you.

 

[Deerherd]

The absolutely safest way is to hire a bucket truck that can cut them from the top down. On the surface it's also the most expensive but a mistake here can result in severe injury or damage to nearby structures. I will pull dead trees and leaners over with my logging winch in areas it's safe to do so but I also have enough experience and close calls to realize in some instances, the ONLY safe way is to hire the bucket truck.

 

[Eldubya]

If you do try to pull them down, if possible, get your line around another tree, or block and off at an angle so you are travelling in a direction different to where the tree is going to fall.
No matter what method you use, have someone spotting for you. They can yell if something is falling above you, or at worst.... someone to call 911.

 

[newbury]

Can you hook a chain as high as possible, and give each tree a good jerk with the tractor? I’m thinking that should knock off any dangerously loose limbs and such. I’m just throwing out ideas, I don’t know if that’s the best idea or not.

That's similar to what I would do, and have done. If the tree is narrow and straight growing take a light rope and sling it as high as possible in the tree. I used a small weighted bag and 1/4" nylon line to get a line over a high branch, then pulled up a long heavy rope. You can then shake it and use it to ensure the tree falls.

If the tree is bushy all bets are off.

 

[CobyRupert]

Can't tell from your description, but did the pulling make it snap? Probably not if it was only the top 6 ft? But maybe so if branches were hitting on another tree?
I guess I'm wondering why it decided to snap at that moment when it had been fine for months/years before?

I don't wear a hardhat much, but when trees have dead limbs or tops are mixed/entangled/touching another tree - you betcha!

 

[oosik]

For years & years I cut trees on the property for firewood. The only trees I have here are Ponderosa pine - 80-120 feet tall & up to 38" on the butt. I've never had a widow maker but I think a lot of that is because there are seasonal high winds that will bring loose limbs down, naturally.

I've learned thru dangerous situations that its best not to fall these pines when the wind blows. Had my share that would come back and pin the chainsaw. Found that the best answer for a pinned saw is just wait for the wind to blow and reopen the cut, so the saw can be jerked out.

Otherwise, I would pull on the tree, thru a snatch block, so you are definitely out of the line where the tree is going to fall.

I can say this even though I never used this technique. All the pines on my property - 24" to 38" - are so much bigger & heavier than even my new tractor that if the tree got caught in the wind, and fell the wrong way, it would pull my new tractor as if it were a toy. Not a good thing.

 

[4570Man]

These things are called widow makers for a reason. My dad was almost killed by a dead pine tree. The ones with the dead limbs aka flying missiles are the worst.