Need guidance on felling hung up tree

[oosik]

I VERY SELDOM have this problem. 100% of my trees on my 80 acres are Ponderosa pines. I will usually get one or two blow downs every year. The way pines are - they almost always fall completely down. However - about sixteen years ago a massive pine was blown into an adjoining pine. This partially fallen pine was 32" on the butt. I figured the better answer - just wait and the wind and Mother Nature will finish the job. Three years pass and it's still there.

I decided to DO something. I'm sure it was not the smartest thing to do but it worked. Nobody hurt, no equipment damaged.

I cut and fell the tree that was holding up the leaner. I had my son there as a "watch dog". The very second I heard the tree make its first "cracking sound" - dropped the chain saw - ran like a scalded dog. Both trees fell together. I WAS LUCKY.

In the future I will just leave the leaner there and be more patient with Mother Nature. Besides - I can't run like a scalded dog any more.

I DID consider cutting the pine loose from the root wad. However - I had no idea what would happen once the trunk was loose from the root wad. I've had experience with "kick backs" when I used my pines for firewood. Not a pleasant experience.

 

[rbstern]

Got lucky. Went to tackle this on Sunday morning, and the tree was already on the ground. It had split up high, close to the point where it was hung.

I spent a hour clearing up the smaller stuff, and then got busy cutting up the bigger oak. Some for firewood, some for the wood mill. Back is sore this morning, but it's a happy form of exercise, so I don't regret it.

Thanks again for the helpful comments.

 

[bcp]

I like using a power pole saw when I nibble on a leaner. It puts me farther away from the scene of the accident.

Bruce

 

[Captain Dirty]

Got lucky. Went to tackle this on Sunday morning, and the tree was already on the ground. It had split up high, close to the point where it was hung.

Just curious. Is the top of the leaner still hung up in the tree or did it also fall when the trunk split?

 

[CobyRupert]

Just my 2 cents. Not a logger by any means but have cut plenty of standing trees. This is potentially dangerous as once that trunk is cut you don't know whether its hitting the ground or sliding. Cut from the topside, Making a felling notch. Make sure you limit the depth of your cut so as not to bind your saw. Less than 1/3 the diameter. Finish your cut from the bottom side and be ready to move. Hopefully the trunk will hit the ground and you can keep performing the above or drag it with the tractor and "long" chain. Be careful !

Cut the trunk, sure. Easier said than done. The tricky part is to do that without binding the saw.
Do you cut vertical or 90 degrees to trunk?
Assumption is that top side of trunk is in compression and underside of log is in tension.
You suggest cutting wedge on top and then cutting up from bottom. Does this put bar right at the sliding contact/pinch point of the log when cut releases?
Others suggest cutting vertical from top and inserting a wedge on top and cutting through to bottom. This puts the sliding points at the top (wedge) farthest from bar.
Which is better?
Both cases you have to pull your saw out quickly when cut releases.

 

[rbstern]

Just curious. Is the top of the leaner still hung up in the tree or did it also fall when the trunk split?

Top is still hung up, but it's far less mass. Maybe a 6" diameter at the base resting on the ground, leaning away from the area I am working in. I should be able to pull it with with a chain or strap.

 

[Captain Dirty]

Top is still hung up, but it's far less mass. Maybe a 6" diameter at the base resting on the ground, leaning away from the area I am working in. I should be able to pull it with with a chain or strap.

Good. Since it is on the ground rather than IN the ground far less force will be required to move it. Being on the ground it is static and much safer to rig than if it were suspended. When you pull, expect branches to break and fall (or remain hung up).