Another ‘how to cut this tree’?

[Captain Dirty]

Re: Another 蘇ow to cut this tree?

I like the idea of cutting up from the bottom.
...but maybe after cutting in from the top and setting some wedges?
Then what about maybe bore cutting in from the bottom, leave a strap so nothing is moving as I cut towards top, stop before you get there...then hit the bottom strap and run?

The basic rule is that the final cut is made on the tension side so that the kerf opens up and the saw doesn't get trapped. Bore or plunge cutting the back cut, cutting up to the back of the hinge, and finally severing the strap is a "textbook" method of felling a leaning, unsupported tree where the tension side is obvious. When a tree is leaning with the rootball attached the tension side may not be obvious. There may be enough potential force tending to bring the stump upright when the weight of the crown is removed that the tension is on the upper side of the trunk. The "strap" that you think is holding in tension on the lower side may be a "block" holding the kerf open in compression, and the bar gets trapped as the "block" is cut.

 

[CobyRupert]

Good point Captain Dirty. The potential of root ball moving vertical could certainly change the game.
I’ll have to take another look, but I think tree has been bent over for a few years.
I assume this time lessens the chance of rootball moving vertical and closing the kerf when cutting up from the bottom?

 

[dstig1]

Good point Captain Dirty. The potential of root ball moving vertical could certainly change the game.
I’ll have to take another look, but I think tree has been bent over for a few years.
I assume this time lessens the chance of rootball moving vertical and closing the kerf when cutting up from the bottom?

Nope. It will snap back up when free. If it doesn't, that would be surprising. This is a lot more dangerous than a snag that got hung up after cutting it. I know enough to be vary wary of this, but not enough to give you advice on what to do other than calling a pro...

 

[denchen]

I would like to see a picture. If you cut through, will the weight be going down or up. Is there a chance of part cutting the critter she`s leaning on and pulling it sideways on a long line. As per the start, a picture would be nice.

 

[oosik]

If you have the experience and knowledge to ask for help - then get a pro involved. This, very likely, will not be a good learning experience if you "wing it" by yourself. In most everybody's book - an 18" tree is big.

 

[yomax4]

I've dealt with this several times and had assorted results by doing it different several times. I'd like to watch the Pro do it.

 

[Captain Dirty]

Re: Another 蘇ow to cut this tree?

. . . I think tree has been bent over for a few years. . .

The fact that you made the original post indicates that you were innately aware of the obvious question: If the tree were sound and healthy, why did it become a blowdown (or "blow-over")?
Proceed with caution.

 

[oosik]

I have one "leaner" on my property right now. Been leaning for many years. It finally died last year and is now enmeshed with a close neighboring tree. It's not hurting anything nor anybody. No matter which way or how it falls - nothing will be involved. Mother Nature will handle this situation in due time. My involvement would only serve to put me in danger.

 

[Egon]

Make a nice notch on the bottom then a wide notch from the top to meet. Do the top notch slowly with just little cuts and keep it wide.

 

[LouNY]

I just finished cutting a few leaners from the last storm that uprooted the stump as it went over.
All of those stood back up as they were cut. I had a much smaller butternut that was laid down flat as I worked my way down it triming and cutting pieces out of it you could watch the root ball and stump moving back towards its original resting place. Got down to about a 15-20 butt still attached to the root ball and it stood right back up, about 3/4 of the way. I have seen leaners that had been hung up in other trees stand back up with the cut partially done using that as a hinge and pulling the top out and down as it stood up.
Most of my cutting was for firewood and fence and field or yard clearing as needed. So definitely not as a professional or even semi-pro but I will say that there is almost no telling what a tangled leaner is going to do.