Death from above..........

Coyote machine · Jun 17, 2013

Let your pro do it. This is coming from a pro.

cqaigy2 · Jun 17, 2013

That one would give me pause too. I'd definitely look it over real well before putting to a saw. Walk around it a few times to see if you can make out how the stresses are acting on it.

radrock · Jun 17, 2013

No matter what everyone tells you. There is nothing worse than leaving your wife a widow because of misjudgment. It's just not worth it to gamble like that.

TomSeller · Jun 17, 2013

Let a pro do it. Have a beer while watching and enjoying your beautiful view and grounds. A lake in the background and grass and trees to die for. Or not to die for in this case.

Coyote machine · Jun 17, 2013

After having looked at your pics- leave it alone. It has growth damage near the base of the trunk too.
Don't risk it. This is professional, not amateur advice.

Mace Canute · Jun 18, 2013

csr0831 said:
......... While I THINK I know what it'll do and where it'll fall, I would rather trust a professional....

I think that is a very wise move. :thumbsup:

csr0831 · Jun 18, 2013

Thanks for all the input gents......I had pretty well made my mind up before I posted that I would have it taken down versus taking it down myself. If I were in my 20,s, 30's,, 40's, or even early to mid 50's, I wouldn't bat an eye at taking it down. While I am good health for my age, one has to know on has limitations and I don't move quite as fast as I used to. Will attempt to get pics, or maybe even a vidio as was suggested, when it comes down.

Bill Hoffman · Jun 18, 2013

To quote Clint Eastwood, "A man's gotta know his limitations." The pro is the
way to go. Those trees are called widowmakers for a reason.

When I have trees to cut, if I can't say to myself, "you CAN do this safely",
I call in a pro.

CliffordK · Jun 19, 2013

If I was falling it, I would fall it to the side of where it is leaning. With, of course a good hardhat on, and never being under the leaning portion of the tree. But, it could still potentially kick around unexpectedly. Having a chain on it to force it to come down if it gets stuck isn't a bad idea, but probably not required.

One might be able to work above it with a bucket lift, but it is pretty high up, and there is likely tension in both the trunk and top of the tree.

You don't have one of these parked in your garage, do you?