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

[csr0831]

A week or so ago we had a tropical storm go through here and as usual I found some broken limbs, leaves pin straw etc on the ground. Went around cleaned it all up and thought nothing more about it. Soooooo yesterday I was cutting with the BX and happened to look up.....



needless to say, I've got my tree guy coming out to take it down. Ordinarily, I would do it, but it's top is hung up in two other trees and the trunk is twisted around almost 180 degrees....lot of potential energy ready to be released. While I THINK I know what it'll do and where it'll fall, I would reather trust a professional....

 

[Morning Wood]

Just cut it. You've got plenty of room to run for your life

 

[creekbend]

Most definitely a "Widow Maker". Is there really no way that you can do the cutting and save some money? I'm not advocating that you do something dangerous. Just a thought. Best wishes.

 

[csr0831]

Yeah.....I've pondered that one a bit. As I said I THINK I know what's it's gonna do, but the fact that it's hung up in the tops of two other trees throws few too many variables in it for my taste. The guy has done alot lot of work for me over the years and has always treated me right......I think I am going to leave this one to the professionals....

 

[hosspuller]

How about posting pictures of the tree work. Inquiring minds want to know ... as well as the nosy ...
LOL ...

 

[k0ua]

Knowing my tree felling skills, and since I cannot run really fast anymore.. I would call the tree guy..That thing looks like an accident waiting to happen.

 

[csr0831]

Yup...they're not coming out until the 24th, but I'll see if I can't get a few while they're here.

 

[Morning Wood]

I'd put a rope on it and make some relief cuts in the tree and pull it over with the tractor.

 

[s219]

Trees like that, I don't get under with a saw except in rare predictable cases. Rather, I'd rig up a logging rope and pulleys, and pull it down (or to a more stable condition) with tractor or truck.

 

[kebo]

Yup...they're not coming out until the 24th, but I'll see if I can't get a few while they're here.

Even better, just take a video of it!

 

[Coyote machine]

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

 

[cqaigy2]

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]

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]

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]

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]

......... 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]

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]

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]

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?


Having your "tree guy" take it down is a very good choice.

 

[yanmars]

Even pros can have trouble. We have had one death and a serious injury around here in the last 18 months.