How to remove fallen tree from pond

[rekees4300]

Today a large (3' diameter at the base) Oak tree fell into my pond. The removal game plan is to cut off the portion (15') on the bank with a chainsaw to reduce its weight then use a come-a-long to pullout the portion (50') in the water. Ordered a 4-ton come-a-long from Amazon and it should be delivered Friday. Hopefully it will be powerful enough to slide the tree through the muck and cattails? Any other tips/suggestions on how to remove the tree would be appreciated. Can't reach it with the tractor so that isn't an option.

 

[creekbend]

Are you going to use a come-a-long or a winch? Perhaps I am wrong, but I would think using a winch would be easier. Less manual exertion. Just my thoughts. Best wishes.

 

[fordmantpw]

When it gets to the bank, try to get some smaller logs, pipes, something round under it to use as a roller so it will roll up the muck instead of digging in.

Or, just called Shelby from "Axe Men".

 

[dave1949]

Could you use a long chain and pull it with the tractor a ways? Then cut off some of what is out of the pond, reset the chain and pull some more, repeat until light enough to pull the remainder with the tractor.

Good 3/8" chain is pretty expensive though to buy a length of it. TSC does, or used to, sell it in a bucket with about 40' of chain in it. I bought a bucket and cut that into a 20' and two 10' chains. I can hook the chains together if I need the length. 3/8" chain is pretty heavy to handle for most uses.

Same procedure could be used with the come-along. Pull, cut, pull, cut.

 

[Willl]

Could be wrong, but I'd be really surprised if that come-a-long moved it much past the cattails let alone up the bank.

3' base is a big tree. A big heavy tree.

 

[smstonypoint]

Could be wrong, but I'd be really surprised if that come-a-long moved it much past the cattails let alone up the bank.

3' base is a big tree. A big heavy tree.

I'm inclined to agree with Will. Oak is a heavy wood and it is going to be water logged. In addition, the limbs will likely be digging into the muck.

Steve

 

[rekees4300]

Are you going to use a come-a-long or a winch? Perhaps I am wrong, but I would think using a winch would be easier. Less manual exertion. Just my thoughts. Best wishes.

Current game plan is come-a-long. Dunno if winch is feasible. Never owned a winch so not familiar with their operation. Aren't they electrically powered and therefore required to be attached to a vehicle? Are any available that use 120AC (I have a generator) and could be attached via chain to a tree?

 

[Western]

Could be wrong, but I'd be really surprised if that come-a-long moved it much past the cattails let alone up the bank.

3' base is a big tree. A big heavy tree.

Thats what I was thinking too. I like Dave's idea using chain, but if that didn't work,( sawing it could prove dangerous since a majority is in the water). I think I'd rent or hire a backhoe if I really needed it out.

 

[rekees4300]

When it gets to the bank, try to get some smaller logs, pipes, something round under it to use as a roller so it will roll up the muck instead of digging in.

Or, just called Shelby from "Axe Men".

I've thought about buying a few round posts to use as rollers. Thanks. Shelby is an idiot!

 

[rekees4300]

Could you use a long chain and pull it with the tractor a ways? Then cut off some of what is out of the pond, reset the chain and pull some more, repeat until light enough to pull the remainder with the tractor.

Good 3/8" chain is pretty expensive though to buy a length of it. TSC does, or used to, sell it in a bucket with about 40' of chain in it. I bought a bucket and cut that into a 20' and two 10' chains. I can hook the chains together if I need the length. 3/8" chain is pretty heavy to handle for most uses.

Same procedure could be used with the come-along. Pull, cut, pull, cut.

I plan to use pull-cut-pull-cut technique assuming the come-a-long will be capable of the pull part. :confused3: Long chain isn't feasible since it would have to be about 500'!