How to safely fell this fallen tree?

[JD 4520]

In the pictures below, you will note a tree that I have on my property that recently found itself in a precarious position. The noted tree is the TOP 80 feet of what was a 150 foot tree. It was blown off the top of the tree in a recent storm, came straight down and lodged itself in the ground and is now leaning against another tree. I need to safely remove this "tree top" so that it has a controlled fall. The third picture is the base of the tree top that is sitting on the ground. How should I do this?

If I cut to fell it as you would a normal tree, it could just buckle on me I am thinking. The only way that I can see to do this safely is with a 50 + foot chain tied to the base and pull it away from the tree it is leaning on. Any thoughts? Any suggestions?

 

[andrehoude123]

What I do when pine trees get snagged cut almost all the thru with the chain saw then chain and pull Might be a better ideal to chain up first and because it's a pine tree it easily breaks in the wedge you leave and she comes down!

 

[bcp]

I've had about a dozen fir tops broken off like that to clear this year, but none that big. Mine were mostly around 4 inches, with several up to 8.

An arborist would probably faint at my method, but it worked repeatedly. The larger ones (about 8 inches) I cut repeated 4 foot sections off the bottom using a controlled, intentional buckle. I used a single saw cut (instead of a notch) on the top side about halfway through. That makes it easier to see motion, and stops the motion if it closes. Then cut toward it on the under side until I saw motion starting to close the top cut. Then back off and pull on the joint with a pre-attached cable, redirected 90 degrees through a pulley, to buckle it in the direction of lean. One eventually moved to vertical, then I had to cut it in the other direction.

Bruce

 

[rekees4300]

You could try the chain method but I doubt you will be able to budge it with your tractor. It may be buried 1-2' deep. If you do try the chain method, your chain MUST be longer than 80 feet or you risk it falling on you and/or your tractor. I'd use at least a 100" chain(s) as insurance so no matter which way it falls you would be safe.

Another alternative would be to cut down the tree it is leaning on. When it falls the leaner will fall. Note this method is very dangerous and you must have time to get out of the way when the tree and leaner start falling.

I do NOT recommend cutting on the leaner. Vertical/leaning trees like that are very unpredictable.

Your best bet may be to hire a professional. Expensive but how much is your life worth?!

 

[bcp]

You could try the chain method but I doubt you will be able to budge it with your tractor. It may be buried 1-2' deep.

I had one 2-inch top that went in about 30 inches. It must have come down like an arrow, from about 100 feet up.

Bruce

 

[cqaigy2]

Boy that's not a good situation. I'd only tackle that if you really need to get it down. Can't tell for sure if it's leaning on the bigger of those two trees or split between them. Definitely look it over well. It would be spooky to cut the tree it's leaning on, the leaner might start it's way down before you get the tree cut. You'd want to use a spotter that would communicate well and not get themselves into trouble. An alternative is to try and move it off the tree it's leaning on, hook up high, be sure to have enough cable to keep you out of trouble if it fall toward you. Also be aware your equipment could move if it falls away from you. Then the next alternative it cable high again, straight cut 2/3rds then pull.

 

[aczlan]

100' of cable chain or heavy rope tied on as high as you can get it (I recommend a slingshot or bow and arrow to pull fishing line up and go heavier from there). Pull it over, don't try cutting it down.
If it was over 45 degrees, I would say to cut it into chunks, but not one that close to vertical.

A pro climber would probably go into one of the other trees, rappel down and take it out in chunks but that takes a lot of know-how.

Aaron Z

 

[Carykong]

In the pictures below, you will note a tree that I have on my property that recently found itself in a precarious position. The noted tree is the TOP 80 feet of what was a 150 foot tree. It was blown off the top of the tree in a recent storm, came straight down and lodged itself in the ground and is now leaning against another tree. I need to safely remove this "tree top" so that it has a controlled fall. The third picture is the base of the tree top that is sitting on the ground. How should I do this?

If I cut to fell it as you would a normal tree, it could just buckle on me I am thinking. The only way that I can see to do this safely is with a 50 + foot chain tied to the base and pull it away from the tree it is leaning on. Any thoughts? Any suggestions?

I think you have the right idea. Hope you have enough power and traction to get the base moving.

 

[Mendonsy]

The only way that I can see to do this safely is with a 50 + foot chain tied to the base and pull it away from the tree it is leaning on. Any thoughts? Any suggestions?

That should work as long as the bottom of the tree doesn't dig into the ground too badly. Once the top moves a bit it should break free and fall away from you.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I'd do it the way you said - go as high as I could and pull it sideways off the other and let it go.. A snach block so you are more behind the leaned tree would be best..