How would you fall this?

[bcp]

I would do all the work from the top of the berm. No overhead work. Maybe work from both sides of the trunk depending on pole saw blade size and trunk size. Don't work on a dangerous tree while alone.

1. Clear the top of the berm on both sides of the trunk for a safe work space.

2. Standing on the berm with a powered pole saw, undercut the trunk on one side of the berm, whichever side is most convenient to work.

3. Make a top cut. Nibble at it if needed until the trunk is severed.

4. Continue cleanup process with two less dangerous parts.

Bruce

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Some have already said it I would clear me out a hole down close to the base or berm that it is held or wedged into, at that point I would make a cut from the bottom side about a 1/4 of the way at the most and then cut down from the top and let gravity run it's course , but like someone said earlier know your limitations, if you aren't comfortable get someone else to do it.

 

[4570Man]

I’d use the bushhog to clear the work area back towards the root ball. Once you get to where the trunk is at a safe working height I’d cut it off. Once it falls I’d cut the rest up. Anyone that says start from the top is making the job harder and more dangerous than it needs to be especially in the absence of a bucket truck. The safest way to cut up a tree is on ground and you can put it there with one cut.

 

[Captain Dirty]

lotta energy stored in this mess . . . Clear out a spot on the back of the berm where I have lots of room to escape and work free of obstruction.

Work safe to include having good, clear escape routes.

Don't work on a dangerous tree while alone

Be sure your companion knows to observe from a safe distance and also knows to call for assistance before rushing in to give aid. Both are somewhat contrary to human nature, but proven to be more effective should something go terribly awry.

If you cut the trunk on the berm, I agree that the rootball and stump will likely (but not assuredly) return to upright. Watch the kerf carefully. Greater danger is posed by the top. It may fall and compress limbs storing more energy and then release that energy by rebounding in an unexpected direction. A local tree warden with over 40 years of experience was cutting a limb from a fallen tree. The trunk suddenly rotated, and another limb struck him with sufficient force to break his skull and dislodge an eyeball from its socket. Co-workers said he is lucky to be alive; I am not so sure. You may be able to rig a chain or line "preventer" to stop the top from rebounding in the direction of your escape routes.

As many have said, "If in doubt, hire it out."

 

[ljjhouser]

I wouldn't attach any of my equipment to it. Might not like the outcome. I would also work from top to bottom. Removing limbs until the trunk can be cut. If it starts to rise - then cut trunk near the root ball. But it is easier to cut and safer (and faster) while everything is not "bound" up on the ground supporting all the weight. But if it is too high to be safe put it on the ground as stated above. Take the time and extra steps when needed to be safe.

 

[ericm979]

If you cut this straight down as suggested, it will likely barber-chair. While its likely less dangerous on this mostly horizontal tree than on a near vertical one, it still adds unpredictability to the falling and potentially a more dangerous situation than you have now. You can prevent the barber chair by using a bore cut. The bore cut and a v notch would likely let you cut the strap using a pole saw. If you're not familiar with bore cuts this is probably is not the tree to learn on. Since there's so much force on it the backstrap would have to be thicker than usual. If you want to use a pole saw to cut it, you could bias it towards the side you'll be cutting it from.

If it's possible to nibble away at it from the top, even just part way, that will remove some weight and reduce the forces at the trunk.

 

[Root Cause]

Never thought I would say this but..........bump-fire from 50 yards out.

 

[Diggin It]

One tool only.









Telephone.




.

 

[4570Man]

If you cut this straight down as suggested, it will likely barber-chair. While its likely less dangerous on this mostly horizontal tree than on a near vertical one, it still adds unpredictability to the falling and potentially a more dangerous situation than you have now. You can prevent the barber chair by using a bore cut. The bore cut and a v notch would likely let you cut the strap using a pole saw. If you're not familiar with bore cuts this is probably is not the tree to learn on. Since there's so much force on it the backstrap would have to be thicker than usual. If you want to use a pole saw to cut it, you could bias it towards the side you'll be cutting it from.

If it's possible to nibble away at it from the top, even just part way, that will remove some weight and reduce the forces at the trunk.

A trunk that’s so close to horizontal can’t barber chair. It might split a little bit but it can’t fly backwards on itself.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

Make your way to the trunk and cut it from top down, the bottom notch is irrelevant, the stump will most likely sit back on itself. Not very technical as a cut and pretty predictable and safe as long as you stay clear once it go down distance from the trunk to the cut doesn't really matter ether as long as you can safely reach the top of the tree and make a level descent as you are cutting it.

You need the bottom notch. Think of it as a leaning tree. The notch is necessary to control what happens as you cut down for the top.