How would you [safely] take down this tree?

   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #1  

RSR

Platinum Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2017
Messages
725
Location
North Country, NY
Tractor
LS XR4145HC
I need to start clearing some land, but the first thing I need to tackle is this wind damaged tree that has been hanging out like this for about 5 years.

Any suggestions on a safe way to get it down? IMG_20200511_161602.jpg
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #2  
To me it depends on what equipment you have. It looks like a couple trees in front of it. Me, I would throw a small rope tied to an adjustable wrench around middle, over about where that 3ft tall stump is. Then a good chain tied to rope, or a heavy duty pull strap, pull up and over.
Pull that far away as you can with truck, tractor, winch. You just need to dislodge it from main tree, get it on the ground however you have to drag it out.
Then cut it up.
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #3  
Small rope of course allows you to pull something substantial up and over (not pull by).
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
To me it depends on what equipment you have. It looks like a couple trees in front of it. Me, I would throw a small rope tied to an adjustable wrench around middle, over about where that 3ft tall stump is. Then a good chain tied to rope, or a heavy duty pull strap, pull up and over.
Pull that far away as you can with truck, tractor, winch. You just need to dislodge it from main tree, get it on the ground however you have to drag it out.
Then cut it up.
The picture doesn't show it well, but there is probably still 6-8 inches thick of wood that is hinged to the main tree (on the left). I don't think I'll be able to simply pull it off. I think I have to cut it.

My thought was go up a ladder on the left tree, and cut it at the hinge point, so it drops down away from the tree. I don't like the idea of being on a ladder, 15 ft in the air, when everything let's go, though. A lot can go wrong quickly, including the tree potentially springing back (and bucking me off the ladder) when the split portion is cut off.
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #5  
The picture doesn't show it well, but there is probably still 6-8 inches thick of wood that is hinged to the main tree (on the left). I don't think I'll be able to simply pull it off. I think I have to cut it.

My thought was go up a ladder on the left tree, and cut it at the hinge point, so it drops down away from the tree. I don't like the idea of being on a ladder, 15 ft in the air, when everything let's go, though. A lot can go wrong quickly, including the tree potentially springing back (and bucking me off the ladder) when the split portion is cut off.

Bucket truck, not ladder. From the left side. Away from where the tree will drop straight down. I have a couple like yours and I plan on letting the wind bring them down. But I don't need them down now. That left hinge does not look very strong. Is upper tree wedged against the next treeto the right from the left hinge? If it is not touching the upper one, cut it out of the way and pull at the left hinge like Fuddy suggested. Jon
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #6  
I too would have a heavy enough piece of equipment, long wire rope or chain, long enough to be well out of harms way, strong enough and just put brute force to it.

Funny. Used that approach a few weekends ago. Garbage picked a mile of good heavy swing stage rope, a friend was taking to the dump. Rope doubled up, just snapped like nothing. It wasn't a dangerous situation, but I am thankful that it wasn't in a critical application.
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #7  
Trees and ladders are a terrible combination. I’d go with the throwing the rope and pulling it down approach.
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #8  
Agree. If it wasn't for all the ladder/saw (fail) videos I have seen, I probably wouldn't think much of it.


I also used the Oregon Electric Pole saw to stay away from danger. Just got to be carefull not to get it bound up, which could make you do something stupid to save your saw.
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Bucket truck, not ladder. From the left side. Away from where the tree will drop straight down. I have a couple like yours and I plan on letting the wind bring them down. But I don't need them down now. That left hinge does not look very strong. Is upper tree wedged against the next treeto the right from the left hinge? If it is not touching the upper one, cut it out of the way and pull at the left hinge like Fuddy suggested. Jon
No, the upper (cross portion) of the tree is completely free. It is hinged on the left end, and wedged in a crook on the right end. I've been waiting for a wind/snow/ice storm to bring it down for 5 years with no joy.

It sounds like the common consensus is use brute force. My tractor is ~7,000 lbs with everything on it. I just worry if I can get traction without rigging a pulley, as it will be pulling up on the rear end. I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

The option of using a pull saw to weaken the hinge may be a secondary approach if simply pulling on it doesn't work.

I agree ladders and chainsaws are a bad idea, especially at that height!
 
   / How would you [safely] take down this tree? #10  
If it broke and died 5 years ago would think the hinge would break with good pull. If tree top is still alive might not. Might suggestion is excavator with thumb on it. I would try pulling it where broken first but you might be well off to pull the top clear and let it drop putting more action into the hinge helping break it further. This is far out there but what is possibility of burning the tree trunk? Depending on the area, friend of mine used slugs in shotgun.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

Massey Ferguson 1215 Tractor (A47809)
Massey Ferguson...
Hitch (A45336)
Hitch (A45336)
2017 Ford F-250 4x4 Ext. Cab Pickup Truck (A45336)
2017 Ford F-250...
Woods C60 Rototiller (A47809)
Woods C60...
AGT QK20R Excavator (A47809)
AGT QK20R...
1671 (A44572)
1671 (A44572)
 
Top