How would you take this tree down

[kenmbz]

Have a disintegrated Ash tree over on my neighbors property. Looks too dangerous for me to drop. One whole side fell down leaving the main trunk with only 2 thin pieces holding up the main branch.
I can see right through the middle of where the top branch joins the trunk (about 20 feet up). this is another tall ash, probably 70-80 feet tall


Normally I would not care and let it drop by itself, but this is along their driveway and I would not want them to get hurt. Husband is away for work, I suggested to her to hire someone.......
These Ash trees are eaten by the Emerald Ash Borer, so don;t know how intact any of it is at this point.

 

[drssg]

Personally, I would probably just cut it down like any other tree. I suspect it's more solid at the base than the weird hole would suggest. I think it would be good to spend some time clearing the area around the trunk first. You don't want to get tripped up when moving around (or away from!) the area while cutting.

When in doubt, calling a professional is never a bad idea. Don't complain to me if you get killed in the process.

 

[kenmbz]

It's in a somewhat awkward spot and not on my property. I'll ask her again to call someone in. When it was still windy I could swear I heard it crack, but could have been other tress near this one.
I keep seeing her drive past it and am worried. I cleaned up the fallen branches and leaves out of her driveway already.

 

[Thomas]

I agree Ken hire someone to chunk it down past bad spot if not all the way,if your like me we can't run as fast as we use to anymore.

 

[newbury]

If I was to do it I'd use my slingshot to shoot a throw line over the lowest branch above the hole, carefully pull up a bull rope so it tightens off. Then get far enough away so when it falls it can't hit me, then pull it with my tractor or just muscle. I'd expect it to break at the hole.

 

[IXLR8]

From what I can see from your pics, I would use a phone to take it down. Call a pro who has the right equipment.

 

[Paddy]

I use a small bow and arrow tied to fishing string. Then I use the string to pull heavy cord, finally the cord pulls my cable up. Then pull it over with a 4 wheel drive or tractor slowly.

 

[bcp]

Right equipment:

Bruce

 

[Travelover]

When I was living in Michigan, I had a lot of ash trees on my property die and about half of them just broke off well above the ground. Ash trees seem to get very brittle quickly once they die. So, the upshot is that I'd have it laid down before it goes by itself.

 

[4570Man]

That doesn’t look that dangerous to cut down. It doesn’t look like the top is in much danger of breaking and falling back or loosing dead limbs. I’d clear around the base, I won’t work in a mess like that, put a chain or 2” strap around it above where I’m going to cut and cut it. It looks like it’s leaning in a safe direction so there’s no need for a pull line.