hung tree

[CampD]

Geez guys, am I nuts? I cut trees like this all the time. It's easy. Just notch the trunk and back cut until she starts to move and run like heck. Have a clear path and a spotter who taps you on the shoulder the minute the tree starts to move. I haven't ever had one "barber chair" or snap off suddenly. If the tree is rotten I would not do it though in favour of rolling the top off with a long chain and snatch block. Also, don't do it if there is any chance of branches breaking off or springing back.

Am I reckless? It seems so easy to do. Comments? I've been doing this for 20 years.

This is the way i do it too, I just double and triple check on where I think the most pressure is, cut it just enough for it to fall on its own.relive the presure, dont cut till it starts to go, just enough and it will drop on its own

 

[aggiehortguy91]

I hate hung trees and that one looks pretty bad. It looks like the break is at least sholder high. Here is what I would do:

First, go to the store and buy a set of plastic wedges and a good single bit ax if you don't already own them.

Second, look at the tree and determine which way it would have a tendancy to roll when cut. That large branch going up is going to want to pull to one side or the other and the top is going to be wrapped up in other trees as well.

Third, get someone to at least stand watch with a cell phone while you work.

Fourth, look at your area and prepare at least 2 escape routes away from the tree so you have somewhere to go when ..... I mean if something goes wrong.

Fifth, working on the side of the trunk where the top SHOULD roll, make a small notch with your chainsaw like you would when felling a tree. Be careful because there is a good chance that the tree could try to shift on you so be prepared to leave the saw. When you feel you have cut all you dare, start the cut on the back side. Keep a close eye on the tree in case it decides to come after you. Cut in as far as you dare and if the tree hasn't fallen or bound up your saw, use the wedges to help push it over. If the wedges don't work, then it is time to start using the ax to finish the cut.

What ever you do, don't start the project by saying "Hey, Bubba! Watch this....." I've found that to be a poor way to start a dangerous undertaking.

I was always tought to never leave a tree you have started cutting or hung tree because you never know when it will fall.

 

[aggiehortguy91]

Oops, I didn't realize there were so many pages, I only saw the first one! Hopefully I repeated what others have said already several times.

 

[Oldchuck]

I was always tought to never leave a tree you have started cutting or hung tree because you never know when it will fall.

When cutting in thick woods there are always hangers and should be treated like loaded guns. Often enough we get to a point where the danged thing just isn't going to come down so we leave it. And often enough come back the next day or the day after and it's on the ground, problem solved. Of course, not the best solution in all cases but I'd rather have it fall in the middle of the night than on my head.

 

[BotaBigot]

I'm certain the tree can be brought down without injury...possibly using posted suggestions. But, here's the real issue...if anything about the situation makes you uncomfortable, leave it alone and/or let someone with proper experience do the job. If age has taught me anything, it's listen to what my instincts are telling me. Testosterone doesn't influence my actions as it once did...

 

[deereman64]

Many thanks to all for your input. I haven't done anything yet as Im waiting for spring.

1) Firmer ground

2) Birthday as per Iron Horse Im asking for a new shiny swiss army knife.

 

[MikeD74T]

I've cut many hanging trees, my own and for others and have taught others to safely cut their own. Hangers & leaners all pose a risk that can be minimized by good planning. With low stumps I cut blocks from the bottom until the tree is vertical or comes down. With a high stump, more than 5', I notch the stump perpendicular to the lean. The hinge will allow the tree to travel in one direction some distance before it starts to "unhang". It's possible to cut blocks from either & end up with a free hanging top which must then be pulled down. Obviously the top will eventually come down and there needs to be enough space for it to do so. There is always the option of hiring cranes, bucket trucks, etc. Cost vs risk is the decision to be made.

The worst advice I've heard in this thread is to notch & come back tomorrow. Better to leave it as is than half do the job. In New Hampshire all unposted land is open for access for hunting, fishing, hiking, etc by statute. Landowner liability is limited to unguarded dangerous situations known to or created by the landowner. One could find themselves facing criminal endangerment or negligement homoside charges.

When any thread starts with the question "Can I do this...?" the obvious answer should be "NO!". A better question would be " How can this be done safely? " and the requestor left to evaluate whether the answers fall within his skill set.

 

[Egon]

The worst advice I've heard in this thread is to notch & come back tomorrow. Better to leave it as is than half do the job.

I strongly disagree with this statement.

Notch and let the wind finish the job. Then you are not in the falling zone when it falls.

 

[2manyrocks]

Depends on whether anybody might come along and have it fall on them. If you are in a location where there is a fair chance someone will come on your place and have the tree fall on them, then I wouldn't notch it. If there isn't much risk of someone getting under it, then notching for the wind to knock it down may still be an option.

Cost is a relative thing. A bucket truck might seem expensive unless you compare it to a hospital bill.

I've got one hung in the woods, but since it's in the woods and no body is supposed to be around it, I'm not messing with it.

 

[Egon]

So I find about 5 or 6 windblown trees that have been that way for ??? as I didn't see them fall in a location that is quite inaccessible to a bucket truck without a doing few days road building.

They get notched and are down by next morning. Thats faster than the bucket truck gets there.

It's also faster than getting in other proper equipment.

So, do I let them hang for longer or get them on the ground in a manner that I figured was the safest??

Or???