Need Tree Cutting Advice

theonlybull · Oct 25, 2003

personally,i think cuttin a v in the top then cutting from the bottom is a sure way to jamb your saw. to prevent some kickback, chain the bottom of the fallen tree to another, in the direction it has fallen. then cut a small v in the bottom, and cut down from the top. the stump will try to return to it's orginal position, and the tree will drop to the ground.

from there, either cut it down, or pull it with a good long chain.

btw, i used to work as a logger, and delt with a few of them with nothing but a chainsaw.

F350Lawman · Oct 25, 2003

Like others ahve said pulling it may work.

I have pulled several large wind damaged trees down with my truck. I use a 70' strap and with the 4wd -dual rear wheel pickup and good traction I can swing the tree so it fall safely without having to get close myself. You would be suprised how a strategic tug can move even a large tree so that it falls out of harms way.

From the photo if I am seeing it corrrrectly, I would set up nearer the house and pull the base of that big tree so it flops the other way.

Dewave · Oct 26, 2003

When I was younger I used to cut wood for extra money and these leaners were never fun. Very unpredictable as to which way the tree would go after being separated from the stump. Down would be the best case scenario and up and back would be the worst case scenario. The worst case scenario is like a modified barber chain, it can kick back with a force that can kill instantly.

I've lost 2 bars off my chainsaw trying to fell these type of trees. I agree with both previous posters and this is the way we did it without losing a chain or bar. I would cut a V on top AND on bottom. And then use your best guesstimate/experience as to which way you may think it will go. 95% of the time the final cut would be from the bottom. But I would not attach a winch high up on the tree and then cut, that could cause a kick back. When ya get to the final cut be ready to run /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif leaving the chainsaw behind... remember don't run with sharp objects much less a chainsaw. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Since Isabel, I've cut down down about 15 of these leaners. BTW I never use hearing protection with these I want all my senses ready.

Just my 10 cents, sorry about the inflation.

Docsknotinn · Oct 26, 2003

Typically on a beast like this I usually wind up cutting a notch or V in the top and bottom. I have pinched several bars doing this. If I did a project like this I would start with a extra bar and chain on hand. I have left a few bars right in the tree. No fun for sure. I have never used chain so I wouldn't want to comment on that. I do think overall the idea is to remove as much force off the base as possible. Forceing that bad boy to go back does not sound like any fun. If you can manuver it with a truck, tractor, chain or anything else I would sure give it a try but that one does not look like she's gonna budge. When you do make that first cut you want to be fairly close to the base. You do not want a tree "lever" knocking your block off. Chaps, Gloves helmet and be ready to drop the saw and move quick. I just know I'd rather be beside this one than behind it. Arrgghhh. Theres always one in the bunch that hangs up. Dave

knucklehead · Oct 26, 2003

The positive side of this problem is the stump's pretty much already pulled! Is there any advantage to cutting before trying to drop it to one side, if it can be pulled? I'd rather make it fall while standing 50 or 100 feet away cranking on a come-along or pulling with a truck/tractor than sawing and sweating inches away from the thing, and having it drive itself a foot into the soft ground and re-wedge itself 6 feet down the standing tree from where it was before. That's my experience with cutting the base of leaners that are that far over. I was thinking about flinging a rope over it as high as could be done, and pulling sideways. Pulling straight back from the stump would be very good, because it would get the top off the bigger tree, but I wondered about the stump still being rooted in the ground.

It looks to me like it is on the "back" side of the large tree it is hung in, and the two smaller ones are facing kind of to the right and forward in the picture. If most of the big leaner is on the back side, I'd get a rope up as close to where it touches the small ones and pull toward the house in the background. Looks like there's lots of trees to anchor a come-along (cable puller) to, and plenty of trees to hide behind. I'll bet you're not going to have to put more pull than the rating of a medium sized cable puller (4000 lb) on that trunk and it will slide off the big one, down the backs of the smaller ones, and whump that dish you forgot to remove into little pieces.

This is a good opportunity to get a nice heavy piece of rope added to the tool collection. If you can have someone teach you how to splice a loop in each end, that would be a nice. Other wise put a bowline on each end and toss the loop over the tree, passing the other end through and snugging it up to the trunk. It's easier to leave a permanent loop in one end (or both), than to try to pick out a knot that you have just spent time tightening with a winch! Make the loop large enough to put two fists through.

Again, if either of you are really uncomfortable with this, there's no shame in calling a tree service. Not too many people will marvel at your bravery while attending your funeral. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mark_in_NH · Oct 26, 2003

( One of the things I really miss about not being on active duty anymore is the non-availability of det cord in the civilian world. Couple of wraps and that problem would be solved )

Cut, Split AND delivered all in one shot. I like that method.

Dewave · Oct 26, 2003

In my younger and dumber days we used to walk up the trees and shake them and then ride them down as they fell. We thought that was fun and I geuss it was at the time. I wouldn't do that now, nor am I sugessting it. Like I said my younger, dumber and ya think you're invincible days.

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Just my 11 cents.

EastTexFrank · Oct 26, 2003

I think I'm too chicken to attack that tree with a chain saw. I think I'd try a LONG chain or rope and pulling it from the side with either tractor or truck. If that didn't work I'd move a little straighter and try again. If all else failed I might get out the "redneck pruner" - 12 gauge and rifled slugs, and see if I could relieve some of the pressure on those branches holding it up and let it fall to a safer position. Just be careful about the direction you're aiming and don't stand under it.

knucklehead · Oct 26, 2003

( I might get out the "redneck pruner" - 12 gauge and rifled slugs)

Hey! I thought that was a Northeast trick to get at the nice Christmas trees!

Docsknotinn · Oct 26, 2003

LOL, yeah thats the last day of the season and I didn't fill my tag trick /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I dont think you will be blastin through that Maple with a 12 guage, although you might want to shoot it a few times just to feel better /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave