removal of tree blow down

Deere Dude · Apr 4, 2019

It may not be the cheapest route bit I would wrap a chain around the tree as far up as you can get toward the tree top and hook two 75'=100' minimum cables to the chain. The other end I would cable to a sturdy trees base near the butt end of the tree with two come-a-longs, one on each cable. Tighten one com-a-long up until is very tight, then the other. Back and forth until the tree starts standing up, and hopefully pull back over the other direction.

I pulled some leaners over our house and pole shed and it works, but I used 100 foot cables just to be on the safe side. You can bend a 12" straight tree into a nice arc with with enough pressure.

Jstpssng · Apr 4, 2019

Is the building insured? If so this should be covered under your policy. You have gotten some good suggestions here, the most sensible are those who suggest hiring a pro. Trees do funky things when under that kind of strain, it isn't worth getting injured or worse just to save a few bucks.

Dutch445 · Apr 5, 2019

i went over again last night and did some rough measuring
the tree is 13-14 inches at the base, most of it is around 12,
i believe white pine, so around 2000 lbs total give or take..
the top is hanging free with only a few scrub trees below it, and
no good trees near it to hang from or tie to, and the top is
approx 18-20' off the ground. it's more than 40' from the road,
not sure a boom truck can reach that far sideways.
i'm leaning towards Coby's thoughts, but i would try to tie off
each butt end to stop any wild swings.
thinking of cutting near the peak, let the top split/swing down to the ground
to get the pressure off, then see if the trunk half can be winched back upright,
and deal with the top half from ground.
worst case damage wise would be railings, they are just 2x4, and maybe
a few 5/4 floor boards but that deck is 2x10 joists on 6x6 posts, it isn't going
anywhere with a few hundred pounds landing on it.

some better pictures:

CobyRupert · Apr 5, 2019

If you try to hinge the tree in the middle above the roof peak to lower the top end to the ground, I'd suggest putting a little notch on the underside first, as much as you can without pinching the saw. (it would be very difficult to get it out).
I think that way when you (slowly) saw down from above, the hinge will be in a wider spot across more of the trunk's cross section, and perhaps less likely to snap off. (i.e. you want to keep it connected to the trunk so it doesn't bang on roof or deck)
It's a balancing act of cutting slowly through just enough so it hinges, but not so much it breaks off. Others may know how "hingy" vs. "brittle" pine is when trying to get a hinge to bend versus snapping.

Hopefully the top of the tree is free and clear to lower down with this method. It's surprising how the smallest branch can hang up a tree.

coldsteelva · Apr 5, 2019

I would use a pole saw to start to weaken the top just above the root ball. As you make some cuts, the tree should show what it wants to do. I think enough of that tree is over the peak that once cut free of its base, it will just teeter up over the roof as the canopy drops down the slope to the ground.

Dutch445 · Apr 5, 2019

i have 2 contractors coming tomorrow for estimates. they're not willing
to estimate until they see the site and all involved..

CobyRupert · Apr 6, 2019

Dutch445 said:
i have 2 contractors coming tomorrow for estimates. they're not willing
to estimate until they see the site and all involved..

Boo! Boo!
On TBN looking for advice, and the answer you wanted was “Hire somebody”?
What a waste of time and bandwidth.

ericm979 · Apr 6, 2019

Only the OP knows his level of skill and experience. And of course he can't evaluate cost of hiring it out without getting estimates.

We wouldn't want someone to get hurt doing something beyond their skill because some guys on the internet said to.

Deere Dude · Apr 6, 2019

ericm979 said:
Only the OP knows his level of skill and experience. And of course he can't evaluate cost of hiring it out without getting estimates.

We wouldn't want someone to get hurt doing something beyond their skill because some guys on the internet said to.

That's right. I will try almost anything but this one would give me pause.

95XL883 · Apr 6, 2019

Okay, realize what follows is totally facetious. Well heck, just pack about 20 lbs of tannerite under that root ball and get rid of it with a 30-06. Be sure to have video going for uploading to youtube. Oh, and make sure you have somebody holding your beer.

On a serious note, whoever suggested checking with insurance first is probably the right answer. My house policy covers a live healthy tree falling on my or neighbor's house. But I wouldn't want to risk more damage only to learn the insurance won't pay because they didn't get to approve. And my guess is insurance is going to require this one be done by a pro.