Scotty and I have talked about situations like this thread and we both agreed that in most instances, we would be wrong in telling someone how to do it. There are many things that could go wrong and one of them being the fellows we give advice to but even worse is someone who thinks that perhaps his situation is like the other so does what the other did and it turns out all wrong. When you need technical help on felling a tree, the Internet is not the best place to look for that information. You need someone right there with experience. That person can show or explain how it is done and be there while it is happening in case something starts to go wrong. For my part, in most situations I simply refrain from giving advice in these type situations.
I got to know a great tree guy who just so happens to go to our church who I get help from when I need it. I have learned so much from him about tying off trees to pull them but I am still not comfortable with the harder ones and usually get advice to make sure I understand what is going on.
I can appreciate that. I figured that since the deed was done this was a what could have been better as opposed to what should I do.
Most of the trees I fall are out in the bush where if the tree falls the wrong way it's more inconvenient than damaging, so I've attempted quite a few trees that lean the wrong way using nothing but wedges. It's amazing what you can get a tree to do, but I've had at least one scary incident where the hinge broke and the tree trunk kicked backwards (towards me) in a split second and drove into ground only inches from my foot. It happened so fast I had no time to react. Now that I'm a little older and wiser I generally walk away from anything that leans the wrong way, or just drop it with the lean and put up with the inconvenience of walking a little further for the wood. The last tough tree I "had" to cut in a tight place where things could get damaged was a big maple in my front yard where the branches were overhanging the house and power lines. Fortunately I own a bunch of steel staging scaffolding and was able to build it up all around the tree so I could cut it from the top down in little pieces. By far the safest way to do it.
I would love to spend some time with a pro and learn a few things. Nothing beats hands on learning, especially for me. Unfortunately, I don't know any pros that would take the time to work with me on this.
Wishing I had read this post before the Chinese chestnut drop this past weekend...... Back story- our Service Manager at work said the week prior,"I'm not gonna be the one to drop this tree" at our friend's house. He ended up being 'the guy' and when he and #2 buddy(not the homeowner) decided where to notch and to back cut, me and the homeowner stayed at the come-along. I shoulda known better.... Guy's saw got pinched on at the 9 o'clock, tree was supposed to go 6 o'clock(which was the direction it was tied off), house at 3 o'clock- oh yeah, power line to home 12 o'clock! He got in a bind, hollered at me, I finished the cut from 3 pm position- tree dropped INTO THE notch, spun 90 degrees, almost took the man out, pulled the power OFF THE HOUSE, no injuries tho! Except his ears- he'd never heard ME holler that loud! Power Co. came 45 mins later and strung the line back up. Scary stuff! I (jokingly) got blamed for the "felling" cut- we all knew it wasn't my immediate doing, but man, that's a lesson I was glad to learn with no negative outcome. Gotta check out NW Walker posted video.... And, my dad said, "Why didn't you have it tied off to a hitch on 1 or 2 trucks?" Love my dad! His most dangerous tree dropping story in the wake of hurricane Gloria is another story! Eric VW
Aaaand, What I failed to include above was the fact that 60% of the limbs were from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock, so the tree was already heavy to the 12 o'clock side! Limb! Limb! Limb 'em best ya can! Eric VW
Yet another great thread with lots of useful real info. Bottom line... every tree's gonna try to getcha... don't let em...
