the cut. This Sugar Maple is on the ground to a certain point then runs out over the hill. I was thinking of starting the cut marked in picture 9428-001,cut each individual branch off the main trunk, any thoughts. I guess another way would be take a shovel up and dig up near the stump end so I can make the cut there but you still would have a chit load of pressure.
Definitely clean up the brush and branches first. I might start before the trunk splits if you can stay clear and it is not too much on the ground. If you need to start after the split in the trunk, I would work from the bottom up if possible. That way you are not placing a lot of stress on the tree by piling up by stacking the top part on the yet to be cut bottom parts. However, listen to any who have more experience than me that might post after me
I would limb as much as I could first. I think I would try to cut it first around where it projects off the flatter dirt. Cut down through it with a few wedges to keep the cut open just in case. I think the upper part will drop clean to the slope then, at least lower where you can work on that safely. Hard to be sure from the photos. I might just want to climb out onto it with my 026 and start cutting it from the top down!
Are the limbs low enough to cut? If you cut at your marker, is there any chance of the tree going back up from the weight of the roots? Gravity, pressure, and the slope will make things very tricky...... There are many concerns with that one. I know you are safe with things, but be extra vigilant.
Like the suggestions above said, I would clean up around it, and start limbing it back towards trunk. Be careful and really study every cut you make, so as not to put yourself in danger. Good Luck!!
Never had one quite like that, but with trees in compression or tension, I cut....step back, cut....step back. I like the wedge idea too. How high off the slope is the top? Can you get to that easily? If not, I think I'd start with an undercut on the bottom branches, then top cut a little farther out just to see what it's going to do. Lots of good wood there. Hate to see it go to waste.
I think the tree will stay on the ground if I cut at the marker or even back further. I didn't put it in my original post but I always limb up first.
I don't want to go any further down the slope then in pic 9428, I'm also thinking that working from the other side might be better, I'll see when I get up there. Next week I'll check the long term weather for this area, if it looks like I'll have another two weeks, I'll start next week. I have a few other things going on so maybe I could start by the middle of next week. I also am thinking of winching them up the hill in certain lengths and then cut the main trunk on the ridge. Behind this Sugar Maple is a nice size downed Cherry and just down the ridge from the Maple are two more downed Cherry, plenty of work.
I think once you get all the limbs out of the way and take another look at it then you will probably see the best way to cut it up. Be careful out there.
I'd go down into the main trunk where there is no seam from that crotch and 90 notch the bottom and bore cut out the top leaving a 3" +hinge . Should lay down like a tired dog. Gonna want to roll but can't tell which way without being there. Leaving a big hinge should eliminate roll.
Good luck! I think where you have it marked is a good location. If the log doesn't move, it will make for some easy waist high cutting.
Well, you said you will limb it first and that is the right way. From there on, it depends. First, we don't know how high that top is off the ground. Is it so high and that is why you want to cut it down lower? Or do you just want to cut sections so you can winch it up the slope? From the pictures, it looks like a super easy job, but we aren't there so can't see the whole picture. Most decisions will have to be yours. As to the wedges, I really can't see why you would even need one. And by the looks of the angle of the tree, as stated, that looks like an easy one. Stay on the high side so nothing rolls toward you. Don't forget you can always hook the cable on before you cut then winch it up immediately. Good luck.
I just did one similar to this on Saturday. I piled some chunks up under the bottom so the main trunk would only drop a few inches. Cut down through from the top about half way, set 2 wedges and finished the cut. Cut some of the top up to use for more chunks, moved back and did it again same way.
A few more pictures of the Sugar Maple, I think I'll make my cut well behind the clump of dirt. I plan on starting this on Saturday.
