I decided to get the little Echo 330T out and cut down some trees that are too close to the house. I decided to start with a little maple and I used a rope to tie it off because it was leaning towards the house; the idea being that I could influence the fall. When I made my notch cut I noticed the middle was hollow; not so good as there is less hinge. When I made the back cut the tree started falling towards the house. I didn't have any tree wedges; I do need to purchase some, so I hurried to find something that I could use as a wedge. When I returned the tree had closed up on the back cut and I could not push the tree enough to open the cut to place what I had found to use for a wedge. At that point I headed back to get the come-along in hopes that I could pull the tree over. After hooking up the come-along I found the tree just wanted to twist due to the lack of the hinge from the middle being hollow. In the end, the tree fell on the house. I managed to get the tree off the house with only minor damage to the eavestrough. While not exactly how I had planned the day; which certainly did not include me climbing the roof, the tree is down. On to the next!
The other two trees in the background need to come down as well. Then there are the trees on the other side of the house. I am going to see if I can get a tree service here and let me know how much it will cost to take down the big tulip tree in the back garden that is leaning. Maybe I get a tree a year down. There is a reason these trees were not removed before setting up the house; just wish they could have come down then.
Ouch. Luckily you have little damage. I suggest setting the come along(s) up with some tension prior to starting the cut. Snatch blocks can help keep you out of the fell path also. Good luck
Glad everything is safe. Might I suggest a Masdam rope puller and 1/2" 3-strand rope? Most online vendors, Wesspur and Tree Stuff , offer kits with puller, rope and sling for about $150. Some of the best money I've ever spent.
Yes, the leaves on a lot of the trees are really growing fast after the last freeze. I want to take down some sweetgum and tulip in the front garden before the leaves contribute to the top weight; need to move Mum's car out of the way.
