What to do???

My brother has a buddy who wants him to cut down some trees and take them for firewood. My brother said there are some hazard trees he would like help with and they are the creepy kind. He is doing this for free, and it sounds like he expects me to do the same. I am having a difficult time processing the situation and would like some input just to help get a sense of direction.

here is one of the trees. It has a tree in the crotch that goes straight away from the camera. It is a big oak.

 

If its an easy drop then go for it. Near buildings, power lines etc I'd pass.

I hate when someone "volunteers" my help & expertise for free.

 

Hard to judge the situation. If it were me, well, the first tell would be the family aspect. If my family is trying to get me involved, it's usually a sh!tshow.

If it were one of my few friends asking me to help, no problem.

So, I guess I'm deciding based on my opinions of those asking and those whose trees they are.

I'd be a helper, not the project manager.

 

That tree looks sketchy. Tree work and free are not a good combination. I recall you making a post about having 60 cord of wood. You can be picky as you want with a hoard of 60 cord. If it was already on the ground it’d be a totally different story.

 

Thanks guys. I told my brother it’s not a job I am willing to do for free.

 

If you are close with your brother and don't want to do a bunch of work for free just go and help him get them down safely if at all possible. Then let him do the the clean up.

 

He won’t touch em without me there.

 

Seems everyone wants “free” tree removal. The owner probably had someone look at it and give him a price. That was way more expensive than he’s willing to pay, so offer them to a buddy who burns wood. The buddy knows he doesn’t have the skills and/or confidence so he asks his brother.
Is the tree owner willing to pay you to drop them. Then your brother can take them apart for firewood for free. Probably still be cheaper for the owner, you make a little side money, and your brother gets firewood.

 

Sounds like a solid decision from both of you. Good calls.


Owl

 

I would look at this as how much you’d want to help brother. If he’s in need of the wood, maybe yes. If landowner is a known cheapskate, maybe no.

 

The landowner is an old “buddy” of his who has gotten him into some bad situations in the past. I am not a big fan of the guy. Seems he always needs help with something and can’t do anything to help in return.

 

That would sway me heavily.

 

That statement right there. Nope. Money or not, just nope.

 

This statement,….. says stay out of the situation

 

Is this because he needs you to drop them, or needs your experience in some way? Or he just wants someone there that he trusts? Or he wants your "free" labor? I guess I'm asking what is your brother looking for you to do with the job?

But it sounds like you've made some form of answer based on thinking it through and other's input.... As ppl here know, realize and understand, there can be a ton of risk involved with chainsaws and trees, depending on the situation...that most other people just don't get, or care...

 

X2

 

Sometimes the best answer is NO. The smart people know when to walk away.

 

X3, let trouble making, greedy, selfish, manboy do it himself or pay through his teeth...