Felling Against the Lean.

The last big tree in the yard I've been cutting has a lean opposite the direction I'd like to fell it. Limb weight in the same dierction doesn't help the situation either. 20" stump diameter English oak. See the slight lean to the left in the pics.

With felling wedges and a steel splitting wedge I think I can coax it the other way. Leave plenty of hinge and pound them in. The neighbor said it was alright if it went partly into their yard, but I'd rather not have to move brush back over the property line if it goes the other way. I have a clear escape path in all directions as its all level with grass. Ill take it down next week.

Thoughts/opinions?

Pics coming shortly on post #2

 

Any chance of putting a rope and come-along on to help it go where you want it to go?

 

That seam in the trunk could mean a fracture in the trunk. I would put a rope in it and pre tension the rope with a come along or truck in addition to wedges.

 

I have some medium+ size white pine I’ve been cutting back around the house. One reason is too many needles in the gutters, plus I want a little more sun. I already have ‘wind break’ type trees a little further out.

The next 2 have to much lean towards the house, I plan to use my tow strap hooked to a come-along, if solo. I have a ladder, will hook it high, tension, cut, more tension, etc.. It’s not the best firewood, but I mix it in.

 

I don't have a rope.

I thought of trying the hydraulic jack method. Normal front notch. Back cut so far then cut another vertical notch to fit a small hydraulic jack then use that to push it over. I've seen videos on it but have never tried it.

 

I did notice that and will check it out carefully before proceeding. At least wrap the trunk with a come along to prevent a barber chair.

 

Not sure if a 20” tree is big enough for the jack method.

 

I think that much lean is going to be tough to manage with wedges alone, as you don't get far up the trunk before the mass of the tree or center of gravity is offset back past the leaning edge of the stump. And that split is concerning, because it means you can't completely trust the strength of your hinge as you lift the tree, whether using a jack or wedges. I've seen trees that were aggressively wedged against a lean separate at the hinge, basically lift straight up, and then fall backwards with the lean.

If it won't hurt anything if it falls backwards, then give it a try, as a learning experience. It might actually work, but be sure you leave plenty of hinge thickness, and keep a close eye out as you work. Be careful, and good luck!!

 

Hard to tell exactly from 2 pictures. And I don’t know where the property line is. Are you just dropping it and done? If you have to clean and move brush anyways, a little extra distance in a flat grassy area doesn’t seem like a big deal. I would try to aim for the stump and last couple of rounds the second picture, If that’s acceptable to the property owners on both sides. It looks like it could be done, but again hard to tell for sure from a couple thousand miles away. Don’t look like much to damage other than possibly another tree if things go entirely wrong.
Good luck, you can handle it

 

I’ve been there done that with a standing dead elm once when I was just learning about wedging against a lean. Landed on an old barbed wire fence that was in disrepair anyway. Property owner was unconcerned and I learned a lesson. So it worked out but I keep it in mind whenever I’m thinking about wedging something

 

Im going the wedge route. I was studying the pics carefully and noticed the center of gravity isn't that far off center despite the initial "lean" to the left. If I end up having to drive the steel wedge in fully and need to nibble at the hinge ill use a smaller saw.

Ive done it a few times in the past, mostly when felling shorter spars that were straight up vertical.

Thanks for your encouragement.

 

We never actually discussed the brush clean up. I just moved it to a pile with the previous three trees as it was in my way as I worked and needed it clear for additional trees I was felling.

I asked to fake them down and buck as he cuts random length tree service which drives me crazy. All he has to do is chip/remove brush and rake.

When the neighbor and I chatted Thursday she said it was okay (her suggestion) if it fell on their property. If you study the pics carefully you can barely make out the mowing line. Out of respect and any potential neighbor disputes I'd rather it not go the wrong way even though I would clean it up.

Yes if things go South there's plenty of room (literally) for error.

 

I too would want a rope in that sucker. I have wedged em over against lean but I had a larger stem to work with. Good luck Brad. Be careful!

 

Buy a rope. I have 100' one someone in the tree business gave me 20 years ago. Don't use it often, but excellent tool when you need it.

 

Good deals on rope on FBMP sometimes...

 

If you have plenty of room and nothing will get damaged, I suggest dropping it 90⁰ to the lean, you would also be cutting perpendicular to that Crack, not parallel to it.
Be safe and good luck

 

Time to head to your local dealer and tell them to hurry up with one of these. 18 ton, 55mm lift with remote control.

 

Nifty gadget.

How many ton if I get it ported?

 

One of the more useful battery powered items to come out IMO. I had always wanted to get one of the 'levers' for pushing over small falls that are hard to fit a wedge into. Never did buy one though. I like this from Stihl. Set the tree up, shove that dude in there, walk away from the danger and hit a button. Too bad it probably costs 5 thousand dollars?