I agree. And after looking at the pics a couple times, the potential for rot is more and more apparent.
The 42" one was the same way. You think to yourself "Red Oak"...will split like a dream. Yeah no. The one in my pic I sunk 3 steel wedges flush and water just oozed out. No visible cracks formed. Ended up noodling it. But I did conquer that big bastard in the end.
I'm going to point out the positives to the owners. This 60"+ monster came down in a storm but didn't damage any structures, vehicles, powerlines, driveways, or roads. They saved thousands not having to pay a tree guy to take it down. They have a neighborly fellow within driving distance willing to do it and help them out for a small fee. Its about the upsides in life. I used to be that negative guy all the time too. I'm working hard to change my ways. If they say no, that's ok. No harm in asking. The giant log can return to the earth from which it came. I won't loose any sleep over it.
I have a idea what Cash Larue and I would say if we could get some oak that close to home. Can you get wood closer than that, if not go get that for Cash and I. Go for it!
After seeing the the pictures I would definitely try to get it, but not for free! $1000-$1200 seems about right. No brush to deal with and access looks to be right on the edge of the street/road so not much damage to the yard. Be sure to discuss the root ball that will probably have to be left, and the saw dust & noodles. If the owner could mow the grass short as close as possible raking up dust and noodles might not be to bad. And with a tractor you can pack of bigger pieces which leaves less clean up on site. If they say no but not in a bitchy way be sure to leave your number with them, and after a good while they might change their mind. Also, if in the future you see someone else tackling it, I would have to stop and see what kind of arrangement they have. It looks like a fun one. As for the unappreciative relatives, their charity days would be over for my. And I would be to busy to help if they called asking.
Man you got hell for a family.I would go to the tree people and ask them what they could afford to have you take the tree then work from there.If the price is too short tell them you'll take so much of the tree for the amount they offer then work from there.
***Update*** I went to the site and knocked on the door a couple times, rang the doorbell. Waited 2-3 minutes. Despite two vehicles that were obviously on the road (plates, stickers, etc) no one answered the door. Went back about an hour later, same thing. I could hear a guy inside talking, but no answer. I did walk up to the trunk to get a better look. Only about 5-8 feet off the road. There weren’t any no trespassing signs and the town could well own where the tree is. Anyways, I measured the trunk and it’s about 64” at the base. I also noticed quite a bit of metal was imbedded in the trunk. Also quite a bit of rot. Looks like they themselves cut the tops and piled the branch wood and brush about 15 feet away at the edge of the grass. Doesn’t appear they burn wood (no smoke from anywhere and about 29 degrees F). At this point I have a strong feeling this won’t pan out. Even if I get ahold of them, I doubt they’ll want to pay anything, and I’m not interested in ruining 32” chains eating metal. Would you guys give up on it or leave a note/card?
Lots of rot would tend to steer me away. Then you add metal to the mix, I'd be out unfortunately. Nothing worse than messing up long chains, repeatedly! I have the feeling the homeowner wouldn't pay $$$ anyway.
Between the metal, the rot, the fact that it's been there for over a year and will probably be there for years to come, and that they can't even be bothered to answer the door....
You won't see any money from them, but you could write out a nice note stating who you are, what you would like to do and what it would cost and your contact info and let it ride, I don't think they will call but never know.
I was gonna mention the potential for metal with it being a yard tree, but I forgot. So upon the further review I would pass.
Yeah the more I think about it the less appealing it becomes. If I do write them a note it’s gonna be more in the 1200-1500 range. When I say I saw metal it was a fence post and a roll of heavy duty wire fencing all twisted up. Who knows what else is in there. A sign, lag bolts, a clothesline wheel. If I do end up doing it I’m gonna assume the first 5-6 feet is loaded.
