For what it is worth, I like to free the log from the stump right away. Sometimes it is hard to tell exactly what is in tension or compression until you start cutting. I like to tap a wedge in to keep the kerf from closing on the bar if anything shifts. Keep an eye on any movement and be ready to back out if the stump takes off. Sometimes it is prudent to leave the stump long to keep the root wad from tipping toward you too far. Be safe!
Well, it’s a bit bigger in person! I’m 5’ 10” and I’m standing a few feet away due to the frozen lake under the rootball. You can see the pallets and wood it lifted up: More of the underside: This really gave me a bit of a flashback to my childhood. I can remember riding my bike and exploring the woods after Hurricane Gloria and seeing a lot of Pines like this. Not sure what will become of the tree. Our neighbors indicated they may have someone take it for the timber. Stay tuned…
I have one next door in the front yard just off the road that took the power out next door for a day or two. (electrician worked on the wires live) Went back down about half way and I've seen rabbits run and take cover under it. They can be impressively sized root balls and persist for quite a long time. Good way to make a body disappear ?
Pics dont do stuff justice lots of times. Need a big saw to cut her up? Be glad to lend a hand. I remember Gloria very well. I was a senior i high school. My late uncle gave me my first Stihl after that storm. I had been using a puny Homelight.
Thanks Brad! Very kind of you. I’ll definitely keep you posted. That was one heckuva storm back in the day! I know we were without power for some time.
Moved some wood and pallets today. This pic makes me smile. My end posts are still in the “ground” as are the blocks I use to elevate the pallets. Almost looks like the pic was taken sideways. I then took a closer look at the underside of the rootball. Look closely around the 5 o’clock position of the circle. You can see the end of one of the end posts. Not a view you often see.
Today was the day! It’s been warm and dry in VT, so we decided to tackle the rootball and tree. Our neighbor Matt helped with his Kubota and his saw. This went really well. Matt cut the trunk and the rootball gently rolled back into place. It’s up a bit, but we can deal. After the logs were hauled off, I cut up the remainder for our neighbor. He didn’t want the pine, so he gave it to us. Matt has his own business milling and making furniture. He asked my wife and I if we wanted anything made out of the logs he took. We told him we’d probably like a mantle for above our wood stove. It would be cool to have something like that made from wood that grew not far from the house. Fun day! Amazing how having a tractor helped things along.
Nice work gettin it done. Lucky the ball tipped back into place. Next time drive those end posts a little deeper. An ounce of prevention ya know LOL
Thank you! We are very fortunate to have it. And the great neighbors too. It was a really nice day. I actually got quite a bit of sun as had a few red spots on my skin.
Here’s the pine from our neighbor. This was part of the top of the tree we cut apart from this thread and another top that fell in the storm in March. I’ll use this to make some kindling. And pine is always good when it’s really cold and you need to burn down that pile of hardwood coal from all the frequent reloading.
