Project elephant

I have permission to cut on 27 acres up the road from my house. Decided to take a walk around the edge of the corn fields now that there down and noticed something odd in the woods. Turned out to be a massive root ball attached to a 36" or better oak. I'm trying to post pics but it keeps telling me theres a security issue. Can anyone help with that?

 

Started by cutting off the root ball.

 

Started working from the top and split my first couple bucket loads today. First bucket load out.

 

Excellent! Looks like more dead standing trees there. Hopefully there's still meat on their bones for you.

 

I'll keep this thread updated as I continue to chip away at it.

 

By security issue, do you mean dangerous cutting? Anytime the downed tree is attached to a rootball, there’s a chance for it to stand upright. Always cut it at the rootball end first. I’ve had them stand upright while cutting from the top end and it wakes you up real quick. Also be careful for twisted wood from tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. It can “pop” unexpectedly and trees, and branches can swing back to the original position just like a spring under tension. Best way for this type of wood is to use a machine like an excavator with a thumb, and get the logs into a pile then perform the hand work.

 

I've gottin hickory, mulberry, locust, and oak off this property. Have permission to take anything dead standing or down.

 

Root ball was the first thing to come off. Dont have heavy equipment.

 

Nice work! There’s still a face cord attached to the root ball that I’d be getting.

 

I'm working on that. Trying to figure the best way to get it. Had a local guy on the forums offer to bring his 395 with a 42 over so that might come to be.

 

Did your heart jump a couple beats or pulse increase once you first saw that downed oak?

 

A little. I did one a couple years ago that went 40+" but the top had been out of it for years. Theres way more wood in this tree then what was left of that one. My heart always jumps a little when I find a big on. Means I still have a reason to have saws over 50cc.

 

Nice score. Keep the landowner happy!!!!

 

I'm guessing 3.5 cords.

 

That one should keep ya busy for a few hours James Miller


And warm much longer.

 

All I know is there will be alot of splits. I dont count cords Just stack till theres no room and go that's a bunch of firewood. None of this tree will come home for atleast a year.

 

Looks like you wont need 27 acres when you have one 36" oak. That will keep you busy for some time. Nice that you can hand split on site and red oak is a breeze by hand.
Great score BTW!

 

that one tree would keep me warm for an entire winter!

 

Probably 2 years or better for me. We just don't get the cold here in south central PA like we used to.

 

You will stack in the woods til a later date? Ive done that in my woods. PITA for me as i have to wheel barrow it out. Im curious to the final yield so keep us updated. I have a chart that tells yield but only goes up to 22".