Taking down an Alder

Went after the Alder with the broken top. I am no logger and falling trees, especially Alder, while exciting is my least favorite part of hoarding.
I haven’t done a lot of falling as you can tell by looking at my stump, so I absolutely refuse to do it without a chain in place. This one wasn’t too heavy so I was less concerned than I have been on others. It is amazing the amount of energy even the small ones put out when they split and barber chair.
Always glad to get them safely on the ground, even more so when they go in the direction I want. .


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nice pics!!! thanks for sharing!! I love the scenery!!! hey and many of us are "non loggers" that's why we are here. keep the pics coming and, hoard on!!!!!

 

Had to re-read your post about the chain after I saw the placement - yes barber chair is a possibility, but is really amplified in trees with existing natural lean.
Keep practicing the notch - I always try to start steep and then if it needs adjustment you can cut further down or back out and readjust angle - IMHO the hardest part of a drop is making the back cut align with a hinge especially on uneven ground.

 

That is some serious moss on your trees.

 

The back cut is the last cut and indeed the most important. Always check your notch to see the direction of the fall. If not yourself then your ground man. Always make your back cut above the bottom of the notch, an inch will do in most cases. You do not want the tree kicking back on you while you're dropping it. Always check the tree for its natural leaning position. And the most important thing, when in doubt don't do it.

 

You did well getting the Alder down. Safety first!

 

I HOPE YOU HAVE LIFE INSURANCE / HEALTH , AS I DO APPRECIATE YOUR AMBITION TO KEEP WARM , THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS WRONG AND DANGEROUS WITH THOSE PICTURES. I HAVE CUT PROFESSIONALLY FOR YEARS AND IT CAN GO SOUTH IN A HURRY.
STAY WARM AND BE SAFE,
IT'S ONLY WOOD EH

 

man, oh man, that looks like my grand daughters place used to look like, only her's is mostly ash. I've been ''thinning'' it for her and selectively cutting damaged tree's and leaner's for her. You should see it now, its thinned and almost looks like a park. I really enjoy the challenge of falling trees, watch the tops when the tree starts to leave, keep your eye's open above you. Make sure you have a good escape route fires thing.

 

Fill me in. Always eager to learn. And I have called in the pros when it gets dicey. Made it this far and don’t like taking chances at this point.


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Can never be too careful. Lots of things going on when dropping a tree. You got it down safely and that's what counts. By being aware of how dangerous it is you are ahead of some who have no clue.

 

You could always look around and see if there is a chainsaw, felling, or operaters class around. Alaska forestry has them throughout the year. With all the wildland fires around your AOR. You may be able to find a class. Might also look for a logger or tree cutter, buy them lunch for a lesson. Could also find a tree cutting service and apprentice for knowledge, may get both knowledge and wood out of the deal.

 

I don't see anything seriously wrong with that drop other than maybe a cleaner notch cut. That is not a big tree, of course I know even that size can hurt you.

 

No comment other than to repeat what rope said. Find a competent feller to give you some basic pointers. Or watch some videos:



Or check out:

To Fell a Tree A Complete Guide to Tree Felling and Woodcutting Methods

 

Just wondering, we got alot of black alder, the wood turns red when exposed to air or whatever it was again cant remember.
I think this red wood looks stunning, so my actuall question will this alder typ turn red too?

 

Yes. It turns red while it dries.


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In fact, it's red alder.

 

what's the purpose of the chain, do you use it with a winch to pull it one way?