Looking for advice on cutting a tree

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JCMC

ArboristSite Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
71
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Location
Just outside Shushan
This Oak tree was recently struck by lightning. I am looking for advice on cutting it down.
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Won't be cutting it until later this Fall when the leaves are off the other trees.
The leaves are all brown and the bark is spread out about 50' away.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
I'd be tempted to fall half one way, and half the other!

A sorta plunge cut finish?

Surely somebody's done such a preposterous thing before?

There is a bifurcated logic to doin it that way, IMO.

Jomoco
 
I have cut many trees usually not as big as this one it is 28" to 30" diameter. there is nothing around it to hit.

What do you have for saws? This is going to beg for a saw that will get it done right now, not something that's going to gnaw at it. From the pictures, there might be something to Jomoco's thought of dropping the each half instead of the whole thing. Be very mindful of dead stuff above you. They call 'em widow makers for a reason.
 
Your photos are helpful, but don't show all the information that a skilled sawyer would want. If you're a skilled sawyer, size up the tree, make your cuts and drop it.

If you feel the need for advice, maybe you should get someone skilled to drop it for you.
 
What do you have for saws? This is going to beg for a saw that will get it done right now, not something that's going to gnaw at it. From the pictures, there might be something to Jomoco's thought of dropping the each half instead of the whole thing. Be very mindful of dead stuff above you. They call 'em widow makers for a reason.
I have plenty of saw with the husky 2100. The whole tree was alive and well three weeks ago so no dead hanging limbs.

Your photos are helpful, but don't show all the information that a skilled sawyer would want. If you're a skilled sawyer, size up the tree, make your cuts and drop it. If you feel the need for advice, maybe you should get someone skilled to drop it for you.

I am not an expert but I have done my share of leaners and such with wedges, chains, binders and winch but never anything quite this large and split the way it is.
My thought was to wrap the tree with a couple chains and binders and use a plunge cut and trigger to drop it.

I may just let Mother Nature run her course.

This is the best advice I've had so far.
 
Any tree felling, Always go back to basics.
Asses the lean and drop zone.
Asses and clear your two paths of escape making sure no smaller trees are in the way to deflect and limbs breaking away and hitting you on the drop.
Asses the area for other hazards such as pedestrians, and roadways and paths or trails nearby.
Make sure equipment is good. Sharpen chain, gas up, oil and check saw is tip top.
Wear your PPE including boots, helmet, eye and ear protection and gloves.
Mark your cuts on the trunk if you must as well.
Be Safe and drop that puppy.
 
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