Lightning struck Poplar

[kz1000]

Hi guys,
Never had one hit this hard before, chunks of wood and bark 150 feet from the tree. Not sure if I can drop it or if it will have to come down from the top. Thought about putting a chain and binder around it above the cut and giving it a shot, but I'm getting old and don't run so fast. What do you think?

 

[WmTreeCo.]

Binding the lower trunk can reduce the risk of barber chair...but blown up wood fibres can make the notch and back cut more difficult as it tends to pinch the bar more.
I would be worried about the structural integrity above you while you were cutting.

If you got a qualified tree worker in, they could just get it on the ground for you so you don't have to worry about how fast you can run!
They could install a pull rope or two and see how safe it is up top before its felled.

Good luck.

 

[kz1000]

Thanks! I am leaning that direction for sure. The tree was hit very near the top and it followed the heart wood all the way down.

 

[Bobby Kirbos]

Is it far enough away from civilization where 5# of tannerite would be an option?

 

[kz1000]

thirty feet from my mower building and light lean. nope!

 

[Bobby Kirbos]

thirty feet from my mower building and light lean. nope!

Ok, 4# then.

 

[NeSurfcaster]

Wow, that sucker really did get hit hard. Never seen one explode that much, all the way to the stump. Looks like a good tree for a lift/bucket

 

[Natster]

Nates tree rules:
1.) Determine where it would fall, if the base were cut suddenly, in a millionth of a second. Use a plumb bob. Or a string on a weight. Pay attention to big limbs. If you cannot determine this, because you are not used to it, maybe get someone else to help. If it's a tree that could go virtually any direction, because it's real plumb, and balanced on its trunk, then climb it, or long ladder, and rope, or chain anchor it, so you absolutely control the fall direction.
2.) Learn to make a proper felling hinge. This is essential. If you cannot do this, get help.
3.) Get your saw sharp, and running properly, gassed up, oil full, and NOT going to quit during the felling process.
4.) Wind. It can convert a simple job into a mess.
5.) Don't violate your sense of safety or confidence.
6.) Think about how hard it can hit, and break things. Like sidewalks, asphalt, or lawn.
7.) Can you manage all the clean up, mess, wood and tops?
If you enjoy all this, you will probably do well. If not, get some help.
Thanks,
Natster

 

[kz1000]

Never seen one like it, followed the heart and flat blew it up.

 

[NeSurfcaster]

also septic systems and sprinkler systems

 

[Natster]

also septic systems and sprinkler systems

Right on. I once saw a buried water line busted, by a falling tree.
Nat

 

[kz1000]

It's on the ground, now a ton of clean up. Thanks all!

 

[Bobby Kirbos]

It's on the ground, now a ton of clean up. Thanks all!

PICS - or it didn't happen. You know the internet rules.

 

[kz1000]

I'll get them on today, thanks for the reminder!

 

[kz1000]

here you go. As you will notice, my helper was out all night and I can't get his ass to move.