80cj
ArboristSite Member
I am removing a big tree that was blown down during a storm. It is for a good friend that doesn't have the money to hire a professional. (that would be option A) It is a willow oak that is ~40" at the trunk. I have been cutting logs to manageable lengths and using a small tractor with front end loader to load them onto a trailer and haul them away. I have removed everything but ~20' of the trunk. (see the 3rd pic below) I am planning on using my chainsaw mill to cut slabs that would be manageable (in shorter lengths).
When I was removing the last chunk, I noticed that the tree wants to stand up with little help from the loader. (the loader is rated for 1500 lbs and wasn’t straining at all, so I would guess it was less than 1000 lbs of force) From the weight tables, I am estimating that the tree weighs ~500 lbs/ft. that means the remaining trunk weighs ~10k lbs.
I am not sure if I should try to let/help the tree stand up or if I should sever the trunk from the root ball. I think that severing it is preferable, but have seen the videos of that in my searches and am a bit apprehensive. Especially since the base of the trunk is below ground level, so I can't make an undercut to keep it from splintering and possibly pulling the trunk with the root ball when it goes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
The 3 pics show what i'm dealing with. The person in the pics is 5'6". The 3rd pic shows what is left of the trunk now.
thanks
shawn
When I was removing the last chunk, I noticed that the tree wants to stand up with little help from the loader. (the loader is rated for 1500 lbs and wasn’t straining at all, so I would guess it was less than 1000 lbs of force) From the weight tables, I am estimating that the tree weighs ~500 lbs/ft. that means the remaining trunk weighs ~10k lbs.
I am not sure if I should try to let/help the tree stand up or if I should sever the trunk from the root ball. I think that severing it is preferable, but have seen the videos of that in my searches and am a bit apprehensive. Especially since the base of the trunk is below ground level, so I can't make an undercut to keep it from splintering and possibly pulling the trunk with the root ball when it goes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
The 3 pics show what i'm dealing with. The person in the pics is 5'6". The 3rd pic shows what is left of the trunk now.
thanks
shawn