Oklahoma,AR,MO,KS,TX GTG (Next GTG 08/27/2016 ) Fort Scott, KS

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awol

ArboristSite Guru
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
502
Location
Cabool, MO.
I need some advise on cutting a tree with a large root ball. Is there any special way to cut the trunk near the base so I don't kill myself?
Bore through the trunk at the base, cutting the heart out. Leave small, real wood triggers at the top and bottom, and carefully snip them at arms length, being ready to back out quickly. When boring the heart out, watch and feel for any twisting the trunk and rootball may try to do, as it can pinch your saw.
 
Hedgerow

Hedgerow

HACK
Joined
Dec 20, 2010
Messages
15,356
Location
Carthage, MO
Lol, them videos are funny to see the tree stand up and launch the idiot cutting it off...
After the Joplin tornado, we were taking out an up rooted willow tree with a giant root ball..
The root ball was so heavy and fresh, we whittled away at the top till it was so light, the trunk finally stood back up into the root hole..!!
Then I dropped the stick in the conventional manner..


I felt real smart right then..
But it was a passing moment.
 
bigtuna

bigtuna

ArboristSite Operative
Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
264
Location
mo.
You can buy the decompression valve next to nothing. But I've heard that on the 61 case , decomp. Valve gets in the way of the the chainbreak. Just what I heard a few other builders say.
 
Hinerman

Hinerman

Addicted to ArboristSite
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
3,664
Location
NE Oklahoma
Is this tree down already?
Recent blowdown?

Yes. The tree (pin oak) recently blew over on a house. Feel sorry for the homeowner,,,,bad deal. My buddies with the tree service got the tree off the house with a crane. I get the wood. I went and surveyed the situation and noticed the rootball with about 15-20' of the trunk. I briefly talked to the homeowner and said to "be careful with the base, it will stand back up". He said he used to cut a little wood.
 
Hinerman

Hinerman

Addicted to ArboristSite
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
3,664
Location
NE Oklahoma
Bore through the trunk at the base, cutting the heart out. Leave small, real wood triggers at the top and bottom, and carefully snip them at arms length, being ready to back out quickly. When boring the heart out, watch and feel for any twisting the trunk and rootball may try to do, as it can pinch your saw.

Which one do you snip first? I am assuming the top, to open up the cut. Snipping the bottom first could pinch the bar.
 
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