Physics of falling trees?

[Vancouver]

I have to cut a tree that is leaning in a direction which will have it fall on my neighbours house. Can someone explain the physics of cutting a tree using the hinge method?

 

[Jay Banks]

First, if it's leaning toward their house you wouldn't want to use the hinge method. It would have to be a take-down in sections.

 

[TREETX]

A hinge is used to fell a vertical tree - straight. It is used for direction but also to keep the tree from barber chairing and killing the cutter.

A hinge can be used in conjuntion with a tagline to direct a leaning tree. It also requires an intimate knowledge of the species being cut and its' dynamics. Not being uppity or an arbosnob but it is something you just learn after working with trees for years.

It sounds like it should come down in pieces.

 

[Vancouver]

I've heard horror stories about these maple splitting and killing the cutter. Thanks for your advice

 

[TREETX]

Post a pic if you have a digi-camera

 

[ricksvar]

Vancouver,know your limitations and what your skill will permitt you to do safely.We all have our limits.

I'am not a climber,but have cut my share of trees.There's a tree in my front yard I'am leaving to the pros(with the skill to top safely)because I KNOW it's beyond my abilities

Best Wishes,
Rick

 

[Vancouver]

I hear what you guys are saying about knowing your limitations.
It really does help to have someone to give advice to you on such things. I'm the sort that does things on my own and I always make mistakes in the beginning and , I guess, never learn it right. I took up hunting without input from anyone and that was really a disaster. Reading a booking about butchering game and hunting techniques is just not the same as being shown how to do it.

 

[TREETX]

It is the same with trees, why butcher your neighbor's house?

Do you have a camera to post photos of the tree before you cut it or maybe while it is on the neighbor's house?

 

[Vancouver]

I don't have any intention of butchering neighbours house. I'm a very prudent person. Talking about stupid: my neighbour has christmas lights and decorations on the stop sign adjacent to his property. He's got them taped on with electric tape and a big raindeer ornament on the top. People seem to think they own everything right up to the public road, including signs.

 

[Vancouver]

re camera: presently looking into purchasing digital camera. need to upgrade computer first, unfortunately. i will try to post some pics of tree and my new fence in few weeks.

 

[TREETX]

Cool, we can offer better ideas w/photos. It is hard to say w/out seeing.

 

[Jay Banks]

Holday decorating on public trees is also a big issue, maybe another thread?

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Will it fit in the box? Triangulating fall path:{http://www.arboristsite.com//showthread.php?s=&threadid=4754}

Can the force of the fiber steer it there? Dent on hinging:
{http://www.arboristsite.com//showthread.php?s=&threadid=4451}

Best pull?
{http://www.arboristsite.com//showthread.php?s=&threadid=4074}

Also: {http://www.arboristsite.com//showthread.php?s=&threadid=4264}

These are advanced but reachable topics. There is no replacemeant for experience, a picture of the puzzle and obstacles is a nice idea.

 

[Kevin]

To fell a leaning tree you face cut on the lean side , the direction it is already leaning.
You make another face cut in the direction you want to fall the tree and then make your back cut severing the hinge according to which way you want to turn the tree.
Make sure you have lots of insurance to cover the damage or get someone that knows the ropes!

 

[Jock]

Pleased i dont live next door

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

How about an 85 ton crane?