Cannon's dead tree challenge

Cannon · 31st July 2007, 05:44 PM

Hi, here are a few photos from the third floor window. WHAT A YA THINK?

Quintrex · 31st July 2007, 08:38 PM

I think that tree's fallen on hard times. Wouldn't be too keen to climb the bastard!

Ekka · 1st August 2007, 12:42 AM

Looks like plenty of it is falling off too, I'd be getting a tower if I couldn't fell it.

Cannon · 1st August 2007, 02:20 AM

Hello, I plan on climbing to the branches set up a zip line, sling up each individual branch then cut 2' sections of the trunk all the way down. How would you do it?
EKKA (tower)? Thanks Cannon

JayD · 1st August 2007, 02:30 AM

I would use a lift, Bugger climbing that!

JohN Dee · 1st August 2007, 03:05 AM

Holy Jebus Cannon.

First of all welcome to the site

. For a novice climber I would indeed say you are in way over your head. I would recommend as others have, using an Elevated Work Platform.

Stay safe mate.

Ekka · 1st August 2007, 03:31 AM

Hey, check it out.

Pic2 close up, already got ya pulley installed by the looks.

Cannon · 3rd August 2007, 09:36 AM

There is no way of getting a tower, lift, bucket or genie boom into this backyard. The alleyway is 3' wide, (staircases and fence's). Is the danger that the whole tree would topple or is it that the branches would snap unexpectedly? Would you bring in scaffolding? The building behind the tree is about 12' tall; I suppose it could be used to tie off too. 25' scaffold is fairly high.

juniorgilman · 3rd August 2007, 10:14 AM

I knew Ekka was observant, but wow!!! I know I didn't see that b/f he pointed it out.

Matt

Ekka · 3rd August 2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon

25' scaffold is fairly high.

Did you see the home-owner here in Brisbane who built the tower of terror?

INCREDIBLE, Home owner removal photos, the tower of terror!

Also, in a couple of the latest video's I put up we are using a tower, check out the reach.

See if you can measure the reach over the building top to where those vehicles are parked. Small crane too, maybe you can tie into the ball or work out of a cage.

That thing sure looks bad. It has happened before where the roots have failed and the tree fell over killing the climber.

Maybe take down that cyclone mesh fence and fell the bugger, even if you fell it from half way up, you can then have a high line attached to the units somewhere.

TREE-SURFER · 3rd August 2007, 03:08 PM

Hello Cannon, and welcome.
As a climber, I would strongly advise against doing so on this, not so well tree. The tree, being so dry and baron, could in fact be holding onto some not so good fractures, with added movement and shock loads, could render a rather dangerous situation. As this area is so tight, I would go with Ekka; take out the fence and drop the top section with the added top rope to pull over. Use a scarf cut - birds mouth - gob cut, about 90degrees open and set at 45 degrees to the trunk (Just above where Ekka spotted that elusive pulley), make a bore cut as if you were felling a tree that was leaning forward, place tension on pulling rope/s and finish of with a diagonal cut from the rear to meet your bore cut. Block down as normal. Don't wanna make it sound as if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but had 1 like that a few month back, totaly unpredictable. The key is directional felling with aid of ropes and/or portable winch and a trusty set of ladders.

What do you think Ekka?

Sean Freeman · 3rd August 2007, 03:28 PM

Hi Cannon, as I've said on another thread here somewhere dead trees are extremely dangerous, climbing them even more so...based on the photos you posted I would have to spend an hour or more working out how to manage the likelihood of the entire stem failing on me if I began climbing it!

Unless there was a larger stablle tree above it, or I could rig myself off a crane I wouldn't climb it at all....not even to fell the top half.
Scaffold might be an option, or a small mobile crane, either way doubt the client is going to be wild about the price! Cheapest option is as Ekka suggests remove fence and fell..then rake and rake and rake.

Ekka · 3rd August 2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TREE-SURFER

What do you think Ekka?

It's always hard when you are not there in person. Plus I have no experience with the species.

I just would like to see ole mate walk away safe, and all ideas are good, yours with the wide mouth scarf (notch for USA) is right too. At the end of the day Cannon will do his best, at least he has many options now to consider, but no tree is worth you getting an injury.

Keep us posted Cannon, you have an excellent attitude to your work, you will do well in this trade if you keep an open mind and stay safe.

osb_mail · 5th August 2007, 03:14 PM

Hey it looks like you might be able to hit some of those branches from the window with a pole saw .Then maybe you could pull the stem with a rope .

Quintrex · 6th August 2007, 12:02 AM

Pole saw idea is worth considering. What about crane the whole tree out in one bit? A careful climb to place sling is all.
If you don't think it can be done safely, walk away. It's not worth a broken back for a job.

Brad Goyen · 6th August 2007, 04:56 AM

Or use the cage on a crane if there isn't room to lay it down.
What species was it and how stable is the timber known to be after death? if it is a harder species then keeping to the centre line and using a pole saw from the crown may be possible
If it is a soft wood use some hastings sticks from the balcony with a turbocut head and it will reach out about 20 ft with three sections and it cuts well

These ideas are only if the client don't want the fence down if the fence can come out fell it

pomme · 6th August 2007, 11:19 AM

there looks to be room for a crane at the rear. if you have to climb this tree take it really slow and be very aware of the feedback the tree gives take as much weight as poss away with minimum shock to the main stem, no lowering or zip lining. the fence is expendable if your client won t accept that and wont pay for a crane walk away. i have done trees like this in the past but you do need to put your balls in your pocket and it is not always worth the risk.if you take it on best of luck

1st August 2007, 12:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,943	Looks like plenty of it is falling off too, I'd be getting a tower if I couldn't fell it. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding and Stump Removal Brisbane Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations, Developer, Tree and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

1st August 2007, 02:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cannon Sappling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: `Dingmans Ferry, PA Posts: 11	on with the DEAD tree Hello, I plan on climbing to the branches set up a zip line, sling up each individual branch then cut 2' sections of the trunk all the way down. How would you do it? EKKA (tower)? Thanks Cannon

1st August 2007, 02:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
JayD Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 941	I would use a lift, Bugger climbing that! __________________ Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory

1st August 2007, 03:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
JohN Dee Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 750	Holy Jebus Cannon. First of all welcome to the site . For a novice climber I would indeed say you are in way over your head. I would recommend as others have, using an Elevated Work Platform. Stay safe mate. __________________ Climber with slow climbing speed, must make up with mighty chainsaw roar. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Red : Green : Blue

3rd August 2007, 10:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
juniorgilman Sappling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maidens, VA Posts: 38	I knew Ekka was observant, but wow!!! I know I didn't see that b/f he pointed it out. Matt __________________ Husky 385xp Husky 334t

31st July 2007, 08:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Quintrex Mature tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 464	I think that tree's fallen on hard times. Wouldn't be too keen to climb the bastard!

3rd August 2007, 09:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cannon Sappling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: `Dingmans Ferry, PA Posts: 11	There is no way of getting a tower, lift, bucket or genie boom into this backyard. The alleyway is 3' wide, (staircases and fence's). Is the danger that the whole tree would topple or is it that the branches would snap unexpectedly? Would you bring in scaffolding? The building behind the tree is about 12' tall; I suppose it could be used to tie off too. 25' scaffold is fairly high.

3rd August 2007, 03:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
TREE-SURFER Mature tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Isle of Man,UK. Posts: 410	Hello Cannon, and welcome. As a climber, I would strongly advise against doing so on this, not so well tree. The tree, being so dry and baron, could in fact be holding onto some not so good fractures, with added movement and shock loads, could render a rather dangerous situation. As this area is so tight, I would go with Ekka; take out the fence and drop the top section with the added top rope to pull over. Use a scarf cut - birds mouth - gob cut, about 90degrees open and set at 45 degrees to the trunk (Just above where Ekka spotted that elusive pulley), make a bore cut as if you were felling a tree that was leaning forward, place tension on pulling rope/s and finish of with a diagonal cut from the rear to meet your bore cut. Block down as normal. Don't wanna make it sound as if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but had 1 like that a few month back, totaly unpredictable. The key is directional felling with aid of ropes and/or portable winch and a trusty set of ladders. What do you think Ekka? __________________ The Aerial Arborist Isle of Man Tree Surgeon\| All Aspects of Tree Work Andy@Aerial-Arborist.co.uk What experts say about TOPPING

3rd August 2007, 03:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
Sean Freeman PDF King & Arborist Extrodinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,671	Hi Cannon, as I've said on another thread here somewhere dead trees are extremely dangerous, climbing them even more so...based on the photos you posted I would have to spend an hour or more working out how to manage the likelihood of the entire stem failing on me if I began climbing it! Unless there was a larger stablle tree above it, or I could rig myself off a crane I wouldn't climb it at all....not even to fell the top half. Scaffold might be an option, or a small mobile crane, either way doubt the client is going to be wild about the price! Cheapest option is as Ekka suggests remove fence and fell..then rake and rake and rake. __________________ Sean Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky, We fell them down and turn them into paper, That we may record our emptiness. - Kahlil Gibran

5th August 2007, 03:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
osb_mail Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 201	Hey it looks like you might be able to hit some of those branches from the window with a pole saw .Then maybe you could pull the stem with a rope .

6th August 2007, 12:02 AM	#15 (permalink)
Quintrex Mature tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 464	Pole saw idea is worth considering. What about crane the whole tree out in one bit? A careful climb to place sling is all. If you don't think it can be done safely, walk away. It's not worth a broken back for a job.

6th August 2007, 04:56 AM	#16 (permalink)
Brad Goyen Sappling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 12	Or use the cage on a crane if there isn't room to lay it down. What species was it and how stable is the timber known to be after death? if it is a harder species then keeping to the centre line and using a pole saw from the crown may be possible If it is a soft wood use some hastings sticks from the balcony with a turbocut head and it will reach out about 20 ft with three sections and it cuts well These ideas are only if the client don't want the fence down if the fence can come out fell it

6th August 2007, 11:19 AM	#17 (permalink)
pomme Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: england Posts: 220	there looks to be room for a crane at the rear. if you have to climb this tree take it really slow and be very aware of the feedback the tree gives take as much weight as poss away with minimum shock to the main stem, no lowering or zip lining. the fence is expendable if your client won t accept that and wont pay for a crane walk away. i have done trees like this in the past but you do need to put your balls in your pocket and it is not always worth the risk.if you take it on best of luck