I know how to notch it and all and have a chain saw. That's not the problem. However, the tree (it's a pine tree) leans a bit in the opposite direction from where I need it to fall. If I get it to fall the way I need it to, my yard is huge and it doesn't matter where it falls. There is a chain-link fence on the other side, however, and I can't have it fall that way. Should I try this myself or hire a pro? The tree is about 40 feet high; the base is about 10-12 inches across. I suppose I could tie a rope near the top and anchor it in the direction I want it to fall (I could use a ladder for that). As an aside, I have noticed there are some little holes in the tree - maybe pine beetles. I haven't seen any of the critters.
I'm leaning to felling this tree myself. Any advice?
We just took a bunch down at my inlaws. If you have a big enough cable or rope, tie it at the top and at the middle and then another one to the back of your pickup. Pull it the way you want it. Have someone cut the bottom of the tree and another person in the pickup pulling at the same time. Just make sure the rope is longer than the tree so it doesn't fall on the truck.
I cut down a 50 foot tree. It started as me using a hachet to remove branches that were over the pool and I just kept going and decided the tree was a nuisance. We ended up needing a chainsaw as the branches got larger and removed sections of the tree, guiding them to the ground with rope. We have a tight area where we couldn't have it fall on our house or the neighbors so my husband would cut down a peice of the tree and I would pull the rope to direct where I needed it to land. You just have to keep in mind that the size of the section needs to be manageable by whomever is holding the rope. (a man probably could've handled larger pieces than I could)
I'll say this, taking down a tree was one of the most fun chores I've ever done around my house. It was hard work, but I really enjoyed it.
I would hire a pro to be honest with you. I cut four to five cords a summer to heat my house through the winter and feel pretty confident with a chainsaw...but thats out in the woods, not near houses and people and stuff. I hired an arborist (insured)to cut down a giant willow in my yard and it only cost about $300 bucks...if it had hit my house or the neighbors house or power lines etc. it would of cost alot more. Why risk it? Just 2 cents.
I don't think pushing a tree that is notched correctly would be that hard. I can push my car, and it weighs over 3000 pounds.
Gravity is your friend. Like it has been said, tie a lead to the tree and pull it down in sections. If your only worry is the fence, which could probably be repaired for cheaper then the cost of an arborist, which would be the worst case scenario. Easy peasy. Nothing like a DIY to make you feel like a man.
I don't think pushing a tree that is notched correctly would be that hard. I can push my car, and it weighs over 3000 pounds.
Well with the wheels it probably feels like pushing 120 lbs. I'm not saying it's not possible but in a job like this 100 percent accuracy is needed. Tie a rope to a pickup truck.
Even if a tree seems like it's leaning one way it really is unpredictable on which way it will fall.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EDBTZ12
Just give er a push? That sounds pretty easy except for the tree is probably close to 1500 lbs
You haven't taken down too many trees in your day, have you.
As for the OP, if you're unsure about your ability to do it properly, hire a pro. It'll probably be cheaper (and safer) than fixing up what happens if the tree goes the wrong way.
Felling a large tree
