Plans to remove 2 Monkey Puzzle trees

[goddardo]

Our neighbour has 2 Monkey Puzzle trees & they are now around 30ft tall & about 20ft apart. They don't like the trees, but feel the cost of chopping them down will be prohibitive. I have offered to get up the ladder & do the chopping while they clear up on the ground. I plan on working up the stem de-branching & then taking the stem down bit by bit using ropes etc.
The reason I'm so keen to help is that the trees block so much light from our gardens & spoil a potentialy good view. I'd appreciate any tips for taking the trees down, also whether there are any legal requirements, or permissions required for the felling.

 

[r896neo]

if you are both in agreement go nuts.

I would seriously consider getting someone in to do this if you don't have room to just drop them. Its one thing using a chainsaw on the ground and a very different proposition when up a tree.

The only outcomes from chainsaw accidents are death or mutilation

 

[goddardo]

Thanks, yes it will be me slogging away with a sharp handsaw I'm afraid.
The stem is about a 1ft thick at it's widest, so we'll get it down to about 15ft then just drop it, cut it, & throw the trunk in the skip.
I've deffo decided against a chain saw. If it takes a few weekends & some sweat & tears, it'll be worth it for the view alone. I'm an ex Climber, so heights don't really bother me either

 

[r896neo]

Great! i think you've made a sensible choice. If your used to using ropes etc then your laughing. For a tree that size a sharp handsaw will make short work of it anyway.

Good luck

 

[wrathkeg]

just a suggestion, as you're very sensible doing it by hand....

I recently had some tree work done by two excellent tree professionals (arborists?). They used these handsaws and I was amazed how well they cut even massive branches, in all sorts of angles and directions, and on both the push and the pull.

http://www.silkyfox.co.uk/sheathedsaws.html

I will certainly be getting one before I do any more pruning (the gomtaro one, probably). Way better than e.g. a bow saw (well, way better than mine anyway even with a new blade).

 

[goddardo]

That's a great tip. Thanks for that.