Felling a Slanty tree

[d000hg]

We've got a couple of trees in our land with trunks 6-8" but quite tall. They are looking unhealthy and are leaning at 45 degrees or even worse.

I'd prefer to feel then myself IF this is not a dangerous kind of cut to make. I've concerns about then snapping very suddenly, and all my experience has been typical face cuts on nice straight trees.

Is this something an amateur can do (with appropriate kit) or something more specialist?

 

[Burnerman]

Always a reasonable idea, I think, to have a rope around the trunk higher up, with someone pulling gently to guide the trunk away from yourself. As you cut through, pulling on the rope will help to split the remainder of the trunk which you can tidy up later.
I'd never recommend anyone inexperienced to climb a tree and then use a chainsaw - that's really for the specialist but do take great care.
John

 

[HERTS P&D]

Post a picture of the tree.

Andy

 

[d000hg]

I definitely won't be climbing, you need a different saw for that anyway!

These are so far over I think I can be sure where they will fall, but I've they go it'll be quick. No time to retreat as it starts to topple, and I'm unsure if the trunk might jump backwards

 

[Burnerman]

Good to have an assistant - always - but it sounds like if you cut nearly through the trunk, its own weight will cause it to topple safely.
Be careful!!
John

 

[d000hg]

On an upright tree you should make a face cut to get a hinge.
I'm nervous to be cutting under the tree though, as would be required to do that here.

I'll grab photos later.

 

[d000hg]

There's actually 3 of them though the larger ivy covered one I think I'd definitely leave for a pro.

 

[Burnerman]

There's no real need to undercut those and I think any rebound would be minimal - but of course it depends on how experienced you are with the chainsaw.
You could of course cut a notch out with the chainsaw then finish with a bow saw.
John

 

[lostinthelight]

Leaning trees are know as widow makers for good reason. They look like Ash which can be dangerous even when not leaning and can mean special felling methods are required...have a look on tube to see if ant are shown

 

[d000hg]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widowmaker_(forestry)

I'd always heard this definition myself. But I'll look up about ash trees.

I've seen people talk about how dangerous dead or sick trees can be since often there is only a tiny bit of strong wood remaining.

 

[johnny2007]

If you're not in a rush to fell them, drill a 15mm hole at the base and insert a copper pipe.
The tree will rot from the base and fall under its own weight as it's on an angle.
To make it quicker you could pour brick cleaner in the pipe and let it drink that.

 

[lostinthelight]

If you're not in a rush to fell them, drill a 15mm hole at the base and insert a copper pipe.
The tree will rot from the base and fall under its own weight as it's on an angle.
To make it quicker you could pour brick cleaner in the pipe and let it drink that.

Sorry but that sounds very irresponsible to me

 

[johnny2007]

Why?
You want to get rid of the tree, correct?

 

[HERTS P&D]

I would like to know, what land this is and who owns it?

Andy

 

[d000hg]

I can't see the point of doing that, when you could just cut it.

You could just girdle it and it will die if you wanted to go that route