There was a tree that had suffered extensive damage due to the ice this year or last. The trunk was split all the way down to the ground. Though it was still alive there was a high risk of infection, infestation, or further damage from weather. I picked up a cheap, small, $45 electric chainsaw this weekend. I cut it down this afternoon and reduced it to logs, sticks, and branches.
Unfortunately, it was a floral tree and days away from flowering. There a similar trees in the neighborhood. It was really too bad. But to allow it to grow was a risk on a few levels. With the garden beds on top of the roots it was likely to get more water and a growth boost. Which would mean a bigger tree to remove later with it hovering over established plantings.
The method I used was to cut down several of the larger limbs. Then cut the main trunk from top to bottom every 6-12 inches. The final cut was the most difficult for the saw. The pictures will be uploaded soon.
It was so easy that it had me wondering if I could remove some of the other trees in the yard myself. They are pecans, younger, smaller diameter trunks, and about twice as tall. So, I thought about it. Then researched on the internet. It was gratifying to see many of my ideas backed up by the research.
The links below were interesting. One in particular has several 1-2 minutes videos. There’s one tree in particular that would be good practice. Right now, the yard is basically empty or dormant. So, now is better than later.
The plan is to bungy cord from the tree to the ground. There’s an old stump that will be easy to make into a tie down. Then make a wedge cut perpendicular to the cord. Then a slightly slanting cut on the other side from the wedge cutting slightly down into the wedge. At cutting almost all the way through, the tree should lean into the rope, crack and pop, and fall.
Guidelines for Tree Felling
How to Cut Down a Tree – eHow.com
How to Cut Down a Tree & How to Fell a Tree with a Rope Safely : Free video clips on ExpertVillage.com Good videos