Need advice on cutting fallen tree

[Freds]

Hi guys. Long time. Like the title says, I need advice on cutting a section out of a fallen tree. I have a tree about 18" in diameter that fell over, splintering, near the base. It is still attached and not a clean brake. It is laying horizontal about 3' off the ground, supported on the other end by the branches. I've cut trees down before and cut them up into log size, but never anything this big or in this position, still being attached. I can just see getting the chainsaw bound up or the sheer weight of the tree putting me into a risky situation if it shifts suddenly. Ideally I am not looking to start at the top of the tree and work my way down the trunk, just get rid of the section that's blocking my trail. I was thinking of sawing through most of it from the top, aided by a felling wedge, then finish it off by cutting up from the bottom... I tried hooking my bucket lip under it and lifting, just to see, but the tree still being attached coupled with the weight didn't even wiggle it. I was also thinking of chaining the tree to the bucket, with the bucket over the tree, just for support, but again, without knowing the weight I'm not sure if my tractor's bucket can hold it up when I cut through. I know my bucket can handle a 600 lb safe, but I'll bet this tree weighs more. Not sure whether to start sawing in the middle or to try where it broke from the base and is splintered. I have a 20" bar. Any advice appreciated. And sorry for the run-on paragraph. I remember having this problem before here. I can't drop down a line by hitting Enter for some reason.

 

[Streetcar]

How far is the tree stump from the trail?
If the tree is still supported at the stump , the bottom of the tree will be in tension. You would cut from the bottom up. Fallen timber can be very dangerous, do you have friend close by with more experience.
18 inch tree will be too heavy to lift with loader
Pictures will help

 

[Freds]

Thanks for the speedy reply, Streetcar. The tree is on the trail. It is laying across it. I have a buddy next door, but I imagine his experience is the same as mine. I've only seen him cut down small stuff. Sorry about the lack of a picture. I knew I should have taken one. And thanks for verifying the weight is too much. I'll go back and snap a pic now.

 

[KennyG]

Partially down trees can be scary but this one doesn't sound bad. If I understand correctly it's only 3 feet off the ground so you won't be under it. This far down, the branches should keep it from rolling. I would probably cut it all the way through from the bottom. Put random branches, blocks, scrap lumber, whatever under the trunk just past where you want to make the second cut and you will be able to cut it off.

 

[MacLawn]

I've cut quite a few trees, and several in the position you describe. Here's what I've done: SAFETY FIRST no matter what else!

SAFETY
Ok, now we understand that. I make sure the upper end won't twist all around when cut at bottom. Then, I slowly begin cutting from the underside near where trunk is attached to stump - you MUST be very careful at this! Least little thing, and it can twist on you, etc. When this first undercut is done, and you get the bottom of trunk on ground, I just very carefully begin cutting small pieces from the bottom undercutting as I go along. You always have several things to watch for - the upper limbs that are caught! Just take it slow and easy.

I cut the biggest southern red oak on my place when it was hit by lightening during Katrina. That thing was huge! Neighbor told me I'd never get that down… he just didn't know my cutting skills. It's been burned up for firewood a few years now. cleaned up cannot tell where it was.

Key is taking is slow and easy, and being very careful about SAFETY.

 

[Freds]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Here are some pics.

 

[Freds]

oops, they came out backwards. Not that it makes a difference I guess. The first pic is an area I'd just as soon not get into, where the top is laying.

 

[dmccarty]

I always start cutting from the top of the tree and work my way back to the stump. Getting rid of the limbs that are NOT in/on the ground stabilizes the tree and makes it safer and easier to work around the trunk. Cutting the trunk into pieces will almost certainly cause the bar to be pinched so you need to use wedges. If I can I will cut from the bottom of the trunk a an inch or two before cutting from the top of the trunk. If the tree is at waist high and the log will be cut into firewood length, I will carefully cut the trunk into cord wood size but I will NOT cut all of the way through the log. Just cut maybe 1/3 of the way through from the top and if it is easy to do an inch or so from the bottom. Basically, I am just cutting up the log while it is easier to stand instead of having to kneel on the ground. You just have to go slow and see how much you can cut without have the kerf close or the trunk split.

Eventually, almost always by using wedges, I will cut the trunk into 6-8 foot long logs. Smaller logs are easier to move by hand when they are on the ground.

I have plastic wedges. One set is 10-15 years old and I bought a second set last year because I always seem to need more than two.

Once the log has been cut back to the stump, you can more safely cut the remaining trunk on the log.

I *** ALWAYS *** wear a chain saw helmet with face shield and hearing protection along with gloves, chainsaw chaps and safety glasses.

Be Safe,
Dan

 

[bcp]

Whether or not your neighbor even knows which end of a fallen tree is the top, have him or someone with you as you cut.

Bruce

 

[Freds]

Thanks Dan. I'm *really* looking for an alternative other than going into that viney, thicket area I showed in the one pic and working from the top down. That seems more like an accident waiting to happen because I can't see all the tree where it's laying. Plus the chainsaw could grab at those vines. If it was in the open I would certainly start there.

It's looking like undercutting is the way to go. Man, that's a lot of undercutting. I better pick up some Wheaties. I really only need two cuts though, since I don't have a fireplace. I should at least be able to move it with my tractor once that section is cut out.