30in ash tree cozied up w/ propane tank

Joster19 · Dec 12, 2023

I looked at this tree a while back, from my recollection the sprawling top was leaning slightly back over the propane tank and I think there wasn't enough room to notch and drop the tree. after rigging out the top my plan is to drop the log. ground is flat. My back cut will have to start above where the round of the propane tank meets the trunk. I would be inclined to cut at the base however, there is a propane line running over the flare- really tight quarters. My question is what notch would best keep the butt from bounding back? videos would be appreciated

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kludge · Dec 12, 2023

Joster19 said:
My question is what notch would best keep the butt from bounding back? videos would be appreciated

A Humboldt (or a traditional cut with a snipe) tends to encourage the butt to hit the ground first. The brush hitting first is what can generally cause the butt to kick (assuming the trunk is not bendy and the ground is flat).

You could also consider a control line on the butt with multiple wraps around a stem (or the stump) to slow any kicking by the butt. However that is really context specific, in having good angles for probable bounce issues.

This video gives you felling cut types:

ATH · Dec 12, 2023

Wide open face cut (90 degrees) so the hinge stays intact until the log hits (or even after if you cut it a little wider open and leave a little thicker hinge).

ghostice · Dec 12, 2023

Personally I'd urge you/ your customer to get the propane tank moved before any treework. It is not worth it. I have seen too many fatalities when something goes wrong around propane to take any chances - this goes for horizontal tanks, as well as bottles of various sizes and things like Tiger Torches. Can you do it. Maybe sure. But what are the consequences (low frequency/ high consequence event)?
There have been accidents due to a leak after struck by, where we have seen propane tanks on radar and fried multiple workers, even in flame retardant coveralls, etc.

ATH · Dec 13, 2023

ghostice said:
Personally I'd urge you/ your customer to get the propane tank moved before any treework. It is not worth it. I have seen too many fatalities when something goes wrong around propane to take any chances - this goes for horizontal tanks, as well as bottles of various sizes and things like Tiger Torches. Can you do it. Maybe sure. But what are the consequences (low frequency/ high consequence event)?
There have been accidents due to a leak after struck by, where we have seen propane tanks on radar and fried multiple workers, even in flame retardant coveralls, etc.

I was wondering that same thing after I typed my reply.

If its a rented tank, would the company owning the tank temporarily move it???