"A" Frame

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

\"A\" Frame

This is a tree we did where there was no crane access. The limb had split off and was not very securely attached.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

The limb had landed on the clients roof and into her potting shed.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Another view.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

We estimated the weight of the limb to be 4,500 lbs. There weren't any adjacent trees to rig the brush out of. The 1st thing we did was secure the butt end with a 5/8" DB to an arborist block, down to a GRCS.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

We then removed as much brush (weight) as possible to lighten the load. We then constructed 2 "A" frames to place under each fork to support the limb and to prevent it from crushing the potting shed. We used dimensional lumber for the "A" frame. 4X4's, 2X6's and 5/8" steel bolts.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Since the ground was soft, we placed 2X6's on top of 3/4" plywood for a solid footing.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

We were then able to cut beyond the roofline and put the tip weight on the "A" frames. Tag lines were also used to prevent the limb from side to side movement.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

The climber then snap cut the rest of the fork to right off (in the last pic). You can also see the GRCS strapped to the bottom of the tree.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

The limb is now beyond the potting shed and can be lowered.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

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Last pic showing limb tip on the ground.

theXman · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Nice.

I had some similar work we did to a very large ash limb that fell on a house after H. Isabel in 2003.

We used a small crane, since the crane could only take small sections we had to keep the log stable as we cut and took sections away with the crane. It had several limbs that peirced through the deck but we added a few pieces of lumber to stabilize. I cut holes in the log for the lumber to wedge inside of it and nailed them.

First pic: Picture of lead that fell and cut through the roof, crane taking away first section from butt.

theXman · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

picture on deck,

theXman · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

small section left, standing on it's own still.

Norm, hope you don't mind me posting these 3 pics on your topic you started. Your temporary bracing just reminded me of this job.

pictures of trees on houses is interesting. I'm going to post a new post and maybe we all can submit pics of trees on houses.

Norm_Hall · Nov 3, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Let's see some more.

Mark Chisholm · Nov 4, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Smart. We've used support systems before during storm work too. Not fun, but is necessary sometimes. I never grabbed a photo, but will try to now! Great stuff, let's see more of the tricky stuff!

tophopper · Nov 4, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

good pics guys!! /forum/images/graemlins/applaudit.gif

tod_k · Nov 4, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Norm, got any pics of that Mulberry you did down town

Norm_Hall · Nov 4, 2004

Re: \"A\" Frame

Only prints. I'll have to track them down and scan em.

chris_girard · Mar 21, 2023

Only had to use an A-Frame support twice in over 40 years of tree work, but works great when needed. I have some pretty good diagrams of all the loads calculated, when I last used it, which I'll try and upload.

How many of you newer guys have had a chance to do this?

BTW, for those of you who don't know who Norm Harris is, you should check out some of his articles. He's a Master Rigger who truly know his stuff!