Climbing and cutting this Ash removal.

[ClimbingTN]

I know that this is simple for you folks but be easy with me. A neighbor asked for help cutting this ash down that is dying. It had some canopy earlier in the year but, they just wanted it down. The union at the bottom has the u-shape at the collar and I really don’t see included bark. Kinda strange. I’m comfortable climbing it with its current condition and want to for the experience. But…I haven’t cut one shaped like this before. It probably is only going to need a 2-3 limbs rigged. Most can be bombed and it has a back lean towards the garage. How would you do it? Would you treat it as separate trees? Or? TIP one side trimming the other on the way up? I’m confident in my abilities but, looking for a suggested approach. Hey we all got to learn. Thanks Craig

 

[Shadowscape]

If this were mine to do I would climb the stem closest to the house and remove just the limbs that would interfere with rigged sections swinging over from the garage stem. While you are up there set a rigging ring. Then move to the other stem with your climb line and get to work. If piece need to be rigged away, use the ring you set on the other stem and let them swing over there. Keep them small if possible. Once that stem is cleared you can move onto the house side stem which looks straight forward.
My 2¢

 

[Boomslang]

Not realistic to just drop it in the driveway?

 

[Shadowscape]

Not realistic to just drop it in the driveway?

Doesn't look like you could hurt it much more than it is.

 

[ClimbingTN]

Not realistic to just drop it in the driveway?

Yes but, then I wouldn't get much practice rigging and learning.

 

[Boomslang]

Yes but, then I wouldn't get much practice rigging and learning.

I admire that. Would this be solo rigging or would you have someone running ropes and porty for you on the ground? Different approaches depending on method.

 

[ClimbingTN]

I need more practice rigging anyway. I have a young fellow that has some groundie experience. I also have a rigging ring and he’s interested in how a natural crotch works. I don’t have a portawrap yet.

 

[southsoundtree]

Emerald ash borer?

 

[flushcut]

Yes but, then I wouldn't get much practice rigging and learning.

Flop it, there will be better trees to learn on. If you really want to rig it rig the limbs off and make a flat side in the tree and then flop it. Use the rigged limbs as bridging material across the driveway and flop the tree.

 

[ClimbingTN]

Emerald ash borer?

I didn’t find any. I think it was maybe the drought we are having but, I’ll check again.

 

[southsoundtree]

EAB greatly decreases stability and predictability!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

My preference is to practice new techniques on trees that are floppers. If something doesn't work out there's no harm done.

If you don't own a lowering device my bet is that you could put up a BUY thread on Treebay. Going back in history to 'take three wraps' isn't economical

 

[Tony]

I didn’t find any. I think it was maybe the drought we are having but, I’ll check again.

If there is EAB in the area, then assume it is EAB. Especially if it died suddenly.

If you have EAB in he area don’t climb it. As stated they are highly predictable

Other, better trees to learn on.

Tony

 

[flushcut]

My preference is to practice new techniques on trees that are floppers. If something doesn't work out there's no harm done.

If you don't own a lowering device my bet is that you could put up a BUY thread on Treebay. Going back in history to 'take three wraps' isn't economical

Oh I understand working easy trees for practice but IMO dead ash aren’t the best tree to be cutting one’s teeth on.

 

[Fivepoints]

I need more practice rigging anyway. I have a young fellow that has some groundie experience. I also have a rigging ring and he’s interested in how a natural crotch works. I don’t have a portawrap yet.

Why are you trying to tackle rigging without a porta wrap or other device? Seems like that's step 1 for rigging practice. There's several good reasons most have moved away from natural crotch rigging.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Oh I understand working easy trees for practice but IMO dead ash aren’t the best tree to be cutting one’s teeth on.

I wasn't saying anything about the species, although that comes into play with the workplan. There is a progression in learning. Simple to more complex. Using a tree out in the open eliminates damage targets on training day.

Sooner or later a climber will cut their teeth on ash trees. Better that they've been exposed in a situation where they can't wreck something, or get injured.

Take that 'easy tree' and use some flagging to designate a fence, garden or house. Now, how is the tree dismantled? You've got all sorts of 'oops-space'

I agree, even if this isn't EAB ash get weak when they die. How to handle dead wood is best learned from an experienced climber...not on your own.

 

[ClimbingTN]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The neighbor decided to wait until spring. Her landscaping son’s business advised her to wait. I told her that it would be worst by then. Oh well, it will cost her more money, meaning a bucket...and I don't have one. This isn't the first Ash or dead tree I've cut... Just to note...I don't do this on a daily basis. I’m retired and just help when I can. On a side note. This winter I'm supposed to help clear a forrest of about 100-150 Tree of heaven “Ailanthus altissima.” They have already been slashed and squirted. I’m looking forward to being able to drop trees without little regard for damaging something. I’m going to hone my technique with the forestry guy. The mother tree that started infesting the 30 acres in the 80’s is about 4-5 foot and 70+foot. I’ll get an accurate measurement and I’ll start another thread on this subject. Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge with an older but, new climber. You guys & gals rock! Craig

 

[southsoundtree]

Is that business buying a bucket truck in the spring or something?

 

[ClimbingTN]

Is that business buying a bucket truck in the spring or something?

I think her son is interested in the tree business, so maybe. Funny thing is her other son is in the tree business but, didn’t want to drive 2 hours to help her. Go figure.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

I think her son is interested in the tree business, so maybe. Funny thing is her other son is in the tree business but, didn’t want to drive 2 hours to help her. Go figure.

The prodigal son does not return.

They have already been slashed and squirted. I’m looking forward to being able to drop trees without little regard for damaging something.

Ailanthus is brittle and hinges poorly, and after being slashed and squirted even more poorly, just a heads up! Won’t be able to do much aside from fell with their lean. But certainly sounds fun!