climbing hazard cottonwoods

lonniels

lonniels

New member
Location
Manhattan MT
We have a climbing job coming up next week and would love some input. We are taking down three mature cottonwoods that are visibly decayed. All the green weight is in the upper limbs and the crotches are decayed. The heartwood is probably non-existent. We can get the bucket close, so I was thinking about tying onto it, even though that would not put me directly above the trees, it would get me close and I could spike up while still being tyed into something else. The chance of these trees failing is pretty good, so any other ideas would be appreciated.

There is a decent landing zone around the trees. They are in the back of a condo complex with no access for a crane and a very tight fit for a bucket that will only reach one of the three trees. Also, there are a lot of smaller cottonwoods that are keepers and are realtively close. Thanks for the input, Lonnie
 
For that bad of a hazard, I'd say you might have to cut down some things for access for the right kind of bucket or crane.

Pictures would help a lot, if you have any.

I would not recommend tying into the bucket, with an escape plan of shockloading the bucket.

How big of a bucket do you have? Rent something bigger maybe, a self propelled, 4 wheel drive unit.

A tow-behind unit that is towed in with a truck or tractor/ skidsteer.
 
There is always the option to call them too dangerous and pass. Sounds like they should of called about ten years ago, not your fault. It's hard to give suggestions without all the details. Almost need a first hand look or a good set of pictures.
 
I am working on pics, I agree with the shock loading the bucket comment. The company has a 60 ft bucket. I dont know how excited the boss is about renting anything, but it might come down to that.

Boreality, I agree with that also, the trees are way overdue in coming down.
 
Hertz Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals seems to have the largest equipment around me.

If the boss isn't excited, I'm sure he'd be excited to be the one up in the tree, a good compromise if he doesn't want to rent what you need to do the job and go home at night in one piece.
 
The boss is actually a really good guy, just like all bosses has his eyes on the bottom line. YOu cant put a price on someone getting hurt though, and I dont think he would question our decisions at all.
 
The cost of the rental needs to be figured into the job. If it wasn't then the boss could approach the client to advise him that he'll be adding it as it is the only way to do the job. He needs to take them out to the tree and point out the hazards and the justification for the expense. If they won't go for it then he can either walk and let them find another or eat the cost.

It'll be much cheaper than the cost of an accident.
 
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Is it possible to get a crane close enough to at least provide a TIP for you? Even a smaller crane at max reach can support a climber.


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If it is an option, this would be a much better choice.
 
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The chance of these trees failing is pretty good, so any other ideas would be appreciated.

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Walk away from that job, and never think of it again.
 
Pics!
bigeyes.gif
 
I was thinking of the crane as the TIP also. That is a good idea, but I dont know if it would fit in the limited space that is available. There is a walking trail close that would be the only access, but it is fairly narrow. There are no trees that would serve as a high line, these are the largest trees in the area. It is a head scratcher. Thanks for the input and I am still working on pics.
 
Depending on the trees you could possibly rig up some sort of triangular guying system off of the trees. Still would not allow for shock loads but might provide enough stability to climb. I hear what everyone is saying about walking away and in the end if no safe way is available I agree, but working out creative safe systems for removals is some of my favorite work in arboriculture I find that more often than not a solution is available.
 
Alright the fact is the trees are coming, down someone will do the job, never walk away price yourself out of it first. We all have ideas but what do you need to do the job safe? Figure out what it will cost and let them decide. "We can't do that" is not very professional sounding. "
 
If i have to walk away??? I price myself out , but technically, I'm still walking away right...unless they call me and say okay, you were too high; but we want you anyways...:( lol, that HAS happened.
 
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