Cotonwood

[tod_k]

We had to remove this lightning struck cotonwood the other day

 

[tod_k]

Derrick decided to climb it here he is setting a redirect.

 

[tod_k]

Derrick lifting some wood.

 

[tod_k]

Got to here by lunch. We decided to have a little fun and rig the entire log in one piece just to see what would happen. We made sure all were clear during the lift. If something failed we would have lost some buckthorne, no biggie. We used a DWT for the lift.

 

[tod_k]

Went really well here it is hanging. This technique was a real time saver.

 

[tod_k]

Heres Derrick making his last cut. Fun day. Derrick has been climbing for a mear 3 years, impressive.

 

[moss]

I'm impressed at the strength of the cottonwood after both leaders were split by lightning. Any comments on how Derrick came about to decide and climb it and rig off it? What kind of assessment process did he go through (if you know)?
-moss

 

[WPArborist]

Nice job!

Do you find there is some shock loading when the pull is close to horizontal (mostly limbs/wood with with a lean) and the butt has to drop off the cut?
Is there any way to minimize this?

WP

 

[tod_k]

Derrick did a risk assesment on his way up, the lightning damage was minimal.

 

[tod_k]

The more vertical you go the less shock load. In this case with the DWT we were able to gain alot of force whitch limits the shock load.

 

[Kevin]

I've lifted a few trees with my GRCS and with the amount of end bind they pretty much stay on the stump until they are lifted free which eliminates any shock load to the line.
I put a tag line on the butt to control the swing.

Is that a 5/8 rope on the GRCS?
Nice job.

 

[tod_k]

Very good description, yes 5/8".

 

[TomNJ]

DWT = ???

I gather you're referring to the GRCS? I'm curious what DWT stands for.

 

[moss]

[ QUOTE ]
Derrick did a risk assesment on his way up, the lightning damage was minimal.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, that makes sense.
-moss

 

[tod_k]

double whip tackle. Creating a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage into the grcs.

 

[Mahk_Adams]

[ QUOTE ]
Heres Derrick making his last cut. Fun day. Derrick has been climbing for a mear 3 years, impressive.

[/ QUOTE ]

He's got a great mentor.

 

[tod_k]

I would say he has many mentors, as I learn lots from other people here and then try to share the info.

 

[damage_inc]

sounds like Derrick is doin well. Tell him pete damage says hey

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Nice work Todd. Derrick looks very capable. I would say that Cottonwood usually keeps the lightning strike along the outter layers of the tree and then has less damage internally. Anyone else feel this is true?

 

[treehumper]

Wouldn't that depend on the weather conditions at the time, Mark? If there is rain accompanying the lightning (wet storm) then the damage is usually on the surface whereas, a "dry storm" causes internal damage and is therefore more dangerous.