final cuts on big branches.

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

after i take the main portion of the branch off, how do i properly take off a big stub without peeling the bark on the collar? im talking about branches over 12"

 

[Colin]

put a rope on it

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

so instead of leaving 3 inches of a stub and then cutting it off i should leave a couple of feet and rope the whole thing down in one go??

 

[surfarmer1]

what works well is to make the under cut then scribe around (through the bark to the top) an make the top cut down.
if possible a smaller less heavy piece will be less likely to tear bark.. when limbing use a steady hand and clean cuts.IMO

 

[Blinky]

Leave just an inch or two, chainsaw from the bottom up, stop with about 1/2" to go, finish with a handsaw 'cut and hold' style. I know 'cut and hold' is bad but in this situation it's safe and appropriate.

 

[Maui Palm & Tree Care]

thanks guys. i'll try both and see what works best for me.

 

[The_Archdruid]

Try like hell to avoid cutting off big branches.

 

[JesseHuffman]

I use a snap cut with the upper cut being farthest out. That way you can break it off and toss it.
Then use a hand saw to remove the last bit.
Warning, that last little 5 ounce bit can still break a friggin roof tile.
DOH

 

[southsoundtree]

You can choke a webbing sling around it and finish a little stub with the chainsaw, after an undercut.


I will choke a second sling on a branch above, and clip it to the choked stub sling. Then, cut and chuck.

As AD said, try to avoid large branch pruning. 4" and under is a guideline for idea wound max. Species specifics will play in.