Poplar Rigging

L

Leafguy

New member
Hey Guys,

Just finshed taking down a large poplar. 39"DBH about 70-75feet, over two houses and wires running throught it. Very awkward limbs and the ground crew was brand new. Almost all limbs had to be rigged.

The job didn't feel real smooth, but we got it done safe and no damage. Any tips on trees such as this? Multiple TIPS or swing around with re-directs everywhere? Rope management ideas? SRT or DRT?
 
....... It's really a large diameter question ... green help that's always tough ... what wasn't smooth on job ? communication to the ground ? language barrier or poorly followed instructions ? .... not knowing all the details ... I would take the work in smaller pieces than usual , probably move blocks more often to simplify line angles , and maybe explain things more .... all these things put more work on the climber ....but it may help the job go smoother (not quicker).... less stress overall
 
Multiple blocks to offer different lowering points, individually, or used with one rope through the two blocks.
April 2000 TB article by Mark C. on the Buzz Articles tab is great if you haven't read it.



Radios. Little motorola's are around $30 at REI. Its easier to relay information and ask clarifying questions if you don't have to shout so far. You will be more able to coordinate things, more easily.



Make sure to Call and Respond, such as, "With this piece, I'll cut it this way, you can expect this, and then I need you to do this and this, then when we get the piece lowered to such and such a point, we'll go over that part", then have them repeat it back, not just, "Okay, ready". Make sure that they understand by having them repeat what will happen and what they need to understand and then do.

Keep your rope in the tree in a ropebag, one less thing to tangle with, one less rope to be confused with the others, keep your lifeline away from green groundies.
 
BTW, good work on a big, complicated removal with a green ground crew and no damage.

I'd likely get a good high TIP on SRT, with your ground anchor tied above cutting height (6-8') or using a running bowline if you can isolate you TIP enough. You can access further out in the bottom of the canopy early on if your TIP is good, and high.

Get a line drop for the wires if possible.
 
Great points guys! The ground crew communication was probably the hardest part. More so rigging terminology, and to have to explain what will happen with each cut.

I spent some time in the begining to show some knots and the portawrap. Trying to keep it simple. Safety was the biggest thing for me and them, so that was the biggest part of the conversation. I sent them home with some cord to practice knots with and gave them a few websites to look at. There keen and I think they do well at some point.

I'll have to use the rope bag trick next time(good idea). I thought about it but never implemented it. It would have helped the crew.

Thanks for the imput guys. I look forward to the next big one to use a few new ideas.
 
Sometimes it is worth it to insist on line drops. In town we can usually get them free. Esp good with green guys, gives you more room to work with and less worry!
 
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