Sketchy Basswood Removal

[TLHamel]

Removed this Basswood on Monday. Can you see the split?

 

[TLHamel]

Here's the other side. Tree is approx. 26" DBH.

 

[TLHamel]

Two chains, two 10k ratchet straps, one GRCS mounting plate, and a 5/8 double braid bull rope run back to a block and come-a-long in another tree. Yay!

 

[TLHamel]

Of course, it had to be rigged down over a fence!

 

[TLHamel]

Some rigging completed. Here I'm on the way back up after re-tensioning the straps and chains. Went for the tops and furthest extended limbs first.

 

[TLHamel]

Very scary! Even after we had it secured to my satisfaction, I was not very relaxed. Then the wind started blowing! Squeezing a co-dom together is one thing, but negating the torque is impossible! Oh well, nice view anyway...

 

[TLHamel]

Top is out. Moving now to rig the back side.

 

[TLHamel]

... over this play set.

 

[TLHamel]

Used the "M" method for the backside.

 

[TLHamel]

Ready to flop. Sorry, no photos of blocking the wood.

 

[TLHamel]

Last one,

Happy Camper!!!

 

[Treeswinger]

Great Job TL!

 

[Reg]

Nice work Taylor, on a particularly unpleasant looking task....although you dont look best pleased at the end.

 

[southsoundtree]

Impressive.


I would have much preferred a crane!

 

[JesseHuffman]

Did the split come together after the weight above was removed and if so did you have to keep tightening the ratchet strap and chains?
What a monster.
Your my hero of the day

 

[jmcscrap]

Excellent work, where was it? Not too many views around here any more like that.

 

[jomoco]

Very impressive rigging on an extremely dangerous tree T L Hamel.

What a relief to get that monster safely on the ground, eh mate?

jomoco

 

[TLHamel]

Thanks for the comments! I guess my face says it all... "A little stressful, that one."

Would have loved a crane but alas, not within reach.

I re-tensioned the straps and chains three times over the course of the job.

View is somewhere over Minnetonka.

I should also commend the ground crew (Greg and Laura) for keeping the ropes running smoothly!

 

[RogerM]

Those hitch climbers sure did streamline your "M"...very nicely done sir. Next photo you should have a smile, your way too nice to be mean muggin'.

 

[rich_h]

Nice work on a tough tree Taylor !!

Incidentally if Bruce Campbell ever needs a double I would suggest you audition....that last picture could be straight out of Evil Dead !!!