Some questions about felling a dead Southern Live Oak

[inf4nticide]

What are some good rules of thumb for testing the strength of dead limbs before you attempt to climb them, aside from the bounce test? Any good rules of thumb for rigging points, or is it always better to rain in dead limbs? Will it hurt the grass more or the gravel driveway if I opt out of roping and decide I don't want to shock load any point of the tree?

 

[Rooted.Tree.Solutions]

I wouldn’t climb that tree at all, I would just fell it into the grass. Is there a reason why you want to climb it?

 

[inf4nticide]

It seems like it would just be a much cleaner fell if I were to remove a few limbs first. It may be hard to tell from the picture, but at least one branch is growing directly towards the desired drop zone.

 

[Rooted.Tree.Solutions]

I can understand what you’re saying. My thought is simply why take the risk? Just my two cents.

 

[colb]

As the tree dies, the roots begin to decay.

 

[Jonny]

I’m not trying to give you a hard time, but the nature of your questions suggests you haven’t done this before, and I foresee a couple potential scenarios where that tree could change your life.

My advice is to call around to some professional tree services and tell them you just want it put on the ground, you can handle the limbing, bucking, and cleanup.
Estimates are usually free, and you can shop around.

Don’t cut anything unless you’re positive what’s going to happen next.

 

[Chaplain242]

If no branches above lines, just use ladder to get in main fork and drop all leaders individually - it looks like there’s room.
Use your harness and lanyard for safety, can salami/spear cut if you have the practice.

Alternatively spike up. And do the same thing. Shouldn’t need to get above standing in main fork.

 

[southsoundtree]

Easy to get a tow-behind lift to it, or a self-propelled. If you're asking advice about it, Cut Small Pieces.


If you tip it over, will it crush the limbs to get it flat, or will you have a loose tree on its side, 50' tall?

 

[Birdyman88]

@inf4nticide Whete are you? Lakeland TN?

 

[Marshy]

It seems like it would just be a much cleaner fell if I were to remove a few limbs first. It may be hard to tell from the picture, but at least one branch is growing directly towards the desired drop zone.

Branch weight towards the intended falling direction is usually a good thing. The weight of the branch helps to move it towards the intended fall direction. Without seeing the actual site its hard to make the call but falling from the ground was my initial assessment based on limited info. If your not comfortable with it then maybe pass.

 

[chiselbit]

From the picture it looks like that tree has a lot of consequences behind it. One of which is the power lines. Around here the power company is obligated to protect their lines, maybe they will take this tree down if it’s a threat to their lines?