tree help after wind storm

linestretch · Apr 7, 2022

We have what I think are Junipers in our backyard. We had a recent wind storm which did a number on 2 trees. One is leaning (almost on the ground) with the ground pushed up from the force...but not broken. The other is leaning a bit with the same issue....the ground around the base is moving. The one on the ground was about 15' high, the other is about 20'. I'd like to save them both and would like some advice on my idea below. I'm just a new home owner...so you might have to dumb terms down for me. And thanks for the help.

- the one that's almost on the ground. I'd like to cut off the higher portions of the tree (which I have already started on), and winch it back upright using an adjacent tree. My hopes are with the reduced upper weight gone....it can stabilize and keep on living
- the taller tree. I'd like to cut off the top 3rd and like above....hope the reduces upper weight will help stabilize it and it keep on living

Thoughts on this idea? Or is it best to just remove all of it. The taller tree is close to power lines that the city manages but the good thing is the wind almost always comes from the direction of the lines so if it's going to fall...it will be away from the lines.

(I have posted this in another forum and have zero responses...trying here too)

Thanks for the help.

Stumpsprouts · Apr 7, 2022

I do not think a tree that large that has uprooted will survive long. It is probably time to have them both removed. Great care must be taken when working around power lines to avoid death. Do not attempt to work on the large tree yourself.

This situation is of course something a qualified arborist in your area can assess much, much more accurately than we can from these photos. Good luck!

Rooted.Tree.Solutions · Apr 7, 2022

I cannot echo @Stumpsprouts loudly enough. With a tree that close to the power lines, you should not be trying to do anything with it without help from a professional arborist. A good friend of mine was electrocuted 8 years ago. It’s a miracle he survived, his life will never be the same.

linestretch · Apr 7, 2022

I hear what you guys are saying. With that said, the tree is about 10' from the power lines. The higher voltage lines (the 3 phase lines) at the top are almost level with the top of the tree. The the next set (yes AC lines) the ones that are about 10' away. The lower lines are cable.

Rooted.Tree.Solutions · Apr 7, 2022

Do you ever watch “Tree Fails“ o YouTube? 99% of those are videos of homeowners who thought they could take care of their trees themselves. Just saying, it’s at least worth paying a couple hundred bucks for a consultation from an arborist before you do the work yourself. Best of luck to you.

linestretch · Apr 7, 2022

HigherGroundArborist said:
Do you ever watch “Tree Fails“ o YouTube? 99% of those are videos of homeowners who thought they could take care of their trees themselves. Just saying, it’s at least worth paying a couple hundred bucks for a consultation from an arborist before you do the work yourself. Best of luck to you.

I will take a look at it before bringing down the grid. Thanks again for the advice. I'm not taking this lightly (though I am making jokes), I just wanted a feel from professionals in the field and you all have given me that.

Reach · Apr 8, 2022

linestretch said:
I hear what you guys are saying. With that said, the tree is about 10' from the power lines. The higher voltage lines (the 3 phase lines) at the top are almost level with the top of the tree. The the next set (yes AC lines) the ones that are about 10' away. The lower lines are cable.

Ten feet is not very far. In fact, it is the legal minimum approach distance for an unqualified individual. That means that legally, you may not work within 10’ of those lines nor may you work on the tree if it is within 10’ of those lines.

High voltage is no joke. As a former electrical professional, I have been trained in working on and around those and they are VERY dangerous. You don’t even have to touch one to get electrocuted, you only have to get too close. The electricity can jump from the lines to your body. That like could easily have 12,470 volts running through it. Get hit with that and you’ll be dead before you even know what hit you.