I'm about to do something dangerous

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and dangers of pruning a damaged weeping willow tree after strong winds caused significant breakage. Participants share their experiences, safety concerns, and various methods for tree removal, while also engaging in light-hearted banter about lawn maintenance and neighborly competition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the safety of cutting the tree, noting the potential for it to snap unexpectedly and cause injury.
  • Another suggests using a winch to control the direction of the tree's fall, emphasizing the importance of safety during the cutting process.
  • Several participants discuss the use of different tools, such as hand saws, axes, and tree pruning saws, debating their effectiveness and safety.
  • There are mentions of the emotional attachment to the tree and the impact of its damage on the participant's yard aesthetics.
  • Some participants share their own experiences with tree maintenance and the physical toll it can take, including soreness from manual labor.
  • Humor is present in the discussion, with participants joking about the neighbor's lawn care habits and the participant's self-identified clumsiness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of concern for safety and encouragement for the participant to proceed with the task. There is no clear consensus on the best method for tree removal, with multiple competing views on tools and techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the risks involved in tree cutting, including the weight of branches and the potential for accidents while using ladders. There is also mention of the emotional aspect of dealing with a beloved tree that has been damaged.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY home maintenance, tree care, or those facing similar challenges with damaged trees may find this discussion relevant.

Evo
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Ok, I'm such a klutz that just about anything I attempt is dangerous. :redface:

Thanks to the recent 70mph winds, my weeping willow tree had the top break and is now touching the ground. Unfortunately it didn't completely break off. It's a really large section with very thick branches.

Sure, I could call a tree service, but I have a ladder and a saw. :devil:

I decided not to get a chainsaw because I would certainly end up removing a critical body part. :redface:

I will probably be out there all day sawing on the thing. But I can't mow around the tree until it's removed. If I don't remove this soon, the yard police will take me away. :rolleyes:

Which brings me to Part II - Lawn Wars. My next door neighbor is a freak about mowing his yard. He is now mowing it every three days. Plus he mows it everytime I mow mine. I tested this a couple of times the past month by deliberately mowing my yard the day after he mowed his. Obviously his yard did NOT need mowing again, but as soon as I finished mowing, he mowed his again. It's rather funny.
 
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Once you get that piece detached, don't throw it away. You'll have the makings of a good brush shelter. I so envy you.
 
millions of years of evolution.. and we are mowing lawns
 
cronxeh said:
millions of years of evolution.. and we are mowing lawns
I need sheep.

zoobie, with all the branches from tree pruning yesterday, I have a very fine brush shelter. The cats are loving it.

Also, I just realized how much my right shoulder and arm hurt from all of the sawing and pruning I did yesterday.
 
You seem in need of a devil's advocate!

It might not be safe to even be around the tree -- there's no telling if there is enough strain to finish the process, and you don't want to be nearby when it finally snaps!

And when you do finally cut it, where is it going to fall? Could it teeter over and crush something nearby? Or maybe it will fall towards you and knock over the ladder...
 
Hurkyl said:
You seem in need of a devil's advocate!

It might not be safe to even be around the tree -- there's no telling if there is enough strain to finish the process, and you don't want to be nearby when it finally snaps!

And when you do finally cut it, where is it going to fall? Could it teeter over and crush something nearby? Or maybe it will fall towards you and knock over the ladder...
Probably all of the above. :biggrin: Main reason I'm not using a chainsaw, I can see me dropping it on my leg, or it falling to the ground and me falling on top of it. At least I have a fighting chance with a handsaw.

What I am doing is cutting small sections, from the ground up. Trimming off the small branches with my loppers first, then moving up the length with the saw. Since I am afraid of heights, it just adds to the fun. :bugeye:

I'm already back inside taking a break.
 
Evo said:
I'm already back inside taking a break.

Oh good I can breath again!

Yep, chainsaws and trees can both be pretty dangerous. I have a 36" Husky but I prefer not to even use it. My little 18" Craftsman works just fine for nearly all jobs.
 
Eep! Hope you don't cut anything helping support it...
 
You should use a winch so you can control which way the tree falls. Attach the winch to a solid object in the direction you want the tree to fall, and attach the cable to the tree. Then crank it tight, saw some of the tree, crank it tight again, saw some more, and so on until it falls over. Saw from the outside, not the inside so it does not trap the saw.
 
  • #10
Evo said:
Ok, I'm such a klutz that just about anything I attempt is dangerous. :redface:

Thanks to the recent 70mph winds, my weeping willow tree had the top break and is now touching the ground. Unfortunately it didn't completely break off. It's a really large section with very thick branches.

Sure, I could call a tree service, but I have a ladder and a saw. :devil:
Worried as h***! I think I just aged 20 yrs.

Please be very careful - I'd rather you call someone.

Sawing branches or trunks can be hazardous. The weight can be significant. If you have to get on a ladder, I would advise against it.

How much do you have done?
 
  • #11
The tree itself seems sturdy, it's just that top part.

There was a nice strong breeze this morning, of course now there is no breeze at all. I think my biggest concern now is heart failure. <pant>

Man, that is a LOT of wood. It was such a beautiful tree and now it is lopsided. It was the child of Evo's favorite tree, we planted it together. She won't even go in the back and look at it. :frown:
 
  • #12
Astronuc said:
Worried as h***! I think I just aged 20 yrs.

Please be very careful - I'd rather you call someone.

Sawing branches or trunks can be hazardous. The weight can be significant. If you have to get on a ladder, I would advise against it.

How much do you have done?
About 4' up, but willows branch a lot, so we're talking about a wide area.

I hear a lot of creaking above me, but there is a very strong branch above me that it would fall on that should stop it from hitting me.

I kid a lot, but seriously, I'm super safe, I have to be because I am so uncoordinated. :biggrin:
 
  • #13
Evo said:
I hear a lot of creaking above me, but there is a very strong branch above me that it would fall on that should stop it from hitting me.
I presume strong branch means thick (massive) branch. I may be fine unless it gets overloaded, especially near the trunk and peels away.

Since you seemed determined to do this, please be careful!
 
  • #14
Ahhh quit worrying about her!

Go and chop that tree, Evo!
 
  • #15
brewnog said:
Ahhh quit worrying about her!

Go and chop that tree, Evo!
See? Brewnog has faith in me! But that's probably because he didn't read the "klutz" entry in my journal. The burn from melting the wrench when I changed my lawn mower battery has healed nicely. :shy:
 
  • #16
Wouldn't an axe be easier than the hand saw?
 
  • #17
yomamma said:
Wouldn't an axe be easier than the hand saw?
The branches move too much, easier with the little curved saw.
 
  • #18
Just compliment your neighbour on his garden and complain about the tree, the problem might fix itself :)
 
  • #19
Evo, since I didn't realize how much of a klutz you are, I'll change my advice.


Go and buy a flexible saw, tie some nice long cords onto it, tie a weight to one of the ropes, and chuck it over the branch. Stand well back, and saw away!
 
  • #20
Monique said:
Just compliment your neighbour on his garden and complain about the tree, the problem might fix itself :)
Not him, he's probably thrilled that I'm dealing with this, it makes his yard look better.
 
  • #21
See? Brewnog has faith in me!

Or trying to get rid of you...
 
  • #22
Hurkyl said:
Evo said:
See? Brewnog has faith in me!
Or trying to get rid of you...
 
  • #23
While hammering and picking at an 1-ft deep x 8-ft long formation of stone in the backyard, it occurred to me that you should use a tree pruning saw. It has a curved blade and 10-12ft pole section. Tree crews use them, and I have one for branches several inches thick up to 12 ft off the ground. One does not have to use a ladder and one can stay back from the tree and danger.
 
  • #24
Astronuc said:
While hammering and picking at an 1-ft deep x 8-ft long formation of stone in the backyard...
Don't pick at that. It's part of a stargate.
 
  • #25
Astronuc said:
While hammering and picking at an 1-ft deep x 8-ft long formation of stone in the backyard, it occurred to me that you should use a tree pruning saw. It has a curved blade and 10-12ft pole section. Tree crews use them, and I have one for branches several inches thick up to 12 ft off the ground. One does not have to use a ladder and one can stay back from the tree and danger.
I've seen those. I think I will have to get something like that to finish the job. The branches I don't want to cut are an obstacle.
 
  • #26
Tune In Next Week, when Evo will attempt to install a bird feeder on that tree
 
  • #27
Astronuc said:
One does not have to use a ladder and one can stay back from the tree and danger.
Hey now! How'd you know I was going to volunteer to hold the ladder? Are you wearing a skirt, Evo? :-p
 
  • #28
Dirty old man...
 
  • #29
FredGarvin said:
Dirty old man...
Generally, yes. Doesn't count when the target is older than me, though. :-p
 
  • #30
Ahhhh...a loophole!
 

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