Any] tree cutting is dangerous. No avoiding it. You've got the right idea for tractor and chain. Red Oak leaning on the ravine edge: I'd cut it up above the ravine enough to get a chain on it. Then cut at the stump. Then tractor skid it up and out with a chain.The huge ones would be a challenge but you're always safety conscience and you generally like challenges. my guess is that you'll give it a try... You can do it. The huge one would be a challenge to mill up even.I can't even imagine what the weight would be.
The one over the fence. Humbolt as low as one could to be under the barbed wire. send the lower part toward your house and you should be clear of the top drop. Again... that's if I HAD to cut it down.
Definitely go after the trunk of the first tree (I believe it is a red oak) up to the branches and take the maple. Adam could cut some nice lumber for you and you could get some great firewood. As for the hung limb be careful since that could snap back and take you out (unless you take the trees out that it's hung up on. Third tree - take it down to where it's in the ground and then cut it from the trunk. No matter what you do stay safe.
Call a guy! It’s not worth the risk. Let them get the trees on the ground and then you can buck up all the firewood. Maybe have them buck up that big one while they are there. I’d hate to get a video from Adam one day telling us Doug is in the hospital. Or worse.
Doug, I wish I was your neighbor we would get all those trees out. With the equipment you have and a winch and some ropes we would go to town. Having said that when I go into the woods to recover fallen trees I tend to go after the easier ones before I tackle the big boys . I cut everything to 72” because it’s easier to winch out or grapple out when possible. Once you have them at your yard you cut them to 16 inches. For the broken tree no question if you can get a crane bucket to the tree that’s the way to go or let nature takes its course knocking it down. Best of luck!
😂”I’m probably at the age where I can hide my own Easter eggs’. As a firewood hobbyist myself - my 2 cents = cut and fell what you’re comfortable with. I’ve hired professionals to fell the bigger or risky ones. If they’re just putting them on the ground they don’t charge much. Happy Easter to you and yours!
Neighbor Doug you are absolutely correct, heavy equipment would make me feel much more comfortable in removing some of those blow downs: excavator, bucket truck, large winch, etc! Tim in northern TN
Those kind of trees are what I cut up for firewood as a hobby. That would be a lot of fun. Start at the top and keep working your way down. You can do it.
I can't help with the tree questions but I love that the guy I always think of as a know-it-all (in a good way) is willing and eager to seek advice from those who truly know more.
@@OneEyeCustoms The bark looks much like a Bur Oak. Member of the white oak family. Has beautiful creamy, light brown wood! But maybe you have another tree that looks like that, that I'm not familiar with. The tree that had the big split ripped off of it might as well be cut down also. IMO it's days are numbered and you might as well get it while the wood is still solid. Good luck too both of you! Common sense will usually carry the day. Happy Easter!! Christ has risen indeed alleluia!!
When we have a sketchy tree we use a rope saw and some long steel cable and stand way back. Obviously takes a lot longer than a chain saw but it’s safer and good exercise.
I think with your equipment and giving careful thought,you can go after most of those trees. That being said, remember, "A man has to know know his limitations. "
Hi Doug.. my two cents… there’s times and circumstances that warrant a professional… we’re lucky enough to have loggers as neighbors/friends… just to get it down and manageable.. (trade for some excavator work.. ) good luck
With that big of timber you have I would be thinking about having a thinning done. Then the loggers would take care of pretty much all of the problem trees that you pointed out. Some extra cash in your pocket and a boatload of easy pickings firewood, win win. Take care.
Doug, I live in the Pacific Northwest and fell timber for 10 years. I’m now 72 so I’m not able to do what I used to do when I was 30. But the experience I gained in those 10 years, I would tackle every one of those with just a chainsaw no equipment. When they’re on the ground, then you use the equipment. You need to get somebody that’s experienced and definitely knows what they’re doing, and are able to read what those trees will do. Those trees have pressure on them. air has got all that top-heavy weight, but it can be taken down with just a saw. The ones that are stuck in other trees. Those limbs are pushing sideways and you need to be very careful that they don’t come over and get you. There is 16:47 great pressure on those trees. Everyone of them are doable to get down on the ground and cut off the stump without any mechanical means. Do a lot of research on loggers before making your decision on who to use to help you. Experience is an important factor here! I wish you the best, and look forward to seeing what you do. Larry
I work as an arborist. I've tackled a few trees like those in my 9 years of running my company. I'll tell you that a "put it on the ground" is my favorite type of job. You are more than capable on some of those trees. BUT the last one & a few of the other (can't reach the cut because the rootball moved & left a huge hole) might be best handled by a local tree guy. Like others have said, ropes are good because they allow you to put force on the tree to move it where you want it. However, you need a way to get the rope up in the tree where the leverage can do the most good. Throwline & throw weight is about $50 & it will let you put the rope 30-70' up in the tree. Good luck. Happy Easter!
Happy Easter Doug , to answer your question I would turn that into firewood. Start at the end work your way towards the stump. Take your time be safe cheers
I had a black locust bust off that looked like your cow pasture example, it was in a spot that it couldn’t be left. I scratched my head for about a day and seeing that I couldn’t afford a man lift at the time my options were to shoot it down. I had checked the trajectories and made sure that it was safe and started, my neighbor came over to see what I was doing and decided to bring out his own equipment. Half of a box of 7 magnum and half a box of 300 weatherby magnum (all the shots were on) and it came down. Good practice and good neighbors. Blessings and happy Easter
Doug,if I was in your situation I’d be hiring it out for taking any of those trees maybe 🤔 offering up your excavator skills to help with bringing them down may you and Autumn also family have a great 👍 Easter 😮😊❤
First things first, time for a bigger saw! Doug, I’d go after them, not sure exactly how but I’d do it. I still don’t always make the best choices though so you may want to look somewhere else for good advice lol.
Doug… while those trees down over the path look nice, I would take them down sooner rather than later. The odds of them rotting and falling on somebody riding the trail is very slim but it is not zero. Checking them a couple times a year will get old fast. Those are relatively easy to get down. Some of the other big ones probably need professional help. Remember your past history with large sticks…😂
These massive trees that have been blown down are dangerous to deal with. That said you have a couple of ways of cutting them. You can undercut a fallen tree that is hungup on a rootball and then cut from the top to save the most of the log for milling. This is more dangerous with the largest of the trees you showed. You could also do this but starting at the top and working back to the rootball. This is often the safest way as you can more easily judge when it is going to try to swing back upright. Once the tension s relieved the tree will swing bac towards upright then you can cut the remainder down like you would any other tree. Something a bit more work but ultimately safer than the other two choices is to go to the rootball and work at cutting the major roots one at a time and this will gradually relieve the tension on the fallen tree. When able cut the roots literally on the bottom of the rootball that is leaning on the dirt side first. Personally I would hire a certified arborist to first give a quote on just relieving the trees of their rootballs and getting them out of widowmaker positions. It could well pay for itself in conservation of the larger trees main trunks being available for you to sell to wood workers needing live slabs or by having them harvested for lumber yourself. It is a problem of judging your comfort in dealing with those long and the massive tres. Only you know your true capabilities.
Yes Doug I would go after that massive oak blow down. There most be guys with equipment that can help you out. You might be able to get a good chunk of money for that massive oak
I have many of the same types of issues in my woods - looking forward to seeing what others think. I expect that a lot of rope/chains will be involved as well as pullies. I'm not ready to tackle my issues just yet, but distance is your best friend.
The first large tree looks like an elm variety to me, hard to say for sure though. No wood material is worth going after if you’re not reasonably sure of the risks/dynamics involved IMO. Please be safe!
That first one look like a pin oak or walnut. The second looked like oak . I definitely would cut it from the branches back but I would definitely rent equipment if it didn't have any and would try to dig out around the stumps after I cut back on them. For the last 2 I would hire someone! Stay safe and Happy Easter!
As a younger man and no equipment only a coma long,rope and blazer i learned to love a challenge. With the proper equipment i wood take on all but the last one. Biggy is the fence you can't see that (might?) be in that tree and hitting the fence.
I think I would contact the folks, that Hometown Acres showed on his channel, that do the land clearing for the powerlines/Pipelines. May make a great joint video. Have them drop to the ground and make them safe.
Start at the top well the small end . Just keep undercutting until you get to where it’s attached. It’s all doable if you have the time . Time is My biggest problem . I am generally doing this kind of work for others. Just think go slow and be safe .
Berea, KY. Please do not mess with those trees by yourself, if at all. I have one just like your last one that broke off up high and is resting on the next tree over. I saw that it was too dangerous to cut at the bottom not knowing what the top would do or where it would go. I did manage to get a tow strap (I linked two of them together) up on the upper piece and tie on to my tractor about 50 ft away. It wouldn't even budge when I tried to pull it, in fact one of the snap hooks shot off the strap and went flying out of sight (maybe heading to PA!) That's when I decided that the risk was not worth it. I love you guys too much to say "just do it".
I would rent a tow behind lift. I have used one often to take down trees like this. On the tree with about six feet from stump to fulcrum point I would cut the top back so that remainder of tree would be balanced. On the 4' diameter tree you could possibly rent a long bar saw or maybe buy a 32" bar and chain for a 372xp or if Adam has a 500i get a long bar and chain for that. Another idea is to put a work platform on excavator forks. I would definitely not leave these assets to rot. Another idea would be to see if someone would do it on shares.
For the widow maker at 13mins, take your excavator and dig around the stump removing a bunch of the roots. Then take a big cable and and a snatch block and attach to the tree and a tractor. You want to snatch down hill and put the tractor uphill or off to the side. that way if that log slides your not in the line of fire. The tree before the widow maker, i would stack a bunch of logs under it, and cut it at the top side of the bank. That way you get 90% of the tree and you are out of the line of fire. When you cut it, the stump should stand up. Now if it doesnt, go across from the stump and rig up some snatches and winches then stand it up. Then you can fell it like you would a standing tree. This stuff is way to big unless you have a 40 ton excavator. I would do everything i could to get it in to smaller bites.
Some of us would be salivating over most of the limb you don’t have plans for. I have lived in Nebraska and now Missouri where we have what lots would call junk wood 14”-16” are good trees for us. My dad would cut down to 4” most times on not so good wood. Not trying to put you down but I would like half the selection you have.
Tree #1, leave it or maybe trim some of the top off. But leave the big part for a tree service. Tree #2, brace it up where you are standing at 4:00, cut it off where you are standing at 5:02. Cut up the branch for firewood. Then have a tree service take out the rest of the tree. It's toast and dangerous. Tree #3, brace it up about 4 feet south of the crotch. Clear as much debris from the stump area for an escape and begin cutting from the underside about 1/3 up to relieve some pressure. As for the rest, you have to be careful with widow makers. I usually grapple a long line to them and pull them down or at least get them closer to the ground to cut them up. Maybe Adam has some ideas as to how to remove them. Lastly, DO NOT DO ANY OF THIS ALONE and make sure you have cell service, just in case.
For your hung tree, i had one like that in my yard. No tractor, but i have an Army Surplus diesel Blazer. I wrapped the trunk with a chain to prevent a barber chair, then cut it from the stump then pulled the chain with the Blazer.
Cut what you can safely. As you remove some of the smaller wood, the bigger sections will be less intimidating. Once you can get that wood worked up, you can decide if you want to continue. You do have some good equipment to work on it and your neighbor has a bigger excavator to help as well. I know there is a ton of good wood in that big trees but most of the time, you can produce firewood much faster from the smaller sized trees.
Hi, I'd consider getting Adam and his excavator. to help. Start cutting from the top [ish] and supporting with the excavator as each piece is removed. [Just my suggestion, but you may still consider it TOO risky] I wrote this after the split tree, and hadn't watched the next trees... Cheers, Frank.
I thought about horses too. Berea College here in Berea, KY have some Suffolk Punch horses that they use to pull logs from the forest that are used by the students making furniture, etc.
Doug, you look like an Elf against those trees. I'm glad we got to see you against those gigantic trees. It really shows the size of them. I have no input. I'll just pray for you. Happy Easter, Doug and Family.
You should leave the stumps where they are. The others need to be topped first to unload the stems. Take your time and evaluate the stems once they are topped. You should NOT be alone during this operation. Someone in the excavator helping would be nice. The broken one 8’ off the ground is a feature that will make the woodlot interesting
On your and Adam's chain saw comparison, I ordered a Husqvarna 450 Ranger 20" from the biggest online retailer (I think you which one). It arrived today and they sent me the 455 Rancher 20". Upgrade I guess. Just a bit more powerful than the 450. No bar oil included. Waiting on that (1 gallon) from the same website and also 2-Cycel oil. Both Husqvarna brand.
The risk you are considering is doing the work. The risk you’re not considering is doing nothing. I’d hate to be 4-wheeling around when one of those finally succumbs to nature and gravity. i think everyone should have a come-along, a few snatch blocks, and appropriate lines and shackles. 4 snatch blocks can get you a 16:1 mechanical advantage. A come-along and this rigging gear will move most trees. If you have a tractor, or other heavy machinery, it will be even easier. A come-along might be better than an ATV though. I think all of these are straightforward to get. Tree #1: start at the top - cut the branches off where you are standing at 2:00. Use a winch or chain (with your rigging equipment and/or heavy machinery) to pull the branches out. Then work your way to the bottom. If the tree starts to rise, go to the stump and cut it off. Tree #2: after getting the top of #1, go after that in the same way. Tree #3: start at the end, work your way to the tree base. Once you get to where it’s above a comfortable working position, use a man-cage on your skid steer/tractor/excavator. Until you get it down to just a few feet, don’t try to cut it free from the tree. Maybe arrange for Homestead Jay to climb above it and cut it off. Also, once you get it cut back where it’s off the ground, you might be able to throw a chain on it and pull it off with your heavy equipment and/or rigging equipment. Tree #4: cut the top off above the ravine. This will leave you with a manageable piece left going to the stump. Throw a chain on the now free end, and using your equipment, pull it at a 90° to get the stump free. You might need to pull from both directions. Once free, pull that piece up over the ravine. Tree #5: cut it off at the stump. Use heavy equipment and/or rigging gear to pull it free and get it safely on the ground. Tree #5: (and all others already on the ground) - I agree with cutting them up and hauling them out of there. Blowdowns over trail: absolutely get rid of them. Those are also widow makers. Those are small enough to just cut at the stump and haul them out. Tree #6 (fell over trail, branches on either side of another tree) - get rid of this widow maker. Throw a chain over where it split (the horizontal part), and use the rigging equipment and/or heavy machinery to pull it off the vertical part. Once free, it will be on the ground and easy to work with. Tree #7: You mentioned woodpecker holes - what’s the condition of the remaining vertical portion? It might just pull over. I’d suggest cutting a notch on the side where you’re standing at 16:50, as close to the ground as possible (surely the barbed wire fence isn’t at ground level). Then, attach a snatch block to the tree by where you’re standing to use as a redirect, and pull it towards that tree (and away from the neighbors fence). You will be safely well away from it by using the redirect. If it’s a standing dead tree, you might not need the notch. 😊 Hope this helps. If you’re ever down in central Virginia, drop on in.
Call sheib for the big one or adam lol I would use excavator on the next one Adam's push down on trunk into ground stand on tree cut stump off let roll into reveen use excavator on the widow maker by hauling it down then cutting it up Then I also use it and guess push the one over that is by the fence
Hey Doug, Happy Easter to you and your family! I would definitely hire the big stuff done. Maybe if you have a local tree nursery you could contact them, maybe they could identify that big huge tree that you started with. As far as that one tree, that’s leaning into the canopy of the other with its root ball sticking out of the ground, I would dig out around it, put a chain around it and see if you could pull it enough to get it to drop to the ground. It is amazing and down right scary what the wind can do.
I'd hire a logger with a logging truck, with the built-in crane to come lift those huge ones out, and either place it safely and cut it for you,, or let them take it. I would've suggested just getting the excavator, but living in the woods in Vermont, I can tell you that may not be the safest. Our loggers up here work year round with trees like that. Let's not make Autumn a widow. 😊
I would at least pay for an arborist consultation. There are a lot of board ft of lumber. The logs are mostly straight. Finding a mill to cut it up will be another matter. Unless you get some plans for big mill from Matt Creamona. I cut a blow down tree that was flat on the ground. Red oak. I could pick up a 6’ section with my tractor.
I'm amazed at how many blowdowns you have on the property. That is pretty significant wind. The big red oak and the cherry tree would make amazing furniture if you could drop them safely. I think you're going to need a bigger excavator! Maybe Autumn will get you one for Easter.
Equipment is best, but a couple come a longs would make it mostly doable. Most of what you’re looking at is way above my skill level lol! I agree with the call a guy comments
Hi Doug. I agree with the many who suggested professional help and equipment to get the trees on the ground. Send the huge logs to a big mill. Several options: they could buy the logs outright; cut them into smaller slabs that Adam could process; cut them into lumber you could use, or sell. A lot of the stems are too valuable for firewood. Good luck with this project. The primary consideration should be safety. Happy Easter.
@@OneEyeCustoms Hi Doug. In today's posting, Adam was at Dude Ranch DIY to test out their new excavator. Near the end of the episode, he was talking about the weigh and bulk of logs, and whether his 6 ton machine could lift the logs. If you tackle this project, with help from Adam and other friends, it would be wise to utilize lots of chain, rope and pullies. Utilize mechanical advantage rather than relying solely on the strength of tractors, skid-steers and/or excavators. However, professional loggers have the skills, experience and tools to do the job safely. Log trucks, with a grapple, may be able to support and stabilize the deadfall trees while they are being cut. These same trucks could transport the logs. Good luck.
Any hanging wood I'd be making sure ends up on the ground. The one across the path would be among the first to go. If the hanging wood is out in the bush and nowhere near a path or fence or anything then it's not any sort of priority. Anything that could be classed as a widowmaker, orphanmaker or mournermaker I'd have on the ground as soon as feasible. There's none that I saw that I wouldn't be comfortable working on especially with access to rope/chain and also an excavator or bobcat. Any of the hanging or tensioned ones I'd be throwing a rope or chain over and dragging them to ground level where possible. If you don't need/want them for firewood at least you know then that they aren't going to drop on someones head.
10:24 What is that, a manhole cover? For the tree at 13:20, get a line into it just below the fork, put a pulley at the base of the tree it's hung up on, then pull at a right angle and force it to the ground.
A few months ago I spend some money on bull ropes and some rope pulls alls… I have been able to throw ball quite a few trees and yank them down - it’s been really quite safe with the use of pulls and redirects
hi there a lot going on there and to much ti answer in one line , i also read most of the comments , some good ,and some well . i have cut several large blows downs and they all had a rule of thumb but bottom line they do what they want .what is you need first , and skill level ,to call a pro. here is not cost effective.you have a good helper and both of you i feel have more smart than experience , both have good common sense.wish i was closer , i have a winch we made for the front of my bobcat that changes a ball game like that , your very handy you may want want to build one , those trees have time , i will send you a video , if you think i can help reach out john
The app Picture This identifies trees very well by bark. There is a paid version but the first 10-15 or so are free. My guess is that is an elm. Cut them. Use the wood yourself or donate to a portable mill operator.
I certainly see the benefit of hiring out the work if that makes financial sense. If you tackle it with friends maybe renting an all-terrain man lift for the day could supplement the equipment you already have?
Looks like its time to call the guys Adam used on his property. I would not trust those trees over the trail for very long. Lots of trees there that just seem sketchy to leave but also trust your gut on them and don't remove them yourself.
Happy Easter, Doug. This video brings a lot of thoughts to me. Let me preface this reply that I am not an experienced sawyer, but I see value in large, quartersawn boards. The first tree definitely has my attention. I'd get an experienced arborist or sawyer to talk with you about it, and see what they'd charge if they would do the work. Hundreds of board feet of lumber available within that first tree would be very valuable in a sales sense. Imagine building something out of what the Lord provided. The 2nd tree under it, a maple, depending if it is a hard rock maple, might be worthwhile only after the first tree was accessed. The 4th tree you mentioned, around 6:30, could be cribbed up before beginning to work near the root. I would use some kind of heavy equipment for protection to get out of the way quickly if need be. Perhaps the root could be winched into another position that was more viable to work out of. I know it is going to be very heavy. Many of us know you will proceed in wisdom with each of these.
Doug 1 down in ditch cut where 1st see air under itt n as it starts bending down then get away it will go so far then go back nip bit more get away n so on
I would start at the branches removing the pcs at 16". Work your way back to the trunk removing all the weight 1 pc at a time. It all depends how bad you need fire wood. I have a lot of trees that should come down but they're not worth my time. Those trees at least look like they would be good fire wood.
Not sure about the identity of the first tree. I am not a lumberjack and what I know is from cutting trees and downed uprooted trees on the side of hills. What I learned is from experience and a book, The Backyard Lumberjack. The size of the first tree looks like something a sawyer would love. Its huge and it would be such a waste not to claim it. I expect that Adam could give it a shot although it looks to be much too big for his mill. As far as the downed red oak, why not cut all of the parts that are hanging over the road back toward where the stump hits the bank, then go around the other side, stand up the rest of the tree with the excavator, and cut it while standing. Footing will be dicey, but the danger of the load on the tree would be gone. You could also cut the hanging parts and pull out the trunk and stump with your excavator. I am not sure about the comment on the widowmaker. I always thought that the one while you are riding back to the cherry at about 11:15 is a widowmaker - a large unconnected limb hanging from another tree waiting to fall. I would call the cherry just something that is hung up, but I am NOT A PROFESSIONAL. Maybe you can push it out of the other tree or use the excavator to drag it out. You can cut the stump on the one that hangs over the road. I cut on an angle like this all of the time. Its not particularly comfortable, but you can do it. You just have to be careful. You will need to know about rot, too. Again, your excavator takes a lot of danger away from any of this one and all of the others. Doug, you really have nice woods. Looks to be a lot of good wood to harvest in these trees. If you are uncomfortable, then get professional help. Good luck.
Well... You asked, what would I do? Nothing. We heat with propane. No soar back, no chainsaw, no splitter, no hauling wood , no stacking wood, no chimney cleaning. And if we look out at our woods and it's cold, we have a button on the wall we can push and make it warmer. Have a Jesus filled day everyone Greg in Michigan Ps........ now if I was younger🤔
Any] tree cutting is dangerous. No avoiding it. You've got the right idea for tractor and chain. Red Oak leaning on the ravine edge: I'd cut it up above the ravine enough to get a chain on it. Then cut at the stump. Then tractor skid it up and out with a chain.The huge ones would be a challenge but you're always safety conscience and you generally like challenges. my guess is that you'll give it a try... You can do it. The huge one would be a challenge to mill up even.I can't even imagine what the weight would be.
The one over the fence. Humbolt as low as one could to be under the barbed wire. send the lower part toward your house and you should be clear of the top drop. Again... that's if I HAD to cut it down.
Definitely go after the trunk of the first tree (I believe it is a red oak) up to the branches and take the maple. Adam could cut some nice lumber for you and you could get some great firewood. As for the hung limb be careful since that could snap back and take you out (unless you take the trees out that it's hung up on. Third tree - take it down to where it's in the ground and then cut it from the trunk. No matter what you do stay safe.
Hey Doug I myself would cut all of them and there's some nice saw logs there to maybe you could work with Adam on them
Happy easter Folks. Cut what You can safely so it's on the ground. Always have someone with You for your safety!
Thanks! You too!
Call a guy! It’s not worth the risk. Let them get the trees on the ground and then you can buck up all the firewood. Maybe have them buck up that big one while they are there. I’d hate to get a video from Adam one day telling us Doug is in the hospital. Or worse.
Doug, I wish I was your neighbor we would get all those trees out. With the equipment you have and a winch and some ropes we would go to town. Having said that when I go into the woods to recover fallen trees I tend to go after the easier ones before I tackle the big boys . I cut everything to 72” because it’s easier to winch out or grapple out when possible. Once you have them at your yard you cut them to 16 inches. For the broken tree no question if you can get a crane bucket to the tree that’s the way to go or let nature takes its course knocking it down. Best of luck!
72 is not evenly divisible
by 16.
My bad for not wearing my eye glasses ….80” so that you get 5 sixteen inch pieces.
😂”I’m probably at the age where I can hide my own Easter eggs’.
As a firewood hobbyist myself - my 2 cents = cut and fell what you’re comfortable with. I’ve hired professionals to fell the bigger or risky ones. If they’re just putting them on the ground they don’t charge much.
Happy Easter to you and yours!
Neighbor Doug you are absolutely correct, heavy equipment would make me feel much more comfortable in removing some of those blow downs: excavator, bucket truck, large winch, etc! Tim in northern TN
Those kind of trees are what I cut up for firewood as a hobby. That would be a lot of fun. Start at the top and keep working your way down. You can do it.
I can't help with the tree questions but I love that the guy I always think of as a know-it-all (in a good way) is willing and eager to seek advice from those who truly know more.
We need to go after that big one in the beginning of the video and get it on the sawmill
I agree. Just need to figure out what it is!
@@OneEyeCustoms The bark looks much like a Bur Oak. Member of the white oak family. Has beautiful creamy, light brown wood! But maybe you have another tree that looks like that, that I'm not familiar with.
The tree that had the big split ripped off of it might as well be cut down also. IMO it's days are numbered and you might as well get it while the wood is still solid. Good luck too both of you! Common sense will usually carry the day.
Happy Easter!! Christ has risen indeed alleluia!!
Adam, that is me. Always looking to see what would work on my sawmill. Sometimes there is too many saw logs and it's time to make firewood 🤣
When we have a sketchy tree we use a rope saw and some long steel cable and stand way back. Obviously takes a lot longer than a chain saw but it’s safer and good exercise.
Happy Easter Doug and family.
Be safe don't do sketchy things by yourself. I'm thinking another RUclips channel will step up here to help you out..
I don’t think he will miss it
Save those for when Chris and I come back out they look like fun 🤪 That first one looks like a Siberian Elm (Ulmus Pumila) to me.
Hurry up! 😜
I think with your equipment and giving careful thought,you can go after most of those trees. That being said, remember, "A man has to know know his limitations. "
I agree that pros should be brought in to get the trees down. Money well spent.
Dude Ranch DIY from Adams last video.
Hi Doug.. my two cents… there’s times and circumstances that warrant a professional… we’re lucky enough to have loggers as neighbors/friends… just to get it down and manageable..
(trade for some excavator work.. )
good luck
With that big of timber you have I would be thinking about having a thinning done. Then the loggers would take care of pretty much all of the problem trees that you pointed out. Some extra cash in your pocket and a boatload of easy pickings firewood, win win. Take care.
Doug, I live in the Pacific Northwest and fell timber for 10 years. I’m now 72 so I’m not able to do what I used to do when I was 30. But the experience I gained in those 10 years, I would tackle every one of those with just a chainsaw no equipment. When they’re on the ground, then you use the equipment. You need to get somebody that’s experienced and definitely knows what they’re doing, and are able to read what those trees will do. Those trees have pressure on them. air has got all that top-heavy weight, but it can be taken down with just a saw. The ones that are stuck in other trees. Those limbs are pushing sideways and you need to be very careful that they don’t come over and get you. There is 16:47 great pressure on those trees. Everyone of them are doable to get down on the ground and cut off the stump without any mechanical means. Do a lot of research on loggers before making your decision on who to use to help you. Experience is an important factor here! I wish you the best, and look forward to seeing what you do. Larry
I work as an arborist. I've tackled a few trees like those in my 9 years of running my company. I'll tell you that a "put it on the ground" is my favorite type of job. You are more than capable on some of those trees. BUT the last one & a few of the other (can't reach the cut because the rootball moved & left a huge hole) might be best handled by a local tree guy.
Like others have said, ropes are good because they allow you to put force on the tree to move it where you want it. However, you need a way to get the rope up in the tree where the leverage can do the most good. Throwline & throw weight is about $50 & it will let you put the rope 30-70' up in the tree.
Good luck.
Happy Easter!
Thank you and same to you!
Happy Easter Doug , to answer your question I would turn that into firewood. Start at the end work your way towards the stump. Take your time be safe cheers
If you are set on harvesting those trees, call a professional! I enjoy watching your videos and do not want you injured. Be safe and Happy Easter.
Thank you!! Happy Easter!
I had a black locust bust off that looked like your cow pasture example, it was in a spot that it couldn’t be left. I scratched my head for about a day and seeing that I couldn’t afford a man lift at the time my options were to shoot it down. I had checked the trajectories and made sure that it was safe and started, my neighbor came over to see what I was doing and decided to bring out his own equipment. Half of a box of 7 magnum and half a box of 300 weatherby magnum (all the shots were on) and it came down. Good practice and good neighbors. Blessings and happy Easter
That’s a great story!!
Happy Easter!
Doug,if I was in your situation I’d be hiring it out for taking any of those trees maybe 🤔 offering up your excavator skills to help with bringing them down may you and Autumn also family have a great 👍 Easter 😮😊❤
Thank you and you as well!!
First things first, time for a bigger saw! Doug, I’d go after them, not sure exactly how but I’d do it. I still don’t always make the best choices though so you may want to look somewhere else for good advice lol.
Thanks 👍
Doug… while those trees down over the path look nice, I would take them down sooner rather than later. The odds of them rotting and falling on somebody riding the trail is very slim but it is not zero. Checking them a couple times a year will get old fast. Those are relatively easy to get down. Some of the other big ones probably need professional help. Remember your past history with large sticks…😂
These massive trees that have been blown down are dangerous to deal with. That said you have a couple of ways of cutting them.
You can undercut a fallen tree that is hungup on a rootball and then cut from the top to save the most of the log for milling. This is more dangerous with the largest of the trees you showed.
You could also do this but starting at the top and working back to the rootball. This is often the safest way as you can more easily judge when it is going to try to swing back upright. Once the tension s relieved the tree will swing bac towards upright then you can cut the remainder down like you would any other tree.
Something a bit more work but ultimately safer than the other two choices is to go to the rootball and work at cutting the major roots one at a time and this will gradually relieve the tension on the fallen tree. When able cut the roots literally on the bottom of the rootball that is leaning on the dirt side first.
Personally I would hire a certified arborist to first give a quote on just relieving the trees of their rootballs and getting them out of widowmaker positions. It could well pay for itself in conservation of the larger trees main trunks being available for you to sell to wood workers needing live slabs or by having them harvested for lumber yourself. It is a problem of judging your comfort in dealing with those long and the massive tres. Only you know your true capabilities.
Plunge cut to avoid barber chair.
Yes Doug I would go after that massive oak blow down. There most be guys with equipment that can help you out. You might be able to get a good chunk of money for that massive oak
9:00 Cut the tree above where it just clears the land. That will relieve the tension somewhat, and maybe the stump will try to slide farther down.
I have many of the same types of issues in my woods - looking forward to seeing what others think. I expect that a lot of rope/chains will be involved as well as pullies. I'm not ready to tackle my issues just yet, but distance is your best friend.
Best of luck Dough. Stay above the fall. Great video thumbs up.
The first large tree looks like an elm variety to me, hard to say for sure though. No wood material is worth going after if you’re not reasonably sure of the risks/dynamics involved IMO. Please be safe!
Get Adam to help and start buck it out what a challenge man there’s massive firewood plus a lot of great lumber. Besides what else are you doing 😎
Wow those are some big trees. Youve got your hands full with those.
That first one look like a pin oak or walnut. The second looked like oak . I definitely would cut it from the branches back but I would definitely rent equipment if it didn't have any and would try to dig out around the stumps after I cut back on them. For the last 2 I would hire someone! Stay safe and Happy Easter!
The first tree you showed us would be good for the saw mill if u can get it cut!!
As a younger man and no equipment only a coma long,rope and blazer i learned to love a challenge. With the proper equipment i wood take on all but the last one. Biggy is the fence you can't see that (might?) be in that tree and hitting the fence.
Nothing but Gold. One way or another go get it. Safely.
I think I would contact the folks, that Hometown Acres showed on his channel, that do the land clearing for the powerlines/Pipelines. May make a great joint video. Have them drop to the ground and make them safe.
Start at the top well the small end . Just keep undercutting until you get to where it’s attached. It’s all doable if you have the time . Time is My biggest problem . I am generally doing this kind of work for others. Just think go slow and be safe .
Berea, KY. Please do not mess with those trees by yourself, if at all. I have one just like your last one that broke off up high and is resting on the next tree over. I saw that it was too dangerous to cut at the bottom not knowing what the top would do or where it would go. I did manage to get a tow strap (I linked two of them together) up on the upper piece and tie on to my tractor about 50 ft away. It wouldn't even budge when I tried to pull it, in fact one of the snap hooks shot off the strap and went flying out of sight (maybe heading to PA!) That's when I decided that the risk was not worth it. I love you guys too much to say "just do it".
I would rent a tow behind lift. I have used one often to take down trees like this. On the tree with about six feet from stump to fulcrum point I would cut the top back so that remainder of tree would be balanced. On the 4' diameter tree you could possibly rent a long bar saw or maybe buy a 32" bar and chain for a 372xp or if Adam has a 500i get a long bar and chain for that. Another idea is to put a work platform on excavator forks. I would definitely not leave these assets to rot. Another idea would be to see if someone would do it on shares.
For the widow maker at 13mins, take your excavator and dig around the stump removing a bunch of the roots. Then take a big cable and and a snatch block and attach to the tree and a tractor. You want to snatch down hill and put the tractor uphill or off to the side. that way if that log slides your not in the line of fire.
The tree before the widow maker, i would stack a bunch of logs under it, and cut it at the top side of the bank. That way you get 90% of the tree and you are out of the line of fire. When you cut it, the stump should stand up. Now if it doesnt, go across from the stump and rig up some snatches and winches then stand it up. Then you can fell it like you would a standing tree. This stuff is way to big unless you have a 40 ton excavator. I would do everything i could to get it in to smaller bites.
All of the lumber and wood is definitely worth cutting and harvesting. Agood neighbor and all y'all's equipment can handle it for sure
Some of us would be salivating over most of the limb you don’t have plans for. I have lived in Nebraska and now Missouri where we have what lots would call junk wood 14”-16” are good trees for us. My dad would cut down to 4” most times on not so good wood. Not trying to put you down but I would like half the selection you have.
Tree #1, leave it or maybe trim some of the top off. But leave the big part for a tree service. Tree #2, brace it up where you are standing at 4:00, cut it off where you are standing at 5:02. Cut up the branch for firewood. Then have a tree service take out the rest of the tree. It's toast and dangerous. Tree #3, brace it up about 4 feet south of the crotch. Clear as much debris from the stump area for an escape and begin cutting from the underside about 1/3 up to relieve some pressure. As for the rest, you have to be careful with widow makers. I usually grapple a long line to them and pull them down or at least get them closer to the ground to cut them up. Maybe Adam has some ideas as to how to remove them. Lastly, DO NOT DO ANY OF THIS ALONE and make sure you have cell service, just in case.
Awesome, thanks for the info!
For your hung tree, i had one like that in my yard. No tractor, but i have an Army Surplus diesel Blazer. I wrapped the trunk with a chain to prevent a barber chair, then cut it from the stump then pulled the chain with the Blazer.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks neighbor Doug. Please be safe. Happy Easter to you and your entire family.
Thanks, you too!
And I do need to come talk to you about a couple of these.
Cut what you can safely. As you remove some of the smaller wood, the bigger sections will be less intimidating. Once you can get that wood worked up, you can decide if you want to continue. You do have some good equipment to work on it and your neighbor has a bigger excavator to help as well. I know there is a ton of good wood in that big trees but most of the time, you can produce firewood much faster from the smaller sized trees.
Hi, I'd consider getting Adam and his excavator. to help. Start cutting from the top [ish] and supporting with the excavator as each piece is removed. [Just my suggestion, but you may still consider it TOO risky] I wrote this after the split tree, and hadn't watched the next trees... Cheers, Frank.
Hey Doug as a logger iam not to tell what to do iam going to watch what you do and hope you don't get hurt
You need some heavy work horses, rope and block and tackle.
Good suggestion.
I thought about horses too. Berea College here in Berea, KY have some Suffolk Punch horses that they use to pull logs from the forest that are used by the students making furniture, etc.
Doug, you look like an Elf against those trees. I'm glad we got to see you against those gigantic trees. It really shows the size of them. I have no input. I'll just pray for you. Happy Easter, Doug and Family.
Absolutely go after them!👍👍
Interesting. Most of them would stay. Happy Easter!
You should leave the stumps where they are. The others need to be topped first to unload the stems. Take your time and evaluate the stems once they are topped. You should NOT be alone during this operation. Someone in the excavator helping would be nice. The broken one 8’ off the ground is a feature that will make the woodlot interesting
Whoa. I see some firewood potential there. Happy Easter Doug!
Thanks, you too!
Yea, lots of firewood!
Good morning I’m in the “Call in an Expert Camp” too many variables of dangers especially the one that split and Doug is to Valuable.
lol, thank you!!
On your and Adam's chain saw comparison, I ordered a Husqvarna 450 Ranger 20" from the biggest online retailer (I think you which one).
It arrived today and they sent me the 455 Rancher 20". Upgrade I guess. Just a bit more powerful than the 450.
No bar oil included. Waiting on that (1 gallon) from the same website and also 2-Cycel oil. Both Husqvarna brand.
The risk you are considering is doing the work. The risk you’re not considering is doing nothing. I’d hate to be 4-wheeling around when one of those finally succumbs to nature and gravity.
i think everyone should have a come-along, a few snatch blocks, and appropriate lines and shackles. 4 snatch blocks can get you a 16:1 mechanical advantage. A come-along and this rigging gear will move most trees. If you have a tractor, or other heavy machinery, it will be even easier. A come-along might be better than an ATV though.
I think all of these are straightforward to get.
Tree #1: start at the top - cut the branches off where you are standing at 2:00. Use a winch or chain (with your rigging equipment and/or heavy machinery) to pull the branches out. Then work your way to the bottom. If the tree starts to rise, go to the stump and cut it off.
Tree #2: after getting the top of #1, go after that in the same way.
Tree #3: start at the end, work your way to the tree base. Once you get to where it’s above a comfortable working position, use a man-cage on your skid steer/tractor/excavator. Until you get it down to just a few feet, don’t try to cut it free from the tree. Maybe arrange for Homestead Jay to climb above it and cut it off. Also, once you get it cut back where it’s off the ground, you might be able to throw a chain on it and pull it off with your heavy equipment and/or rigging equipment.
Tree #4: cut the top off above the ravine. This will leave you with a manageable piece left going to the stump. Throw a chain on the now free end, and using your equipment, pull it at a 90° to get the stump free. You might need to pull from both directions. Once free, pull that piece up over the ravine.
Tree #5: cut it off at the stump. Use heavy equipment and/or rigging gear to pull it free and get it safely on the ground.
Tree #5: (and all others already on the ground) - I agree with cutting them up and hauling them out of there.
Blowdowns over trail: absolutely get rid of them. Those are also widow makers. Those are small enough to just cut at the stump and haul them out.
Tree #6 (fell over trail, branches on either side of another tree) - get rid of this widow maker. Throw a chain over where it split (the horizontal part), and use the rigging equipment and/or heavy machinery to pull it off the vertical part. Once free, it will be on the ground and easy to work with.
Tree #7: You mentioned woodpecker holes - what’s the condition of the remaining vertical portion? It might just pull over. I’d suggest cutting a notch on the side where you’re standing at 16:50, as close to the ground as possible (surely the barbed wire fence isn’t at ground level). Then, attach a snatch block to the tree by where you’re standing to use as a redirect, and pull it towards that tree (and away from the neighbors fence). You will be safely well away from it by using the redirect. If it’s a standing dead tree, you might not need the notch.
😊
Hope this helps. If you’re ever down in central Virginia, drop on in.
Thank you!
Call sheib for the big one or adam lol I would use excavator on the next one Adam's push down on trunk into ground stand on tree cut stump off let roll into reveen use excavator on the widow maker by hauling it down then cutting it up Then I also use it and guess push the one over that is by the fence
Hey Doug, Happy Easter to you and your family! I would definitely hire the big stuff done. Maybe if you have a local tree nursery you could contact them, maybe they could identify that big huge tree that you started with. As far as that one tree, that’s leaning into the canopy of the other with its root ball sticking out of the ground, I would dig out around it, put a chain around it and see if you could pull it enough to get it to drop to the ground. It is amazing and down right scary what the wind can do.
Good suggestions. Nothing to add but Happy Easter.
Same to you!
I'd hire a logger with a logging truck, with the built-in crane to come lift those huge ones out, and either place it safely and cut it for you,, or let them take it. I would've suggested just getting the excavator, but living in the woods in Vermont, I can tell you that may not be the safest. Our loggers up here work year round with trees like that. Let's not make Autumn a widow. 😊
That looks like a big old poplar. Come on Doug you can cut that tree hell i cut a poplar one time it was 6' at the but with a 32or34" bar
I would at least pay for an arborist consultation. There are a lot of board ft of lumber. The logs are mostly straight. Finding a mill to cut it up will be another matter. Unless you get some plans for big mill from Matt Creamona. I cut a blow down tree that was flat on the ground. Red oak. I could pick up a 6’ section with my tractor.
Get Adam to help u with his excavator and big saws. Those would make some nice lumber.
I love that fork (tree) in the road. Lol.... Great observations on the dangers of cutting trees. Happy Easter Doug 🐰
Thanks! You too!
I'm amazed at how many blowdowns you have on the property. That is pretty significant wind. The big red oak and the cherry tree would make amazing furniture if you could drop them safely. I think you're going to need a bigger excavator! Maybe Autumn will get you one for Easter.
That would be really nice.
“Thank you Easter Bunny”
Equipment is best, but a couple come a longs would make it mostly doable. Most of what you’re looking at is way above my skill level lol! I agree with the call a guy comments
Doug I would definitely go after them just work from the top down and wedges lots of wedges.
Thanks Don, I didn’t even think about wedges! Good call!
Hi Doug. I agree with the many who suggested professional help and equipment to get the trees on the ground. Send the huge logs to a big mill. Several options: they could buy the logs outright; cut them into smaller slabs that Adam could process; cut them into lumber you could use, or sell. A lot of the stems are too valuable for firewood.
Good luck with this project. The primary consideration should be safety.
Happy Easter.
Thank you and happy Easter to you as well!
@@OneEyeCustoms Hi Doug. In today's posting, Adam was at Dude Ranch DIY to test out their new excavator. Near the end of the episode, he was talking about the weigh and bulk of logs, and whether his 6 ton machine could lift the logs.
If you tackle this project, with help from Adam and other friends, it would be wise to utilize lots of chain, rope and pullies. Utilize mechanical advantage rather than relying solely on the strength of tractors, skid-steers and/or excavators.
However, professional loggers have the skills, experience and tools to do the job safely. Log trucks, with a grapple, may be able to support and stabilize the deadfall trees while they are being cut. These same trucks could transport the logs. Good luck.
Any hanging wood I'd be making sure ends up on the ground. The one across the path would be among the first to go. If the hanging wood is out in the bush and nowhere near a path or fence or anything then it's not any sort of priority. Anything that could be classed as a widowmaker, orphanmaker or mournermaker I'd have on the ground as soon as feasible. There's none that I saw that I wouldn't be comfortable working on especially with access to rope/chain and also an excavator or bobcat. Any of the hanging or tensioned ones I'd be throwing a rope or chain over and dragging them to ground level where possible. If you don't need/want them for firewood at least you know then that they aren't going to drop on someones head.
10:24 What is that, a manhole cover? For the tree at 13:20, get a line into it just below the fork, put a pulley at the base of the tree it's hung up on, then pull at a right angle and force it to the ground.
It is an old spring in the side of the hill.
A few months ago I spend some money on bull ropes and some rope pulls alls… I have been able to throw ball quite a few trees and yank them down - it’s been really quite safe with the use of pulls and redirects
Thanks for the advice!!
Happy Easter 🐣
hi there a lot going on there and to much ti answer in one line , i also read most of the comments , some good ,and some well . i have cut several large blows downs and they all had a rule of thumb but bottom line they do what they want .what is you need first , and skill level ,to call a pro. here is not cost effective.you have a good helper and both of you i feel have more smart than experience , both have good common sense.wish i was closer , i have a winch we made for the front of my bobcat that changes a ball game like that , your very handy you may want want to build one , those trees have time , i will send you a video , if you think i can help reach out john
Your giant neighbor would hit his head if he tried to walk underneath that big stem that you walked on.
The app Picture This identifies trees very well by bark. There is a paid version but the first 10-15 or so are free. My guess is that is an elm. Cut them. Use the wood yourself or donate to a portable mill operator.
The first tree should be used to make furniture, not firewood. The large diameter straight section would be perfect.
I hope it is good stuff!
I’m not convinced the red oak (ravine) is all that unsafe but u can certainly make it safer with an excavator.
I certainly see the benefit of hiring out the work if that makes financial sense. If you tackle it with friends maybe renting an all-terrain man lift for the day could supplement the equipment you already have?
Looks like its time to call the guys Adam used on his property. I would not trust those trees over the trail for very long. Lots of trees there that just seem sketchy to leave but also trust your gut on them and don't remove them yourself.
I would find a way to make good use of all the trees.
Happy Easter, Doug. This video brings a lot of thoughts to me. Let me preface this reply that I am not an experienced sawyer, but I see value in large, quartersawn boards.
The first tree definitely has my attention. I'd get an experienced arborist or sawyer to talk with you about it, and see what they'd charge if they would do the work. Hundreds of board feet of lumber available within that first tree would be very valuable in a sales sense. Imagine building something out of what the Lord provided.
The 2nd tree under it, a maple, depending if it is a hard rock maple, might be worthwhile only after the first tree was accessed.
The 4th tree you mentioned, around 6:30, could be cribbed up before beginning to work near the root. I would use some kind of heavy equipment for protection to get out of the way quickly if need be. Perhaps the root could be winched into another position that was more viable to work out of. I know it is going to be very heavy.
Many of us know you will proceed in wisdom with each of these.
Doug 1 down in ditch cut where 1st see air under itt n as it starts bending down then get away it will go so far then go back nip bit more get away n so on
I would start at the branches removing the pcs at 16". Work your way back to the trunk removing all the weight 1 pc at a time. It all depends how bad you need fire wood. I have a lot of trees that should come down but they're not worth my time. Those trees at least look like they would be good fire wood.
Have the company that did Adam’s property, do yours.
All this tree stuff aside when is the Neighbor Doug annual trail ride scheduled and where is the link to register?😂
As soon as it stops raining and dries up. From the looks of it, that might be August…
I’d take some branches but the biggest bits plug cut a bench set out of it .
Not sure about the identity of the first tree. I am not a lumberjack and what I know is from cutting trees and downed uprooted trees on the side of hills. What I learned is from experience and a book, The Backyard Lumberjack. The size of the first tree looks like something a sawyer would love. Its huge and it would be such a waste not to claim it. I expect that Adam could give it a shot although it looks to be much too big for his mill.
As far as the downed red oak, why not cut all of the parts that are hanging over the road back toward where the stump hits the bank, then go around the other side, stand up the rest of the tree with the excavator, and cut it while standing. Footing will be dicey, but the danger of the load on the tree would be gone. You could also cut the hanging parts and pull out the trunk and stump with your excavator.
I am not sure about the comment on the widowmaker. I always thought that the one while you are riding back to the cherry at about 11:15 is a widowmaker - a large unconnected limb hanging from another tree waiting to fall. I would call the cherry just something that is hung up, but I am NOT A PROFESSIONAL. Maybe you can push it out of the other tree or use the excavator to drag it out.
You can cut the stump on the one that hangs over the road. I cut on an angle like this all of the time. Its not particularly comfortable, but you can do it. You just have to be careful. You will need to know about rot, too. Again, your excavator takes a lot of danger away from any of this one and all of the others.
Doug, you really have nice woods. Looks to be a lot of good wood to harvest in these trees. If you are uncomfortable, then get professional help. Good luck.
Looks like Hickory
you can ask Adam and see if he could use his excavator. maybe cut the blow downs into some lumber.
Well...
You asked, what would I do?
Nothing. We heat with propane. No soar back, no chainsaw, no splitter, no hauling wood , no stacking wood, no chimney cleaning.
And if we look out at our woods and it's cold, we have a button on the wall we can push and make it warmer.
Have a Jesus filled day everyone
Greg in Michigan
Ps........ now if I was younger🤔
Great comment!!! Love it!!
Red oak - take off as much of the top as you can before doing the butt end. Be safe
Doug you would never be a logger
You are correct, Not with one eye and no depth perception.
ADAM!!!!!!!!!