The notch. This is on the fall side of the tree. After the notch is made, a single cut on the opposite side will release the tree.
The subtle application of force to get your way.
The Come-A-Long jack and rope is applying some steady pressure in the direction I want the tree to fall. Not a needed step, but I like to use this when the fall zone is tight.
Garden shading weak tree is down.
Barn is still up.
Success!
One reason for the felling. This blueberry bush is about the only one getting decent sunshine and it's going great guns. The other bushes were in the shade of the late oak tree and are producing little this year.
I now have more firewood than I could use in 3 Pure Florida winters and I have one more garden tree to take down.
well done. always, for me anyway, a big relief to have the tree actually down. the last few moments of the back cut, just before the tree moves, are the most, uh, interesting.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Firewood. Like firewood. Means hot water...and those blueberries looks just so good. Darn it.
ReplyDeleteI still think it's easier to make a phone call to the tree guys. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still doing rain dances, but nothing seems to work. It's getting ugly down here.
I like firewood too....around here it equals hot showers, clean dishes and warmth in the winter. You did a nice job there with the falling. Good job!
ReplyDeleteDon'tcha just love firing up the chainsaw in the heat! {laughing}
ReplyDeleteCongrats on missing the barn. Tree felling is always a chancy business. I've more than once had the wind do an unexpected change of direction after it was too late to stop.
.....Alan.
Those are some beautiful blueberries you have there.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten so far behind in my blog reading that I wasn't aware you were up on your really tall ladder again. Glad to see the barn is still standing - it wouldn't be if I had done the felling!
ReplyDeleteOoops - I can't seem to get my name right!
ReplyDeleteI've gotten so far behind in my blog reading that I wasn't aware you were up on your really tall ladder again. Glad to see the barn is still standing - it wouldn't be if I had done the felling!
Congrats on missing the barn! I don't think that tree would last me more than a month or two in winter, though.
ReplyDeleteNice blueberries! Mine are just low bushes, made lower last winter by rabbits.
Tree down. Barn up. All that AND blueberries. (And I assume - no cuts, scrapes or broken bones:)
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so glad you didn't fall off that ladder or get bonked on the head by tree limbs. When you take the next tree down, how about waiting to tell us until after it is done?
ReplyDeleteGood job! Now how about come up here and take one down for me? 8-}
ReplyDeleteYour blueberries are a bit ahead of mine. Must remember to water them. Hog plums are more abundant than I've ever seen them. Reckon they prefer dry?
Roger,
ReplyDeleteHow true, those last minutes when you are backcutting are pretty hinky ... watching the top for that first inclination of direction.
Paintsmh,
I'm thinking you guys use one of those woodburning water heater thingies.
POP,
Easier and smarter ... just not cheaper, and so I continue ...
:)
Super dry here too. Actual creek beds are dry.
ThreeCollie,
Thanks! How's Bama Breeze doing?
Alan,
This was a little breezy, but I pressed on. Nothing like a good body coating of sawdust on a hot day.
Debbie,
They are pretty scrumptious. I'm dumping into my cereal by the handfull.
Hal,
Welcome back. Yes, the ladder and I have several dates still in front of us.
Deb,
We only use the fireplace for about a dozen or so nights out of the year and it's more for cozy effect than needed warmth. I probably burned only three wheel barrow loads this winter. As for the blueberries, these are those southern highbush types. They are actually too tall to pick the top berries. Those are the cardinal's.
Cathy,
Scrapes, but all appendages are accounted for.
Cathy S,
Will do.
Actually, I need to go out away from the garden and plant 5 or 6 trees to make up for taking this old girl down.
Sophie,
Have chainsaw, will travel?
Sort of a Poulan Paladin?
My hog plum was a mass of blooms earlier, but no ripe plums yet.
I can't believe you're old enough to remember Paladin! That sure brings back memories. 8-]
ReplyDeleteMost of my hog plums are still green, but they're coming along nicely.
Sophie,
ReplyDeleteRemember it? Watched it when it was current AND Richard Boone had a house in St. Augustine for years. I used to see him out and about in my bar years :)