How would you tackle this?

[sime42]

Evening guys

 

I'm halfway through this job of seriously reducing, (and ultimately removing completely) these three Lombardy Poplars. The first one, multi-stemmed job on the right was fine. I just climbed it and rigged off the second, the middle one.

 

The second was more nerve racking but we sorted the worst part of it without any issues. I rigged it from itself, but because it was unpleasantly "mobile" towards the top, (and also has a large section of trunk rotted out at the butt), I anchored my lifeline to the third tree on the left. Topping it out wasn't very nice, it whipped around like a b*stard.

 

So I'm left with the one remaining tree to take down. I'm nervous about this one as I don't have the option to lifeline off another tree. It's also higher than the others were. I'm hoping for some advice or reassurance. Maybe I just need to "Man-Up"!

 

I've not had much experience in this type of tree. How weak, or strong are they actually? There seems to me to be a trade off between anchoring the rigging block as high as possible, (to minimise the size of the topped off piece), and making sure its attached to a strong enough section of trunk wood. What's the minimum diameter you'd rig from? What's the minimum diameter trunk you'd climb up to on a Lombardy? I went up to about 5" which didn't feel nice at all, but there was still a good 15 - 20 ft above to the top of the tree.

 

I think the picture should show the situation but just in case;- it's all got to be rigged down unfortunately because of the shed directly underneath the trees and neighbours gardens all around.

[Marula]

Why don't you leave a section of the second stem to rig off, once you've got the third down far enough just chog down the third and second stem in small sections thereafter.

[headgroundsman]

Why don't you leave a section of the second stem to rig off, once you've got the third down far enough just chog down the third and second stem in small sections thereafter.

Bit late now

[jomoco]

Vertical speedline?

 

What's last trunk flare's proximity to the bldg?

 

Jomoco

[Will Heal]

Climb as high as you dare and knock the top out. If the groundsman can let it run you shouldn't hardly feel it. Oh dear! It's 12oclock on new year and I'm at home giving advice on arbtalk, what is life come to?[emoji22]

 

 

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[TIMON]

I remember zip-lining one a similar size to that straight over the shed. Very similar job. When I got down to the bottom of the stem I discovered to my horror that there was only about an inch-inch and a half of sound wood around the base. The middle of it was like wet red cheese. It made me realise they are stronger than we think. I would never do it again though! I would say block the top down but make sure your groundie lets it run. Cut n chuck what you can.

It's hard to say without seeing the tree though.

Happy new year to you.

Stay safe!

[inthewoods]

Get Bartletts in! They're the experts, make sure it's on a windy day though ;-)

[Fredward]

The size (weight) of the peice you are rigging and the diameter of the stem you are attaching the block to should be relative. I'd go high if you are unsure. You can rig off of a 2inch peice of of wood if you want, the peice above it will only be small so the anchor will be strong enough. I'm guessing you won't want to go that high as it makes little sense. You shouldn't get into trouble as you are not rigging large bits off of a lateral branch anchor point as often happens in more spreading trees.

 

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[Fredward]

By the way, zip lines can put large side loading forces on the stem so something to be aware of if you go down that route

 

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[Mick Dempsey]

Climb as high as you dare and knock the top out. If the groundsman can let it run you shouldn't hardly feel it. Oh dear! It's 12oclock on new year and I'm at home giving advice on arbtalk, what is life come to?[emoji22]

 

 

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Agreed, just do it, lombardies have a slow swing through the air.

 

Let it run a bit if you can. It'll be alright.