We had a huge oak tree that died due to last summers drought. We were a little leery of it as every time the wind whipped up large dead limbs would fall. It was not that close to the motorhome but we were afraid that someday it might get blown down and perhaps do some damage. So, Sunday my BIL James took down the huge oak tree and it was quite exciting and educational on how to remove the tree without leaving its stump. At least to me anyway.
First he took his John Deer Backhoe and trenched completely around the circumference of the tree. The trench was about four feet deep.
Next it took a very long rope and tied it around the tree about midway and then he tied the other end of the rope to the back of his one tone four wheel drive Dodge dually truck.
As he pulled his truck forward for the rope to become taunt the driver of the JD Backhoe was pushing against the tree with its hydraulic bucket about 6ft from the base.
After three tugs this way the tree came tumbling to the ground with a very loud explosion of limbs breaking as it hit. I was afraid it was going to hit his truck but he had about 15ft to spare as it came crashing to the ground. I commented he had a good eye for distance and height.
The next thing was to take the JD Backhoe and break up the limbs by grabbing them with the jaws of the digging bucket on the end of a two-part articulated arm. The backhoe's scoop has a metal bar called a "thumb" hinged to the scoop. It grips against the scoop like a man's thumb to pick up objects. It gave the impression of a large beast chewing and breaking as it shook and busted up each limb.
Next he took his chain saw cut the larger limbs into about 5ft lengths. After this he began to pickup the limbs with the bucket on the other end of the tractor and transported them to a burn pile. Looks like we will be having another burn party the next time there is no threat of wind.
All that was left was the short tree stump with its ball of roots and dirt. He then took the jaws of his backhoe and knocked off a lot of the dirt.
He then took what was left of the stump and added it to our burn pile. Being a city boy I never witnessed anything like this. It was quite educational and at times got the old heart a pumping.
Until next time. . . .MtnAire Travlers.
I bet it was quite interesting! We had a very large pine cut down in our yard in Pine Mountain years ago. They didn't use the equipment for that since it was very near the house. We watched the tree guy climb up into the tree and bring it down limb by limb. That was very interesting as well. The equipment sure makes things alot easier but I suppose you need some clearance for such large tree. Anyway, glad it is down and you don't have to worry about it any longer!! :-)
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