That's what old pine trees are good for...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
downhome
We have a very large pine tree in the back yard but it seems to be dying and being dry and brittle seems like it is getting to a dangerous stage. We have had quite a few wind storms and I am afraid it is going to fall over on to our house or the neighbors. We can't really afford to have a professional tree removal done but what would be the easiest way to fell it ourselves?
Some tree people will quote a "drop and chop", where they basically get the tree on the gound and you deal with it from there. This might be within your buget.
Renting a lift is not going to be cheap. I recently rented a tow behind that would get you to 35' I think it was 300 but I got it for the weekend. If you do rent a lift, consider recouperating some of the cost by trimming any neighbors trees for a fee, or doing some other work around your house that will possibly increase it's value like painting or roof work or trimming other trees. Maybe you have more than one pine tree that may pose a threat in the future. You are also going to get some lumber out of this. A big pine tree is not worth hauling to the mill but there are portable saw mills, guys that will come out and cut it up for you. You could cut it up with a chainsaw and get some big pieces you could use for something......ornamental maybe?
You should mention how tall or what kind of pine tree you have and any other challenges involved. Is there a clear space where the tree can be droped by someone on the ground? If so, how wide is this angle? Are there any powerlines or other lines near it? You might be able to get the power company to take it down if it threatens thier equipment in any way.
Do you have any experience with trees or chainsaws?
If you live in the southeast, you might want to consider that we are now aproaching the peak of hurricane season. Having a dead pine tree in your yard could add up to law suit really fast. It's really not as likely to fall over after it drops the needles but the limbs will start to fall off. It's going to come down sooner or later either by you or by mayhem, so why not get control, even if it sets you back a ways financially?