Finally got a clean removal on that huge, hollowed-out oak in the old city park

Last week, we had to drop a massive white oak that was mostly hollow and leaning over a walking path. I spent a month planning the rigging, and we got it down without a single scratch on the pavement. What's your go-to method for a high-risk removal in a tight public space?

3 comments

3 Comments

ivanbell22d ago

Honestly used to be all about just cranking down big pieces slow and hoping for the best. That changed after watching a buddy set up a speed line like Logan mentioned. Seeing that trunk section just sail clear over a fence and drop in the landing zone was a total lightbulb moment. The setup time feels like a pain, but it completely changes the game for risk. Now it's my first thought on any job where you can't afford a single mistake.

logan56122d ago

Man, that is a HUGE win. A month of planning sounds about right for something that sketchy. We had a similar one last fall, a giant maple hanging over a playground. My go-to is ALWAYS a speed line off a neighboring healthy tree if you can. Get that trunk piece up and AWAY from the target before you even think about lowering it. Takes forever to set up, but man does it let you sleep at night.

christopherw3421d ago

Forget the speed line sometimes, like @logan561 said, if the tree's truly hollow. We've started using a bore cut to set a really deep hinge, then just push it over with the lift. It sounds wild, but it lets the trunk fold in on itself and drop straight down.