How Big Were the Redwoods That Fell?
Imagine having a giant redwood tree behind your house, standing right on the spot you need for something else. How frustrating would that be? Believe me, when talking about big trees, redwood is the king.
The frustration and helplessness that comes with your inability to take your land away from this tree can be resolved by paying adequate attention to this article. In this article, you will learn how to fell trees, especially redwoods.
Redwoods: What on Earth Are They?
Redwoods have been referred to as nature’s skyscrapers. They are usually found in Oregon, Washington, and California. They are known not only for their peculiar height but for many other distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from other big trees. A redwood can grow to achieve a height of 350 feet and weigh 800 tons.
These are not the kinds of trees you outlive – unless you intend to live for 2000 years. If a redwood is standing right on your needed spot, you might have to cut it down.
Felling trees is an extremely dangerous action that is best left to experts who know the pros and cons, but if you consider yourself an expert and you have enough training and confidence, go right ahead.
If you were dealing with more common trees, I would suggest a list of some basic methods, but with a giant skyscraper (even a growing redwood is relatively taller and bigger than some big trees at the end of their life cycle), I will need to give you more expert advice.
How to Fell Big Redwoods
There are two stages to felling trees. They include the PRE-CUTTING STAGE AND the CUTTING STAGE.
Pre-Cutting Stage
Before you attempt to put a saw to any tree, whether big or small, you have to sit and strategically make plans and do a proper assessment of the task before you. Below are the steps you should take:
1. Get a crew: if you are cutting a very small tree you might take the task on alone and succeed, but with a tree this big and tall, you cannot and must not do it alone.
Your crew should not be a bunch of friends who know nothing about cutting trees. Ensure you gather individuals with experience and knowledge of the task.
2. Get the appropriate tools: it is only logical to get the best equipment for felling a tree this big. You will need a gas-powered chainsaw, cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands, a chainsaw helmet for your head and ears, chainsaw chaps for your legs, and any other important equipment.
3. Do proper assessment: you and your crew will need to assess the tree you are about to fall and its environment. Get a list and tick off each item as you assess it.
First, you need to assess the tree; check to see if it is weak or diseased and check for hazards on and around it. These hazards could include holes in the tree, vines attached to it that could swerve or change your targeted direction, and anything else that might harm you. Next, check for your falling spot.
If you are cutting a tree this big, of course, you will need to cut it in large chunks; but you have to check around and see if anything will be affected by the tree falling in that direction.
4. Clear your work area: like it or not, you will have to work around this spot for hours. After doing a proper assessment, you will need to cut down every barrier between you and the tree. Remove anything that might cause harm to you or your crew.
5. Create an escape route: You should create a route or an action you will quickly take when things don’t go according to plan. Remember that your safety and that of your crew is the most important.
Cutting Stage
At this stage, you are fully prepared and ready to get started. You should keep in mind that cutting a tree this big is impossible from ground level; you will have to go up the tree and cut slowly. Whatever method you want to use to get up is left to you – knowing that it is impossible to use a ladder! The best way to get started is to cut down the branches first before you begin on the tree trunk.
Measure and make marks on the trunk, indicating where you want to cut each chunk. You might divide the whole trunk into 20 chunks, for example. So, to cut each chunk, you have to follow the steps below.
1. Make a face cut on the trunk. This face cut will give you a diameter shape on the face of the tree. Next, move your chainsaw to the edge of the cut and thrust it in, cutting it around the trunk. Repeat this process with the other edge of the cut. Cut around until the chunk is ready to give and then push towards the targeted spot.
2. Repeat this process with all chunks until you’ve cut the tree to the stump.
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Conclusion
There is one more thing needed to cut a redwood tree and it is called experience. Try this method with other trees before you move to a redwood tree.