Chopping down trees...

[theboyfold]

...how hard can it be?

I've got my eye on getting a chainsaw and chopping down a couple of trees this weekend. I've never done anything like it before. What tops tips do the masses have for me?

Oh, the trees are next to the house. They aren't that big though...

[theboyfold]

Cheers all. Concerns duely noted! I'll try and grab a photo of the trees tomorrow morning.

The 2 70ft silver birch that need to come down are being left for the professionals. The others are something I'm still tempted to have a go at myself.

Of course I'm not just going to run in waving a chainsaw about, but I'd like to understand more about how it could and should be done.

[theboyfold]

These ones are destined for the chopping machine, nothing too big or thick. The two at the back of the house are for the pros!!

[theboyfold]

enioldjoe said:

This ^^^.

Consider checking out the local council's planning regs or contact the local tree officer.

I know it's a pain but you need to be careful, especially if you are considering removal of the large birch in the second photo.

Do you know if you are in a conservation area? If you have a tree hugger in the neighbourhood and you chop *anything* down, and they find out you could end up being for the chop!

We are ok for that, we've done all the research on that sort of thing.

[theboyfold]

Bill said:

If it's just two of the little ones I'd get a bow saw and save £200+

That said, I bought a petrol chainsaw and have only used it three times

This is my logic! I own a sledgehammer, pickaxe and other such tools that I've only used once. I feel it's the right point in my life to add a chainsaw to that list of things in my garage gathering dust.

[theboyfold]

williredale said:

Bill said:

If it's just two of the little ones I'd get a bow saw and save £200+

I'd do the same (have done). With a bow saw you end up thinking about what you're doing and take a more methodical approach. Chainsaws in inexperienced hands tend to be used as er, blunt instruments. Which is of course lots of fun but can have expensive consequences...

You might have a point, I don't own a bow saw yet either...

[theboyfold]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

IF you are getting the pro's in for the ones out the back - they would add the ones at the front to the bill for very little I am sure.

Thus, you can buy your chainsaw for your Garage, and not even have to use it

Win Win

No, they want £480 for the two at the back and another £250 for the ones at the front.

[theboyfold]

Bill said:

theboyfold said:

No, they want £480 for the two at the back and another £250 for the ones at the front.

Is now a good time to say I'd get a chainsaw and do the lot? Save £500 and get a free saw*



* This may be man maths

That's my thinking on the ones at the front. The ones at the back I'm happy to pay for as it's too big for me to handle. Although I might have to be around in case they need stuff feeding through the chipper once it all starts to come down...

[theboyfold]

There is already a skip just out of shot and a shredder ready and waiting for the smaller bits. The larger pieces I will chop up and use as fire wood when I need to burn, umm, stuff...

[theboyfold]

Paul Drawmer said:

How far is it to your nearest A&E?

17 minutes. At least that's how far it was when I got to hospital with my wife as she was about to give birth. I forgot her notes and had to go back home and pick them up!

[theboyfold]

None of the trees within my house are subject to orders. So I'm safe in that regard.

[theboyfold]

And I'm still alive!

Quite enjoyed it really, my brother and I went about getting 4 of the 5 trees down. One we can't get down without help as it's a tricky one (hangs over the park and is leaning towards the house).

I now have a chainsaw too

[theboyfold]

I thought it would be best to get the pros in for the big ones at the back!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Izr5KfhsQpo&fea...