Subj : when i hate trees
To   : All
From : August Abolins
Date : Wed May 12 2021 11:20 pm


The blackflies will descend (or emerge) upon us shortly.  So  
yardwork that requires extended time outdoors, particularly
when the evening hours are only available, is best to be done  
not much later than now.

I have a problematic tree that was extending its topmost  
branches through the overhead phone line, and the middle  
(neutral) of the power feed. The upper branches were poised to  
reach the top high-voltage line shortly.

I really hate that tree. I regret that I didn't manage my
yardwork over the years the nip that sucker at the roots years  
ago. Well, a lot of things have happend over the years and that  
part of the property had low priority for me overall.  So, I  
hate myself more.

But, I decided to tackle the job. I got home from my shop at  
about 5p, grabbed my hand saw, and pole pruner and went at it.  
About 45 minutes later, here are the results:

 https://photos.kolico.ca/tmp/t1-IMG_20210512_182219.jpg
 https://photos.kolico.ca/tmp/t2-IMG_20210512_182235.jpg
 https://photos.kolico.ca/tmp/t4-IMG_20210512_182355.jpg

I left the resolution rather high so that zooming in can  
provide some details.

I couldn't simply saw that tree down at the base because the  
upper branches were already weaving though the lower and middle  
wires.  I used a combination of a pole-extension pruner (don't  
know the official term for those things - but you can spot it  
leaning against the tree near the handsaw and my gloves in a  
couple of the pictures) to snip the highest branches first, and  
then I used the handsaw to remove the lower ones when there  
wouldn't be problem of anything leaning into the wires.

I have to be impressed with myself as I maneuvered all through  
its branches. I had to use the hand saw at the highest  
remaining spots in the picture. But I left some strategic  
branches for footing higher up for stability while holding on  
with one hand.

Looking closely, the top part in t2 and t1 looks like a hand  
with a thumb and fingers.

I have some "before" shots from a few months ago. I'll post  
those later for comparison if anyone is interested.

I'm glad that's done. Now I can safely cut down the rest of it  
with a couple of single cuts near the bottom.

--
  ../|ug
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