| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
After almost 27 years and thousands of large, nasty tree removals, my ego occasionally fools my intellect into feeling like I've seen it all!
Yesterday, I looked at a removal that both struck fear (professional concern?) and challanged my abilities!
Picture this:
- 7+' diameter Valley oak (Quercus lobata)
- Some climber began removing 7 years ago, but didn't complete the job... he stopped in distress after stubbing off all scaffold limbs (up to about 3-4' diameter) a few feet from the main stems.... now remains about 50' tall.
- Wood up to about 6-7' diameter as high as 25'.
- Main stem (at grade) decayed about 80% of circumference!
- All (obviously) major cuts heavily decayed, extending down main stems (squirrels merrily running in and out of trunk in many locations).
- Tree located in rear yard of residence, 110' from nearest curb.
- Utility lines between tree and curb, about 8' from main stem (secondaries/phone/cable).
- International utility tree company had contract, but backed out due to unacceptable liability (you would all recognize the name as a pioneer US tree company).
- Tree leans over neighbor's yard... the neighbor who is demanding its removal (understandably... by why did he build under it?!?!).
- New fence about 4' away under side of lean.
- New lawn (neighbor's, of course) adjacent, w/concrete edging.
- New storage and workshop (also neighbor's) under lean, about 6' away.
- No significant trees remotely nearby for rigging purposes.
Even if we can close the street and reach the tree with a large enough crane, large enough to still lift significant weight at 110+' away... I am concerned about the wood disintegrating upon removal!
In addition to concerns re. property damage, I am greatly concerned about the safety of the climber. Am considering two massive cranes... one to suspend the climber, one for the wood!
Yes... I've worked extensively with a helicopter, but am aware of the lack of detailed control as well as the difficulty in approving a flight plan over a residential area... never mind the cost!
So far, we have never turned down a job (at least due to difficulty) or failed to complete one... so if we get this contract... I'll let you all know what happens!
Wish us luck!!!!!!
Torrey