I started using chainsaws when I was 13 and I'm now 61 and although it's never been my full time work I would consider myself experienced and would drop any tree no matter the size but no way would I ever work on a tree unless both feet were on the ground. Think what punkdoc has put and decide whether saving money is worth it
Started using chainsaws a little later than mac12 but certainly agree both feet on the ground. Just done an afternoons fire wood cut today actually. I have been up a few of our trees but with hand tools only. A good pruning saw will cooe with decent diameter. Many tree surgeons saws can safely be operated one handed too I believe but never handled one. At a recent forestry show the usual reps were extolling the virtues of battery saws but these were the pro models. I would suspect the retail ones to be bit underpowered. Having just spent the last few hours with ear muffs on annoying the village I would welcome a good electric one though..
And that's what I'm trying to say I've been cutting for nearly 50 years and would never climb a tree with a chainsaw so for someone with no experience to do so is asking for trouble
To quantify on the danger aspect, when a large branch falls the smaller branches inevitably hit the ground first, which creates a 'spring' effect. The weight of the branch bends the minor ones, thereby making the main bit spring back towards the trunk and the ladder/operator. To see a four inch stem heading towards you whilst balanced on a ladder with a roaring chainsaw in your hand, is not a good place to be. The spring back is even likely, but safer, when felling a tree at ground level. At least you can step back. I'd recommend going aloft and tying oneself to something sturdy while lopping smaller branches with a Raker tooth bow saw. With only a trunk left to deal with, much of the danger is reduced.
Re electric chainsaws. We had a 50' beech tree felled by a professional team. They all used battery Stihl chain saws so the larger ones are clearly 'up to the job'.
On the safety aspect they were professionally trained, using full safety gear (including kevlar trousers), used safety ropes and harnesses and had one person just for constant supervision duties.
My neighbour has a Compact Stihl battery chainsaw which is more than capable of chewing through 4" logs - but he uses it for cutting firewood on the ground.
I have a Stihl mini battery chainsaw (with safety cover) which makes short work of cutting branches / stems up to 2" diameter. It is very safe to use but is always used from the ground or a very stable caravan step. The need to keep two fingers on two triggers at the same time would make it difficult to keep it running if you slipped or fell and the chain stops as soon as one of the pressure triggers is released.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
If anyone decides to go for a petrol version, I can recommend 'TimberPro' from Clonmel, here in Ireland. I've had mine for 6-7 years and it cost (then) €150 delivered.
Thanks all for the posts. He did look at hiring a cherry picker, can't access the tree with that,a tower, then he wouldn't need to be in or on the tree. He has used a chainsaw before, where we lived before. Ironically,I'm sure you folks will love this. He borrowed it from the neighbour,who was a fireman I assume therefore he was trained in its use
Owing to a massive extension, their garden was only about 40 long..... weeds. Never touched.... unless they were having a BBQ. We always knew it would be oho "Fred" is having a BBQ! He would go out with the chainsaw,raize everything to the ground. Nope,no protection whatsoever!!! We were just going out one day, happened to look out of the bedroom window BBQ in full swing,he put said BBQ right down the bottom of his garden,and set light to black bags of leaves in OUR garden!!! Rather nice summer house nearby. Dread to think what would have happened if we had gone out a bit sooner. Nick615,hubby has a raker bow saw,and other types of saw, loppers,pruners..
Everything bar a chain saw. Going to try to get quotes. I'm worried about someone dropping branches, damaging the fruit trees nearby,or something else in the garden.
IME a professional tree surgeon never drops large branches from a height! They are cut into smaller sections which are lowered carefully using a rope sling. Very small branches and twiggy growth may be dropped if it is safe to do so - but never large branches. It is that level of health, safety and care that you pay for when you engage properly trained and insured professionals.
They should always check for TPO's as part of their preparation for work and they should always provide you with full details of their insurance cover, tell you how they will work and what you need to do in terms of leaving access etc.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
I had a tree surgeon in France for a huge lime tree that was showing signs of illness in some of its branches. He wore safety gear and used ropes to climb. He also used ropes to tie around the branches that he cut off. 300€ but it was a few years ago.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
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Appreciate the dilemma though. Stay safe.
On the safety aspect they were professionally trained, using full safety gear (including kevlar trousers), used safety ropes and harnesses and had one person just for constant supervision duties.
My neighbour has a Compact Stihl battery chainsaw which is more than capable of chewing through 4" logs - but he uses it for cutting firewood on the ground.
I have a Stihl mini battery chainsaw (with safety cover) which makes short work of cutting branches / stems up to 2" diameter. It is very safe to use but is always used from the ground or a very stable caravan step. The need to keep two fingers on two triggers at the same time would make it difficult to keep it running if you slipped or fell and the chain stops as soon as one of the pressure triggers is released.
I assume therefore he was trained in its use
BBQ in full swing,he put said BBQ right down the bottom of his garden,and set light to black bags of leaves in OUR garden!!! Rather nice summer house nearby. Dread to think what would have happened if we had gone out a bit sooner. Nick615,hubby has a raker bow saw,and other types of saw, loppers,pruners..
Everything bar a chain saw. Going to try to get quotes. I'm worried about someone dropping branches, damaging the fruit trees nearby,or something else in the garden.
They should always check for TPO's as part of their preparation for work and they should always provide you with full details of their insurance cover, tell you how they will work and what you need to do in terms of leaving access etc.