The Ailing Giant
(Tuesday Dec. 1, 2009)
During the recent high winds, the top broke off the largest white fir tree behind the shop. We were in bed when we heard and felt it when it hit the ground. The sound sends shivers up your spine, and you wonder where the tree fell, and how much damage it did. This time it was the big tree on the right (below). Last time it was the one on the left. Mel and a customer were working in the shop when it fell. Luckily, it didn't fall on them. We didn't cut the tree down and mill it into lumber. Unfortunately it became fodder for insects. White fir isn't much in demand except for fencing.
This time around we decided to mill it into fencing, so Mike's here to cut this once beautiful giant down before the insects take over. Mel's moving limbs and logs out of the way while Mike gets started on the tree. This is (mostly) what he does for a living. The following pictures illustrate how awesome this dangerous job is. He has to have the experience and judgment to fall this tree where it will do the least damage.
Sue is taking some photos and a movie. I'm far away on the hill (chicken that I am) using my scope.
The big slice is the way it's aimed to fall. This tree is large and the bar on his chainsaw is a little short so he has to be very careful that his cuts line up perfectly. Any slight deviation could allow the tree to fall wrong.
Everyone's getting out of the way....
Mike does the higher cut he'll hammer wedges into that will cause it to tip as planned.
Timberrrrrrr....The sound of the giant crashing to the ground is awesome.
The first step of a job well done. The next pictures give you an idea of the size.
Here's where the top originally broke off.
Next Mike will measure off and cut the tree to appropriate milling lengths.
And because of the large 4.7 foot diameter he splits the logs in half so that they can more easily be lifted and placed on the sawmill to mill.
We'll do the fir as soon as we finish milling this madrone destined become beautiful flooring. Allegedly, most of our madrone died from a fungus imported from Europe. Thanks again for doing a great job Mike. Your hard work is very much appreciated.