TREE REMOVAL AT WOODCOCK
SEPTEMBER 2022
Beautiful tall trees well over a hundred feet tall; why remove them? They have a short life span. First the twigs in multitude were dropping, then the branches started to come down. Upon testing there were some hollow cores. Thus a hazard for workers in the garden and the chance of infrastructure damage if one should come tumbling down. In the past few years large sections of several trees had fallen across the orchard with damage to the fruit trees but, thankfully no more than that. So out they had to come.
Work began early on a Monday morning, bright and sunny. It was a week long process spilling into the next week. Skilled workers and lots of expensive equipment were needed. Not to be a chore for the weak hearted.
First, the conifers had to come out on the north side of the orchard. It will be nice to have that hazard gone. We lost several producing apple trees in the last few years due to large conifer limb breakage. Topped trees are not the most stable items. In order to get the equipment around to the poplars one apple tree had to be removed.
Sizing up the problem – the plan of attack has been determined by these highly skilled workers.
At full extension the machine peaks at 90 feet and there is still more tree to go.
Down come the branches, safely one by one. Then into the chippers one way or the other.
With the branches gone, the trunks are next
With the small stuff gone it is time for the medium sized logs to meet their reducer. Split the logs in half and then reduce for hog fuel. On the right some of the larger ones wait for transport off site.
The wood is not good for fire wood: it produces little heat and does not last long. It has often been called gopher (go for more) wood.
It is late Wednesday and things are going well. Most of the trees are down.
And some are being loaded up. BUT! There is always Thursday.
A minor problem with the utilities – easily solved and on to Friday which means clean up!
Above we have the after: A bit of work for Master Gardeners is ahead. More sunlight and wind but all for the better. All the logs are gone but the wood chips remain. Arborists chips are some of the best chips to be had, especially the deciduous chips. The green lignins of the new growth will provide nutrients for the soil.
The BEFORE and the AFTER
What is the BEST month to cut down trees?
Photos courtesy of Keith Dekker
Septimberrrrr!!