I lost a big tree in my woods from a recent storm. It is REALLY big. You can see my tape measure showing the height of the roots at over six feet. It is twelve feet wide. I have no idea how to cut it up. I think I can shake off some of the dirt to help re-fill the huge crater that was left. And I can probably throw some of the smaller root pieces back in the hole. Any suggestions for this monster?
The trunk is about 6 and a half feet around. It had fallen over my neighbor's fence and he had cut it off already when I discovered it. I am going to leave the big log, but need to do something with that huge root!
First of all, I'd be real careful working around that poison ivy vine I see on your tree. There are only two options I'm aware of: either pay someone to come haul it away for you or knock the dirt off and begin burning it (this takes a long time). Or you could do as my DH suggested--cut it off and push the roots back into the hole they came out of and let it just rot away on its own. Maybe someone will come along with a better idea :-}
Ditto on the poison ivy! This big vine has big "branches" and berries, it's a doozie! And I am allergic!
I had wondered about getting someone to cut off the stump as low as possible and drop it back in the hole. . . There's no way I can burn -- too dangerous in the woods, I think.
My brother in Minnesota was jealous of all the beautiful firewood! They have had it so COLD up there.
We've been seeing Minnesota's weather on our news--OUCH--that's toooo cold for me and DH! I bet your brother would love to have the firewood. For poison ivy, I always put on good heavy (leather) gloves and a heavy long sleeve shirt and just pull it off (but I'm not allergic to it). I'm sure you know not to burn it. There are some things you can buy to protect your skin before you mess with poison ivy and now they have some wipes you can use after you've been in it. DH is very allergic and I've tried both for him with real good results. Can't think of the name of either and he's in bed (he's working graveyard shift) so I hate to try to sneak in there. If you need the name, let me know and I will find it tomorrow.
Julie,
My DH is drooling over your big tree. He makes lumber out of anything he can get a hold of, and that tree looks like it's hardwood. Maybe a local lumber yard would know of some one that has the equipment to cut that up for you. At no cost to you of course. Someone may have a portable lumber maker. I know what you mean about burning that tree in the forest, it can't be done safely. Wishing you luck, as it would be a shame to cut anything as big as that log into firewood.
Donna
These timbers are Ponderosa Pine
It is either oak or hickory. And it is HUGE. After looking at it some more, there is NO WAY that I can push the roots back in the hole. The roots probably weigh as much as a car and I'd have to push it uphill. I am not sure if I could pull it with a chain or rope attached to a vehicle pulling from above. Well, I still haven't cut it off the trunk yet.... first things first I guess. Happy Jack, you are WELCOME to come cut if for me...haha Pretty far from Arizona. haha
Yep, sorry it is a bit far.
Donna
Sometimes the folks that sell post and beam home kits and or contractors that use the beams in their designs will come and get the wood - free--. My builder actually rebated us some money when he sold a tree when he was clearing our land - he sold the tree. I am sure he took a cut (probably a big one!!) (we got $185 I think about 10 years ago.)
That being said - I have no resources for you but maybe you can inquire locally. Call a custom long home builder that uses a lot of wood/beams etc. etc. and start there with the questions. Maybe a specialty lumberyard may have resources. Or search for a local woodworker - you can never tell who has the right answer/connections. Think of the tree being downed as a wonderful opportunity instead of a 'holy cow what am I gonna do about that!" Good Luck!!
PS - even when burning the small pieces you do clean up - smoke/aeroslized bits of poison ivy can be disastrous for the allergic. Gets into the airway, eyes etc.
I have a VERY similar thing. We're out in the country, and it fell towards the woods, with the roots facing the backyard (of sorts - we're still "reclaiming" some of what was a veritable jungle) where I see it from the back deck. It's been there well over a year, but is still holding a good bit of soil. It just hasn't been a pressing priority, and is a "backdrop" to some beautiful huge bananas.
I had ordered some of the "Tall Climbing Single Mix" nasturtiums (which will actually trail) from Pinetree Garden Seeds ( https://www.superseeds.com/products.php?search=nasturtium ).
I soaked them overnight, gently wet the root "ball/wall" (so as not to wash off any more soil than possible), and poked them all over the top of it, and wherever it seemed convenient! I did this day before yesterday, and I've gently watered the whole thing again today, and will keep it moist until they germinate.
Nasturtium don't need much water once established - the wild ones (Dollar Weed) grow all over FL's sandy soil.
You would have to deal with the poison ivy first, however, and if you can think of another tough, annual vine you'd prefer, it could give you some vertical interest this year, until you can deal with it properly.
I'm hoping that this will be a pretty background for those bananas. We'll see - ha. But that's MY immediate solution...
Bloom, that was the first thought that came into my mind, was to plant flowers or ground covers in the roots. Up here the Ponderosas that fall are usually holding on to giant slabs of rocks, so no chance in it working up here, as there's seldom any soil clinging to the roots. So do post pics when they bloom, it should look great!
Donna
Of course adding some soil might work with this one.
HappyJack Mom,
I will post pics, if it works - ha. (Crossed fingers...)
