Tree Felling

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad . Welcome to the third episode of Talking Trees . Every Tuesday , we'll be exploring the exciting world of tree climbing , rigging and felling . Whether you're an experienced arborist or just fascinated by the skills required to work high up in the canopy , this series is for you .

Welcome to the Deep Dives . You ready to get into some serious tree removal stuff today ?

Absolutely . Let's get right into it .

We're diving deep into Andreas Getter's research paper .

Oh yeah , this one's a gem Chock full of practical insights for any arborist .

Especially for you , right .

Yeah , absolutely .

You know it's funny . Most people see tree work and think it's all chainsaws and brute strength , but there's actually a surprising amount of strategy involved .

That's what I love about these deep dives we get to uncover those hidden complexities and , judging by the stack of technical manuals you sent over , I think we're going to be uncovering quite a bit today . So when we talk about rigging and tree removal , what exactly are we talking about ?

Well , in the simplest terms , rigging is all about controlling the forces involved in taking a tree down piece by piece . It's not just letting gravity have its way with a tree . It's about using ropes and pulleys and physics to guide those pieces down safely .

So it's about precision and control . Not just brute force Makes sense , especially when you consider the size of some of these trees . We're talking about tons of wood moving through the air ? Oh , absolutely . And that weight isn't evenly distributed either . You've got to factor in the species , the age of the tree , any internal decay .

So it's almost as if each tree has its own personality , its own strengths and weaknesses that you need to understand before making the first cut .

That's a great way to put it .

So let's talk about that assessment process . What are some of the key things you're looking for when you're evaluating a tree for removal and we are talking about individual trees here , right ? Not clearing a whole forest .

That's right . We're focusing on the meticulous work of removing a single tree and it always starts with observation , looking at the overall shape and balance of the tree , the condition of its bark , any signs of decay or disease .

So it's a 360-degree assessment , taking into account both the tree itself and its surroundings . Like you're creating a mental map of all the potential risks and challenges before you even touch the tree .

Exactly , and that mental map is constantly a real thing as we gather more information . We might use tools like increment bores to check the internal wood density , or we might gently probe the trunk and branches , looking for hidden cavities or weak spots .

You mentioned wood density . It reminds me of something I always trip up on specific gravity . It sounds like a term straight out of a physics textbook , but those reports you sent over really emphasized how important it is for rigging calculations . Can you give us the layman's explanation ?

Sure , specific gravity is basically a comparison of a wood's density to that of water . So a wood with a specific gravity of one would have the same density as water , while a denser wood would have a higher specific gravity .

Okay , that makes sense , but how does knowing the specific gravity of , say , oak versus pine actually play into rigging decisions ?

Well , it all comes down to weight and force . A denser wood is going to be heavier , and that weight translates into increased force when you're lowering branches or sections of the trunk .

So you're not just dealing with the weight of the wood itself , but also the forces generated by gravity and the weight of the wood itself , but also the forces generated by gravity and the swing of the piece as it's being lowered .

Precisely . We can't just eyeball it or rely on intuition . We need to quantify those forces , and specific gravity is a key part of that equation .

You're constantly balancing those calculated risks with the unpredictable nature of working with living organisms .

You hit the nail on the head . It's a dynamic process that requires constant adaptation . But before we get too far ahead of ourselves , let's go back to that initial assessment . Once you've evaluated the tree and its surroundings , what's the next step in developing a safe and effective rigging plan ?

Let's talk strategy .

Well , we need to identify our targets , and by that I mean those critical points on the tree where we'll make our cuts and attach our rigging equipment , and this is where experience and a keen eye are paramount .

I imagine you're looking for the strongest points on the tree , those branches or sections of the trunk that can handle the stress of being pulled and lowered .

Exactly , we look for what we call natural crotches , those areas where branches join the trunk with a strong , stable connection , and , I'm guessing , call natural crotches those areas where branches join the trunk with a strong , stable connection .

And I'm guessing those natural crotches act as natural anchor points for your rigging lines .

Exactly . But finding those ideal anchor points isn't always straightforward . We have to consider the angle of the branch , its diameter , the condition of the bark . All those factors influence its strength and suitability as an anchor point .

It's like you're piecing together a puzzle , looking for those natural weak points where you can safely dismantle the tree without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment .

Precisely , and that's where our knowledge of different rigging techniques comes into play , because , depending on the tree , its location and the surrounding obstacles , we might use a variety of methods to control those falling pieces .

This is where it gets really interesting , right ? You've got terms like speedlining and floating X.1 lifts in your notes . Are you ready to unveil those mysteries ?

Absolutely . But first let's lay the groundwork for understanding those advanced techniques by talking about some of the fundamental principles of rigging .

Okay , let's do it Back to physics class .

Don't worry , no pop quizzes here , just a fascinating look at how we use simple machines and a whole lot of ingenuity to control some pretty powerful forces .

I'm all ears . Let's talk about the nuts and bolts of rigging , or should I say the ropes and pulleys .

You got it . Ropes and pulleys , that's what we're talking about . They might seem simple , but when it comes to rigging , it's all about how we combine them to create what we call mechanical advantage .

Okay , break that down for me .

It's actually a pretty simple concept when you get down to it Basically . Mechanical advantage allows us to use a smaller force to move a much larger load . Think of it like this you can lift a heavy bucket of water out of a well using just a rope and your own strength , or you can use a pulley system to lift that same bucket with , say , half the effort .

So with pulleys we're essentially redirecting those forces to make the work more manageable .

Exactly , and the more pulleys we add to the system , the greater that mechanical advantage becomes . It's like having an extra set of hands or , in this case , ropes helping us lift and lower those heavy tree sections . We're not just letting gravity win .

I'm starting to see why experience is so crucial in this field .

Experience is invaluable , especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of different rigging techniques .

Which brings us back to those intriguing terms you mentioned earlier speedlining and floating X to one lifts . Are you ready to dive into those now ?

Absolutely . Let's start with speedlining . This is a technique we use to quickly and efficiently move cut sections of a tree horizontally . Imagine you have a large branch that needs to be lowered , but there are delicate plants or structures directly below it .

So you're essentially using that line to guide the branch sideways like a zip line for tree limbs .

That's a great way to put it . We attach the cut section to a pulley that runs along this line , allowing us to move it horizontally with control and precision .

That's ingenious , and I imagine that speed comes in handy when you're working in tight spaces or need to move sections quickly to minimize disruption .

Exactly . Speedlining allows us to work more efficiently and with less impact on the surrounding area , but of course it requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the forces involved . We need to make sure those anchor points are incredibly strong and calculate the tension on the line to prevent any mishaps .

Right , safety first , always . So we've covered speedlining , which is perfect for those horizontal maneuvers . What about those floating X.1 lifts you mentioned ? That name makes me picture a tree limb just hovering in midair , as if by magic .

It does sound a bit like magic , doesn't it ? But it's really a testament to the power of mechanical advantage . A floating X.1 lift uses a combination of ropes and pulleys to create a system that allows us to lift and lower heavy loads with incredible control . Imagine a spiderweb , but instead of catching insects , it's suspending a massive tree limb .

Okay , I'm starting to get the picture . You're distributing the weight of that limb across multiple points , essentially creating a suspended platform that you can then maneuver with precision .

Exactly , and the X.1 part of the name refers to the mechanical advantage created by the pulley system . So a four to one system , for example , would allow you to lift four times the weight you could with a single rope .

So you're essentially multiplying your strength , giving you the ability to move those massive tree sections as if they were weightless . That's remarkable .

It is a powerful technique , but it's also one that requires a lot of skill and expertise to execute

It sounds like a constant dance between physics , biology and good old-fashioned problem solving , and I'm guessing there are times when even the best laid plans need to be adjusted on the fly .

Absolutely . Trees , especially mature ones , can have hidden surprises internal decay , weak spots , unexpected shifts in weight . That's why we're constantly reassessing , adapting our techniques and relying on both our knowledge and our instincts to ensure a safe and successful removal .

It's that blend of science and art that I find so captivating about this field removal . It's that blend of science and art that I find so captivating about this field . You're working with nature , not against it , and that requires a deep understanding of both .

Well said . And that brings us to another crucial aspect of rigging Understanding how the forces we're applying are actually impacting the tree itself .

That's a perfect segue , because I was just about to ask you about something I read in those research papers Shock loading . It sounds a bit ominous , to be honest .

Yeah , shock loading is something we try to avoid whenever possible .

So what exactly is shock loading ?

It's all about sudden changes in force .

So like if you were to yank on a rope instead of pulling it smoothly .

Exactly Imagine you're lowering a heavy branch and it suddenly comes to a stop at the end of the rope . That abrupt halt creates a shockwave of force that travels through the rigging system and back into the tree itself .

Ouch , that makes sense . It's like when you jump off something high and land stiff-legged versus bending your knees to absorb the impact .

Perfect analogy . Our bodies are designed to handle gradual forces better than sudden jolts , and it's the same with trees Shock loading can damage the bark-weakened branches , even cause structural failure in extreme cases .

Okay , the stakes are pretty clear . How do you mitigate those shock loads when you're dealing with something as unpredictable as a falling tree limb ?

Control and energy dissipation are key . We use a variety of techniques , but a common one is called letting it run .

Letting it run . That sounds kind of counterintuitive when you're talking about something heavy falling from a tree .

I know right , but it's all about controlled movement . Instead of lowering a cut section all the way down in one go , we might let it drop a short distance . This allows some of that built-up energy to dissipate before the final stop , reducing the shock load on both the rigging and the tree .

So it's about finding that balance between letting gravity do its work and using those subtle adjustments to keep things safe and controlled .

Exactly , and that's where experience and understanding those rigging principles really comes into play .

You know , one thing that keeps coming up in our conversation is this interplay between science and art . Obviously , there are solid physics and engineering principles involved here , but then there's this intuitive element , this ability to read a tree and anticipate how it will behave .

It's one of the things I love about this field . You can study all the textbooks , learn all the calculations , but then you step out into the real world and every tree is different .

So how do you train for that ? Is it just trial and error , or is there a way to actually develop that intuitive sense ?

A lot of it comes from experience . Working alongside seasoned arborists who have that sixth sense , you know , you learn to read the subtle cues the way a branch sways , the sound of the wood as it's being cut , all those sensory details tell you how the tree is responding to your actions .

Talk about a game changer .

Oh , absolutely . And speaking of game changers , Detter's work on knot strength is mind blowing .

Yeah , I was gonna say , that was a big one for me too .

You'd think of knots , a knot right .

Right .

But he actually tested them . Wow , under different stresses , mimicking real world , rigging scenarios .

That's incredible what he found out .

Well , for example , he found that when using an eye sling , connecting it to a block with a bushing is actually better than using a shackle like a porter wrap .

Really .

In terms of strength preservation yeah , Ah who knew . It's those little details , you know .

Yeah , absolutely . And speaking of details , he also gets into rope strength , right .

Oh , absolutely . He's a big proponent of not just relying on the manufacturer's data .

Right , because that doesn't always tell the whole story . You've got to be prepared for anything out there Exactly .

You've got to have that healthy dose of skepticism .

It's like checking the weather before you climb , you know .

Exactly A little knowledge can save you a lot of trouble .

So what about you ?

Anything in his research really stand out to you . Well , one thing that really struck me was how he debunks some common assumptions like estimating log weight .

Oh , yeah , like what .

Well , it turns out that simply using dimensions and species specific gravity , it can really underestimate the weight .

Really .

Especially for irregular sections .

Huh . So it's like ordering a small pizza and getting a family-size one delivered .

Exactly , you gotta be prepared for those extra pounds .

You gotta be prepared , that's for sure .

And Detter's research really underscores that , relying solely on those estimations for calculating load limits it can be risky .

Right , because there are all those hidden variables , exactly that we might not be accounting for .

It's like he's handing us a more accurate scale and saying don't just eyeball it , get it right .

I like that , get it right .

And speaking of getting it right , let's talk about shock loading . That's another area where his research really shines .

Oh yeah , shock loading .

That's another area where his research really shines . Oh yeah , shock loading , that's a big one it is , and he doesn't just tell us it's bad , he quantifies it , oh wow , how so . Well , his field tests actually recorded shock loads reaching 65 percent of the knotted tensile strength of the lowering rope 65 percent .

Are you serious ?

Yeah , that's a wakeup call if I've ever heard one .

That's a big wake-up call .

It is .

Wow Okay , so what do we do about it ?

And the cool thing is , he doesn't just point out the problem , he actually offers solutions .

Okay , that's good . I was wondering about that .

He's all about using techniques that let the load run and decelerate gradually .

So smoother descents , less wear and tear on your gear makes sense .

Exactly Safer for everyone involved . Definitely a good thing . Like he's saying work smarter , not harder , you know .

Right . Use those laws of physics to your advantage .

Exactly . And that kind of leads us to another fascinating part of his research .

Oh yeah , what's that ?

It's how he talks about the tree itself being part of the rigging system .

What do you mean ?

It's not just an object , it's like an active participant in the whole process .

Okay , now I'm really intrigued . Tell me more about this whole active participant thing .

So he talks about how a tree's ability to bend and sway it actually helps absorb some of those dynamic forces .

Really Huh , I never thought about it that way .

Especially when there are still branches and leaves on the section you're lowering .

It's like the tree has its own built-in shock absorbers or something .

Exactly Natural shock absorbers .

That's wild . Never would have thought of it like that .

And that ties into his emphasis on having the right tools for the job .

Oh yeah , he had some interesting things to say about that .

Yeah , he didn't hold back on calling out some equipment manufacturers for not providing enough information .

Like . What kind of information ?

You know detailed specs about the strength and limitations of the rigging components , that kind of thing .

So it's like buying a chainsaw without knowing its horsepower or chain speed .

Exactly . You got to know what you're working with .

Makes sense . Got to be informed .

And that's what he's urging us to do Be more proactive , ask those tough questions .

Even conduct our own tests if we have to .

Exactly . Take responsibility for our tools and our knowledge .

It's about taking that next step , going beyond just following instructions .

Right Becoming true masters of our craft .

And that means understanding the science behind it , all , the physics , like when he talks about the kinematics of rigging .

Oh yeah , that was fascinating the way he breaks down the movement of the tree during removal .

I know right , Like he talks about the log's trajectory as it falls , the roll of the hinge wood , even how the tree acts like a giant spring .

It's mind-blowing when you really think about all those forces at play , even when you're just making a simple cut .

I know it's like there's this whole invisible world happening right in front of us .

And then he gets into this whole thing about spring rate , which is basically how much a tree bends under force .

Okay , I remember that part that was pretty interesting .

So he's giving us x-ray vision to see the stresses and strains inside the tree .

That's a cool way to put it .

He wants us to see the tree as a partner in the process , not just an obstacle to be removed .

I like that . A partner in the process . And like any good dance partner , we need to anticipate their moves . You know it's like a dance between human skill and the forces of nature .

Exactly . It's not just about brute force . It's about finesse , precision , respect for what we're working with .

I love that . It really is an art form in a way .

Absolutely . And speaking of respect , he also touches on the ethical considerations of tree removal .

Right , because even though we're removing a tree , it doesn't mean we can't do it responsibly .

Exactly . He talks about the importance of the surrounding environment , wildlife , habitats , even just the aesthetics of the landscape .

It's about seeing the bigger picture . Yeah , the long-term impact of our actions .

Exactly , and have you ever been in a situation where those ethical considerations came into play ? Plenty of times ? It's always a balancing act .

Right Weighing the pros and cons .

Exactly . But that's what's so valuable about debtor's research it gives us the knowledge to make those tough calls .

So we can manage the urban forest responsibly .

Exactly For everyone's benefit .

Not just removing trees , but taking care of the whole ecosystem .

Exactly , and that's what being an arborist is all about . It's about that caretaking role , right . And speaking of passion , one thing that really got me fired up was his section on notch cuts .

Oh yeah .

What really got me fired up was his section on notch cuts . Oh yeah , what do you think about that ? I mean , it seems so basic , right , but he really digs into the nuances of it all .

It's like anything else there's more to it than meets the eye .

Exactly . He breaks down all the different notch forms , the open face , the humbolt , and analyzes how they affect everything .

Like how the log rotates when it falls right .

Exactly , and the forces on the rigging system , the whole nine yards .

Remember he used high speed cameras to track the logs . That was cool .

Yeah , and it turns out they don't always behave the way you'd expect .

Really no kidding .

All those factors come into play , the shape of the log , the weight distribution , even decay .

Wow , so much happening in those few seconds .

It's incredible , and that's why he's so big on those safety margins .

Right , you've got to be prepared for anything .

Exactly Because nature always has a few surprises up her sleeve .

So true . And speaking of surprises , I was fascinated by his research on friction .

Oh yeah , Friction's a big one . It's everywhere in our rigging systems .

And it can be both good and bad .

Exactly Too little and things get out of control too much and you're wearing down your gear .

It's all about finding that sweet spot .

Precisely and he goes into all the factors that affect flexion the block type , the rope material , even how the rope rubs against the tree .

It's those little things that can make a big difference .

Absolutely .

And that's what I appreciate about Detter's work . He makes you think about all those details . He elevates the whole profession , makes us more than just tree cutters .

Exactly , we're applying science , we're problem solvers .

We're artists , we're caretakers .

Absolutely . It's a rewarding profession .

So , after this deep dive into debtor's research , what's sticking with you ? What will you take back to your next climb ?

Honestly , it's reignited that spark , that sense of wonder .

There's always more to learn , right .

Always , and that's what's so exciting about this field there's always a new challenge , a new puzzle to solve .

And debtors' research gives us the tools we need to tackle those challenges safely and effectively

Exactly so to all you arborists out there keep asking questions , keep pushing the boundaries , keep that passion for trees alive .

Beautifully said and to our listeners . We want to hear from you what surprised you most about the hidden world of tree removal . Let us know , and maybe your question will spark our next deep dive .

Thanks for joining us on this episode of Talking Trees . We hope you enjoyed today's introduction to the world of tree climbing , rigging and felling . If you're as fascinated by the heights and challenges of working in the canopy as we are be sure to tune in every Tuesday for more on this thrilling topic .