02/26/2025 – A heavy ice/snow storm managed to fracture a large bough on a very old walnut tree rooted into the slope next to the driveway entrance. Normally, I would turn a blind eye to the dangling limb until warmer weather came around, or the UPS truck took it down, but it hung straight down, centered over the pavement, and only a foot off the ground. It kept knocking off my cap and getting tangled in the tractor roll bar.
The bough, where it joined the tree’s trunk, was twenty inches across. My concern was killing the rest of the tree with a hasty amputation at that point. Vaulted upward and extended, the fractured portion of the limb was roughly twelve inches in diameter, and clutching onto a broad fan of tangled branches.
A powered pole saw with a twenty foot reach was sought. Why powered? Because I am old, very old, and somewhat brittle. If over exertion put me down, it is the nature of Mainers to drive by old guys laying in their respective driveways, without so much of a beep of the horn, or a tip of the cap. Not complaining, as this is one of the benefits of rural living, being left alone.
An EGO 10″ cut pole saw looked good, with its sleek lines and truck size battery, but it was too short to reach the area that needed cutting. So I picked up an EGO pole saw extension. An immensely overpriced, aluminum tube with connecting hardware and a speedometer cable like drive. Still too short, adding only a net twenty inches of reach.
So I stood my ground, sweeping the running saw in high and wide arcs, not unlike every science fiction/fantasy knight’s engagement with a dragon. Cut, slash and thrust. Deflect, block and parry. The air was filled with buzzing chain striking against ancient wood.
I was able to get within five feet of the limb’s break. Master’s Class Tip: don’t stand under branches when trimming them. Gravity is a cruel mistress that left me scratched, slightly dented and covered in tree bark, with five feet of taunting, hanging branch remaining.
Head scratch, head scratch. With the saw left on the pavement to mark the scene of the crime, I hoofed it a hundred yards back to the garage, loaded a ten foot folding ladder into the back of the Chevy and positioned the truck so that the remaining bit of bough was suspended just aft of the truck’s tailgate.
The ladder was opened and locked in the truck’s bed, I was positioned on the ladder and my neighbors were positioned along the road, with one guy taking bets on how long it would take for me to fall off the ladder and out of the truck. I bet even money on six minutes.
“Brup Brrrrrrrrrrrr….rrrrrrr Brrrrrr” and down came the section of branch, missing the truck, but not the driveway. I descended from the ladder, jumped from the truck, only to find a disappointed and grumbling crowd dispersing. See ya! I wouldn’t want to be ya! Life goes on.
That’s pretty funny! Reminds of my dad retrieving our cat from the top of a vine maple. Got a ladder from the school where he was the dean of boys. Not long enough. Took our 6′ step ladder, carried it to the top of the school ladder, tied it to the vine maple branches, climbed step ladder and retrieved kitty. Mom was at the base of the tree yelling, “Hugh come down here you’re going to kill yourself!”. My brother and I were cheering on Dad, convinced this was the coolest thing ever!
David,
Obviously, your Dad exhibited advanced problem solving skills and your Mom illustrated the role good wives often have to play. Kids are always key as a misguiding audience.
Joe
Joe,
As a retired arborist, your story left me shaking my head. Lots of potential for serious injury there. Next time you might consider removing the whole limb down low where it was accessible without all the scary accommodations. Assuming properly made pruning cuts, the tree would be none the worse for wear and, if you burn wood, you’d have generated fuel supply to boot.
Also, your walnut tree presents as a red oak in the picture.
Stay safe-I’d miss your posts!
Thank you, Bill. I think the fact that I identified an oak tree as a walnut tree pretty much explains the rest. In reality, the entire tree should probably come down. Dead limbs and power lines suggest it is time. Tree fall or trees cut always go to firewood. I don’t burn it, but lots of neighbors do and it helps to offset their costs for the winter.
Joe, been there done that , the T shirt got tore up from it & is long gone! I sold my last chainsaw years
ago & now have only a few hand limbing saws along with a 10″ pole saw attachment to my trimmer/
blower . AND I bought that same overpriced 2′ extension. That tool get’s me in enough trouble as it is.
My Queen has forbidden me to participate in ANY activity that involves chainsawing!! Sometimes I do
what I’m told. Having had both hips and shoulders replaced along with several knee surgeries , I’ve cost her enough grief & $$$. The weather here in my section of PA has given us a break, no snow visible except for that pushed up for plowing ,and those are receding daily. Take care & watch for falling widow makers !
I would like to put up the chain saws, the pole saw is fine, but winter storms keep bringing trees down and they fall in the most inconvenient places. On my own now, that voice of reason is sorely missed.
That is some serious surgery. The bad news is tough rehab. The good news, that type of surgery is available. Good for you.
I have a life long buddy who lives in Towanda. He swears it’s like Florida, and he can’t walk across the yard to his shop without having to dodge a deer herd. I sort of doubt the first part, but I have hunted in PA and the second is pretty close to reality.
Still getting snow here. Two storms this past week and one in the forecast for this week. I use to it now. Got my gear and routine so…
I’ve made it to 79, which suggests I’m actually a careful guy who has spent a lot of time working outdoors. But story telling about careful guys isn’t much fun!
Take care, Martin. As you said, spring is on the way.
Joe