View Full Version : I might need to borrow a chainsaw....
Well, my HOA is hassling me about my tree so I need to remove it. It's a Choke Cherry tree with, roughly, a 6"-8" trunk diameter. I had Arbor Scape submit me a bid of $250-$310 depending on how deep I want the stump removed. This tree is roughly 12yrs old and looks to have shallow roots. Should I rent/borrow a chainsaw and do it myself or is the bid fair? I actually wouldn't mind getting to use a chainsaw. Never did. What say you?
About how tall? I've helped fell a tree that went from the front yard all the way across the street to the opposite sidewalk. We knocked the tree down and were able to get it cut up and completely out of the street in under 20 minutes. With enough (experienced) help, might not be that big of a job.
Aardvark
07-28-2015, 17:33
bwahahaha!! ...HBAR, that was funny.. KS63: I had to remove a dead tree due to HOA nosin' in. Cost was a bit over $300 for cutting, stumping, removal of the dead bits. It saved me from having to do the cutting down, cutting up, boxing, cleaning, trashing, stump grinding, dealing with spiders, splinters, dust, etc. What pizzes me off is my HOA doesn't seem to have told anyone else to remove their dead trees....kinda feel picked on here.
I knew someone would bring up ChainsawGate! Irving-the tree is about 10' tall. I've trimmed most of it back already and there's lots of room for it to fall without damaging anything. The only thing that concerns me is the stump grinding and how it's done. I have a cousin in Oregon who's a Logger and he said the bid is way too expensive. I believe him as he regularly chops down massive redwoods. Aardvark-HOA's suck balls. There's a home down the street with a dead lawn, half opened garage door and 10 Yellow Page books outside and it's never changed. BS
The bid is fair if it includes grinding
Chop it down yourself and ask for a bid for stump grinding only.
Dude if I had one it would be all yours. Now if you want to trim it before have I have a long branch trimmer your more than welcome too.
gnihcraes
07-28-2015, 21:07
Best part of having it hired out, they remove all the pieces when done.
You do it, you might get rid of the logs, but probably still have to deal with all the limbs and crapola. Sure it can be stuffed into trash bins once a week, but what a pain still.
my .02.
Watched some YouTube vids on a Home Depot stump grinder rental.....No way. I think I'll chop it down and hire them to grind the stump like Irving suggested. I don't care what they say about you. Irving's good people lol! Mazin- I may hit you up on the offer. We'll see. You've got plenty on your plate to worry about then my tree. Call if you need anything. Thanks Fellas.
A tree that small, a nice bow saw or axe should do it. I saw a guy buy an electric chainsaw. It was cheap. . If you can get a rope and a truck at it you can pull it out, roots and all. I'm cheap so I use the stump remover granuals. They take about a year to work but they turn the stump to a spongy wood that you can remove with your hands.
Take off the limbs with a bow saw.
Hack it down with an ax or said bow saw.
Hack through any roots close to the surface with a shovel and cheap hatchet.
Double wrap a chain around it, attach to a tow strap, and yank out the stump with a 4x4.
Least that's how I'd go at it.
gnihcraes
07-28-2015, 22:41
^ forgot about the electric chainsaws. I had a large one and it worked great for a long time. Not bad for the $60 or so I think I paid for it many years ago.
colorider
07-28-2015, 22:57
How hard is choke cherry wood?. I'm not sure electric chainsaws are great on hardwood. The chains most of them come with are for softer woods. I have a Husky that the chain seems to dull really fast when chewing through hardwoods.
SideShow Bob
07-28-2015, 23:11
To the OP, NO !!!
I recently pulled a stump with my Amigo and it was WAY easier than digging it out like I did the others. With only a 10' foot tree, that may be an option for you. Go slow though, so you aren't tearing out your sprinklers.
I recently pulled a stump with my Amigo and it was WAY easier than digging it out like I did the others. With only a 10' foot tree, that may be an option for you. Go slow though, so you aren't tearing out your sprinklers.
As a contractor in Denver I can tell you that the Mexican labor force prefers to be called just that, not "amigo". Just sayin'
I have a 16" chain saw that would work great on that project.
Let me know. I can teach you how to operate it. They're pretty simple, just watch yuour toes and shins on the down swing. Lol
To the OP, NO !!!
Awe! 'Cmon!
As a contractor in Denver I can tell you that the Mexican labor force prefers to be called just that, not "amigo". Just sayin'
LMAO, well played.
I'd offer to cut it down with an ax, as I've always wanted to try that, but this weekend is promised to my wife.
StagLefty
07-29-2015, 11:26
LMAO, well played.
I'd offer to cut it down with an ax, as I've always wanted to try that, but this weekend is promised to my wife.
If you axed her nicely she might let you.
If you axed her nicely she might let you.
[ROFL1]
gnihcraes
07-29-2015, 20:50
How hard is choke cherry wood?. I'm not sure electric chainsaws are great on hardwood. The chains most of them come with are for softer woods. I have a Husky that the chain seems to dull really fast when chewing through hardwoods.
Electric would do for this project. I did lot's of ELM with an electric. Also, the retail saws have the anti-kickback chains on them. Professional small engine shops can sell you a "Real" saw chain for it though. :) Apparently they cut a lot faster and last longer. (i've not tried one yet though)
Rooskibar03
07-29-2015, 21:17
Sounds like good firewood. How big a tree we talking?
Electric would do for this project. I did lot's of ELM with an electric. Also, the retail saws have the anti-kickback chains on them. Professional small engine shops can sell you a "Real" saw chain for it though. :) Apparently they cut a lot faster and last longer. (i've not tried one yet though)
Kelly,,,, CLIP YOUR MAN CARD!!! You can't go to the ER from an electric chainsaw. NO danger factor, NO man points. Just hire someone!!
Update: Buffalobo has kindly offered his services to rid me of my tree this Saturday morning. I bought some tree trimming tools from Mazin and put them to use today. I believe Buffalobo is bringing the chainsaw. Should be good times.
Did not expect this to be a real thread. LOL.
She put up a good fight, but Buffalobo and I got it done in 3hrs. Two spade shovel purchases, one broken tow strap (which I plan on replacing for him) and some sweat was all that was needed. I tried to justify buying a new chainsaw, but the wife wasn't to keen on the idea.
buffalobo
08-01-2015, 16:08
Just convince her that a new Stihl is a prepping must. Especially if the apocalypse involves zombies.
If I had remembered the chain it would have saved some digging.[emoji33]
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