We had a BIG wind 80 plus mph pass through about 2 p.m. It took out about 1/3 of our 100+ year old hackberry out and split the rest of the tree all the way to the ground. Thank Goodness it missed the house and the neighbor. Got is chained up until we get equipment to cut it down tomorrow. Here are a few picks. (Dang thing did smash my pretty flowers)
Every time I see this happen you discover that tree was already damaged on the inside, like in your pictures.
I saw a program recently where a tree breeder talked about the shorter cultivars that the industry has been developing for a few decades now. They are bred to grow only about 15 or so ft tall, and MUCH better for city/suburban homes, instead of the ones like this, that tower at 20-30 ft and do all of the house damage that we see after storms.
Still, it hurts to see an old friend go down like this, just not go down on YOU!
Btw, I use my reciprocating saw every year to chop down saplings, and when they get tall and rangy, only about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, I make sure to saw off the top halves first. I have been knocked on the head before taking even these down at ground level. These big trees are SO HEAVY.
55.3 c, on my thermometer
The forecast said we were going to have a thunder and lightning storm in most parts of the country plus it would be hot for the area's it missed.
I read yesterday that Iowa was mostly without power due to a storm, which then hit a friend's home in southern Chicago area and did damage there too. I'm glad you and your neighbor are OK.
Beginning the clean up. may take a few days, the equipment we need may not come until tomorrow. Both Sons here to help. Cutting up what was already down. Yes @ducks4you it was showing signs of rotting now for a few years. DH procrastinated! We are lucky it was not worse. We live in an old home in the old part of town. The tree is older than the house, it will be missed. It may have been 60 ft. tall!
@Carol Dee , I know what you mean. I need to come up with the $ to take down a 30 ft maple close to MY house. It has been growing mushrooms on the SW base for 3 years now. Hoping my neighbor, who took down one that size last year, MIGHT be able to do it for me. Last time I had to take a dying tree down it cost $600
I have even cut down girdling roots on many of my old trees, but if this one has them, they are underground, and I can't find them.