My old boss in Portland told me to never use a climbing saw on a dead ash, but I had to last month

He said the vibration from the bar could shake loose a huge widowmaker you didn't see. I was clearing one in a tight backyard in Gresham and remembered his advice, so I stuck with my handsaw from the bucket truck. Sure enough, a 4-inch dead limb I missed came down right where I would have been standing. Anyone else have a specific safety rule that saved them?

3 comments

3 Comments

max4152mo ago

Heard the same thing about dead elms, is that true?

dianal942mo ago

Oh, that's a tricky one. I've actually seen them hold up for years if they're totally dry and not rotting yet.

kimr101mo ago

Dead elms are a totally different story. They get brittle fast and drop limbs without warning. Wouldn't trust one over my head.