Uploaded February 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Deciding where and how to make the first major cut on this big old apple tree. Function and safety must both be considered. We are in our late 50s, I'm overweight and still recovering form a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2012, neither of us wants to go up a ladder unless unavoidable.
The cut is planned carefully, a rope thrown over and a wedge cut with saw and a small sharp hand axe (my much loved Gransfors Bruks Kubben hatchet) in preparation. The shape of the wedge plus pressure on the rope will cause the big branch to fall in the correct place if we judge it well. Thankfully we do. The wood will now be cut up to the right length for our wood burner and stored to dry for next winter.
Deciding where and how to make the first major cut on this big old apple tree. Function and safety must both be considered. We are in our late 50s, I'm overweight and still recovering form a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2012, neither of us wants to go up a ladder unless unavoidable.
The cut is planned carefully, a rope thrown over and a wedge cut with saw and a small sharp hand axe (my much loved Gransfors Bruks Kubben hatchet) in preparation. The shape of the wedge plus pressure on the rope will cause the big branch to fall in the correct place if we judge it well. Thankfully we do. The wood will now be cut up to the right length for our wood burner and stored to dry for next winter.
