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| The tree guys - Dixie Tree Service - (whom I could not recommend more highly) came at 7am yesterday, to begin cutting the lower branches off the downed oak tree. |
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| At 8am, the 40 ton crane arrived. we were concerned that it might crumble our already cracked driveway, but they were careful and we suffered no more damage there. The crane was used to help Alex cut the upper branches off and haul them to the front of the house. |
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| Alex riding the crane made me think of how I rode the zip lines in Costa Rica. Believe it or not, I would have enjoyed riding that thing up and over the house, as Alex did several times. He was extremely careful; looking at the tree before making each cut. He had to be sure he did not do anything to dislodge the broken chimney from its precarious perch against the edge of the roof. |
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| After the final cut of the top of the tree was made, the trunk section fell back into the hole, with a loud "whump." |
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| After the tree was removed, we could easily see the extent of the break in the chimney, as well as the damage to all the gutters on the rear of the house. |
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| We were very surprised that the deck railings held, even though one of the tall 4x4 light poles was broken. That tree was very heavy! I suppose it is a tribute to the original builder of the deck, Tom Buzzard, and I might let him know how good of a job his crew did.If you follow the link, you'll see that Tom now has a roofing company. He put the current roof on our home and did a fine job. Luckily, there was no damage to the roof that we can tell, except a few shingles were broken, and they can be easily replaced. The chimney is another story. It was originally thought that they could use the crane to lift it back onto its axis. The 40 ton crane used for the tree was deemed not strong enough to lift the broken chimney (estimated to weigh between 5-6 tons). So, they went back to the drawing board, and they are submitting two options to the insurance company, one of which is to take the broken portion apart brick by brick and build a new chimney. At this point, we don't know exactly how the problem will be solved. |
22 comments:
But it will be solved. Holding good thoughts for you. j
That looks like a very serious break in the chimney. I would try to hold out for the rebuild of it. That way you would be sure of the internal lining being secure. Keeping everything crossed for you.
Sorry for all the Irene troubles you experienced,
Seems like you have excellent people working to get everything under control..
hugs
that is amazing....the chimney must be strong to have only had one crack in it!
Oh my heavens, what an ordeal! At least it is slowly being fixed, step by step. You'll get there.
Seeing your photos gives a chill. That is one big tree, isn't it. I'm hoping for the best for the right solution for your chimney.
People who do heavy tree work really have to know what they are doing. It seems that your crew does. That is a good thing!
Cop Car
Amazing what a downed Tree can do---especially such a Big one as your Oak.....! I hope that however it is resolved, that it will be the happiest solution for you and Mr. Kenju....!
Don't you just love it when really skilled and caring peolpe do such a fabulous job, as these people did with your Tree....It is such a crap shoot sometimes....Bravo to Alex!!!!
I've got two trees that I need to have cut down, but one of them broke in some strong winds last night. But I sure don't have this kind of damage. Thank goodness for insurance! ~ j///b
Thank God for people who know how to fix these things...I'm keeping you in my thoughts Judy. It all takes time, but everything will be restored and repaired...have faith. ~Joy xo
It's a shame that those great pictures and your interesting post came about because of such a disaster to your house, Judy. I'm relieved that neither of you were hurt as well.
By your words and photos, Judy, it's clear these were absolute professionals. I'm happy that you were in their care, as you deserve only soft landings after the trauma you've been through.
Glad at least the first part of fixing what Mother Nature broke has been taken care of. Now on to the next.
Wow-wee that was something else! Glad to hear the Dixie Tree folks were so helpful! hang in there...
OMG. I have been missing in action. I am so sorry for the stress this must have caused you.
I hope all is back to normal soon.
Those pictures sure tell the story. I'd vote for replacing the top of the chimney for safety's sake, might actually be a good thing it didn't get a hidden crack where you couldn't see it. Hugs to you both.
Wow!!! Glad you have this great help!
Wow that is some break in the chimney! Glad they are getting everything sorted out though. Sometimes in the UK these things can take forever!
What a project. I was curious how they would get the tree off and see they did a really great job.
Just wonderful that the roof held.
So, the trunk thumped back into its hole...and stays there? or was also removed.
So sorry for the extra challenge of the chimney.
I do believe your tree going down caused far more damage than our trees, and its removal was far more exciting than ours. Just a lot of chain-saw action, here. Also hauling and grinding. Much mulch made.
Now, to find new trees to plant.
Gosh Judy that must have been so scary. We have an enormous American oak which I keep an eye on when there is a gale.
That chimney looks very vulnerable.
Amazing photos of their work in progress. I hope they won't leave their site unattended for fear of you taking a mind to hook yourself up and go zipping around:)
Good lord, Judy. This is awful. Thank God you are insured, but what a hassle. Was there other damage in your immediate neighborhood?
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