Top of Tree Dead Bottom Alive (5 Pro Tips to Revive & Process Wood)

Understanding the “Top Dead, Bottom Alive” Phenomenon

Before diving into the tips, it’s crucial to understand what causes this condition in trees. Several factors can contribute to a tree appearing dead at the top while still showing signs of life at the base:

• Environmental Stress: Drought, extreme temperatures, or nutrient deficiencies can damage the upper parts of the tree, leading to dieback.
• Disease and Pests: Certain diseases or insect infestations can target the upper canopy, causing it to wither while the lower parts remain relatively healthy.
• Physical Damage: Lightning strikes, wind damage, or heavy snow loads can break or damage the upper branches, leading to their death.
• Age and Natural Decline: As trees age, they may naturally experience dieback in the upper branches, while the lower parts continue to thrive.

Whatever the cause, dealing with trees in this condition requires a careful approach to ensure safety and maximize the usable wood.

Tip 1: Accurate Assessment and Safe Felling Techniques

The first and most critical step is to accurately assess the tree’s condition. This involves a thorough visual inspection and, if necessary, consulting with a certified arborist. Here’s what I look for:

• Extent of Dieback: How much of the upper canopy is dead? Are there any signs of rot or decay in the trunk?
• Structural Integrity: Is the tree stable? Are there any cracks, splits, or leaning that could pose a hazard during felling?
• Signs of Life: Are there any new shoots or leaves emerging from the lower branches? Are there any signs of insect or disease activity?

Personal Story: I once encountered a large oak tree that appeared mostly dead from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered that only the topmost branches were affected, while the rest of the tree was healthy. The tree had been struck by lightning, causing localized damage.

Safe Felling Techniques:

When felling a tree with a dead top and a live bottom, safety is paramount. The dead branches are often brittle and can break off unexpectedly, posing a significant hazard. Here are some key considerations:

• Clear the Area: Establish a wide safety zone around the tree, free of obstacles and personnel.
• Plan Your Escape Route: Identify two clear escape routes at 45-degree angles from the direction of the fall.
• Use Proper PPE: Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Employ a Spotter: Have someone monitor the tree and the surrounding area for hazards.
• Consider the Lean: Assess the tree’s natural lean and plan the direction of the fall accordingly.
• Use a Notching Technique: Create a notch on the side of the tree facing the intended direction of fall. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
• Make the Felling Cut: Make the felling cut on the opposite side of the notch, slightly above the notch’s base. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.
• Use Wedges: If necessary, use felling wedges to help direct the fall and prevent the saw from binding.

Tool Specifications:

• Chainsaw: I recommend using a chainsaw with a bar length appropriate for the tree’s diameter. A 20-inch bar is suitable for most trees, but larger trees may require a longer bar. The Stihl MS 261 C-M is a reliable and versatile choice for professional use.
• Felling Axe: A felling axe is useful for clearing brush and small trees in the area.
• Felling Wedges: Use plastic or aluminum felling wedges to prevent the saw from binding and help direct the fall.
• Measuring Tape: Use a measuring tape to accurately measure the tree’s diameter and determine the appropriate notch size.

Case Study: I was once tasked with felling a large maple tree that had significant dieback in the upper canopy. The tree was located near a house, so precision was crucial. I used a combination of notching and wedging techniques to ensure the tree fell in the desired direction, away from the house.

Tip 2: Pruning and Removing Deadwood

Once the tree is felled, the next step is to prune and remove the deadwood. This process involves cutting away all the dead branches and limbs, leaving only the healthy wood.

• Safety First: Always wear appropriate PPE when pruning, including safety glasses, gloves, and a hard hat.
• Use Sharp Tools: Use sharp pruning shears, loppers, or a chainsaw to make clean cuts.
• Cut at an Angle: Cut the branches at an angle, just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk).
• Remove Hangers: Pay special attention to any “hangers” – branches that are partially broken but still attached to the tree. These can be dangerous and should be removed carefully.
• Dispose of Deadwood: Dispose of the deadwood properly. It can be chipped, burned, or used for other purposes.

Personal Experience: I find that pruning is a therapeutic process. It’s a chance to connect with the wood and shape it into something useful. I often use the smaller branches for kindling and the larger pieces for firewood.

Strategic Advantage: Removing deadwood not only improves the appearance of the wood but also reduces the risk of insect infestations and diseases.

Tip 3: Assessing Wood Quality and Identifying Usable Timber

Not all wood from a tree with a dead top is unusable. In fact, the lower portion of the tree may be perfectly sound and suitable for various purposes. The key is to carefully assess the wood quality and identify the usable timber.

• Visual Inspection: Look for signs of rot, decay, insect damage, or discoloration.
• Sound Test: Tap the wood with a hammer or axe. A solid, ringing sound indicates good quality, while a dull, thudding sound suggests decay.
• Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to measure the wood’s moisture content. Green wood typically has a moisture content above 30%, while seasoned wood has a moisture content below 20%.
• Wood Species: Different wood species have different properties. Some species are more resistant to decay than others.

Data and Insights: According to the USDA Forest Service, the average moisture content of freshly cut hardwood is around 60-80%, while softwood is around 120-200%.

Original Case Study: I once salvaged a large quantity of oak timber from a tree that had been struck by lightning. The upper portion of the tree was severely damaged, but the lower portion was perfectly sound. I used the timber to build a beautiful outdoor deck.

Wood Type Selections:

• Hardwoods: Oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are excellent choices for furniture, flooring, and other high-value applications.
• Softwoods: Pine, fir, and cedar are suitable for construction, framing, and outdoor projects.

Tip 4: Processing the Wood: Milling, Splitting, and Debarking

Once you have identified the usable timber, the next step is to process it according to your needs. This may involve milling, splitting, or debarking.

Milling

Milling involves cutting the logs into boards or planks. This can be done with a chainsaw mill or a portable sawmill.

• Chainsaw Mill: A chainsaw mill is a relatively inexpensive option for milling small quantities of timber. It consists of a frame that attaches to the chainsaw and guides it along the log.
• Portable Sawmill: A portable sawmill is a more expensive but more efficient option for milling larger quantities of timber. It consists of a saw head mounted on a trailer that can be towed to the job site.

Tool Specifications:

• Chainsaw Mill: I recommend using a chainsaw mill with a sturdy frame and a powerful chainsaw. The Granberg Alaskan Mark-III chainsaw mill is a popular choice.
• Portable Sawmill: The Wood-Mizer LT15START is a reliable and affordable portable sawmill for small-scale operations.

Splitting

Splitting involves dividing the logs into smaller pieces for firewood or other purposes. This can be done with a manual axe or a hydraulic log splitter.

• Manual Axe: A manual axe is a traditional tool for splitting firewood. It requires physical strength and skill.
• Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter is a more efficient and less physically demanding option for splitting firewood. It uses hydraulic pressure to force the log against a splitting wedge.

Benefits of Hydraulic Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter can significantly increase your efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.

Tool Specifications:

• Splitting Axe: A splitting axe should have a heavy head and a long handle for maximum leverage.
• Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter should have a splitting force of at least 20 tons for splitting large logs. The Champion Power Equipment 25-Ton log splitter is a popular choice.

Debarking

Debarking involves removing the bark from the logs. This can be done with a drawknife or a debarking machine.

• Drawknife: A drawknife is a traditional tool for debarking logs. It requires skill and practice.
• Debarking Machine: A debarking machine is a more efficient option for debarking large quantities of logs.

Tool Specifications:

• Drawknife: A drawknife should have a sharp blade and a comfortable handle.
• Debarking Machine: A debarking machine should be powerful enough to remove the bark quickly and efficiently.

Tip 5: Seasoning and Storing the Wood

Once the wood has been processed, the final step is to season and store it properly. Seasoning involves drying the wood to reduce its moisture content. This is essential for preventing rot, decay, and insect infestations.

• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common method of seasoning wood. It involves stacking the wood in a well-ventilated area and allowing it to dry naturally.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster but more expensive method of seasoning wood. It involves placing the wood in a kiln and using heat and air circulation to dry it.

Drying Methods:

• Stacking: Stack the wood in a single layer, with stickers (small pieces of wood) between each layer to allow for air circulation.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the stacking area is well-ventilated, with good airflow around the wood.
• Protection: Protect the wood from rain and snow.
• Time: Allow the wood to dry for at least six months, or longer for thicker pieces.

Moisture Content Targets:

• Firewood: Firewood should have a moisture content of below 20% for optimal burning.
• Furniture: Furniture wood should have a moisture content of between 6-8%.
• Construction: Construction lumber should have a moisture content of below 19%.

Firewood Stacking: I prefer to stack my firewood in a circular pattern, which allows for good air circulation and minimizes the risk of the stack collapsing.

Personalized Stories: I remember one winter when I ran out of seasoned firewood and had to burn green wood. The fire was smoky and inefficient, and it produced a lot of creosote in my chimney. Since then, I’ve always made sure to have a good supply of seasoned firewood on hand.

Strategic Insights: Seasoning wood is a long-term investment that pays off in the form of higher-quality lumber, more efficient firewood, and reduced maintenance costs.

Relevant Statistics: According to the Energy Information Administration, the average cord of firewood contains about 20 million BTUs of energy.

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge

Dealing with trees that are “top dead, bottom alive” presents unique challenges, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can safely and effectively process the wood for a variety of uses. By following these five tips, you can maximize the value of your timber and minimize the risk of injury.

Practical Next Steps:

1. Assess the condition of any trees on your property that show signs of dieback.
2. Consult with a certified arborist if necessary.
3. Clear the area around the tree and plan your felling strategy.
4. Use proper PPE and follow safe felling techniques.
5. Prune and remove the deadwood.
6. Assess the wood quality and identify usable timber.
7. Process the wood according to your needs (milling, splitting, debarking).
8. Season and store the wood properly.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Take your time, be careful, and enjoy the process of working with wood. With practice and patience, you can become a skilled wood processor and make the most of this valuable natural resource.

Learn more