Hello. I'm not sure if it was a good idea to tackle this job, perhaps I should have left it as it was. But hey ho, I've started so I'll finish. Not having the correct tools it's a bit of a drawback so I'll compromise. I've chopped away some of the ivy from around the trunks, but rather than balance precariously up a ladder with the loppers and try and remove more of the creeping stuff, I thought it best to attack the trunk lower down and topple it to the ground, pulling the ivy with it. Good plan eh!
Crikey, it's tough going with a hand saw and a kitchen knife. I'll keep chipping away at it.
Thanks for popping in, enjoy your Sunday. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip
Oh my goodness.....don't tell me you're thinking of sculpting a wooden tank from the chopped- down tree!!
ReplyDeleteTee Hee! I wouldn't put it past our Ilona!
DeleteWhen we bought our house, there were several lilac trees in front. It was so dense that you couldn't see the house. (All 600 sq. ft. of it.) We cut as many branches as we could; then, my husband tied a chain to them and pulled the roots out with his truck. Our roots weren't too deep; i don't know about all lilac's. Good luck with this; it's hard labor.
ReplyDeleteIlona, with all the lovely people you know and meet on your walks, chaps as well as chapesses, couldn't one of those helped you to cut down the tree perhaps with an electric saw or chain saw? It could've saved you a lot of work (not that you every shirk from that!) but perhaps you could've asked someone to help in exchange for tea and a slice of cake?
ReplyDeleteBut so glad you managed to finish the job, well done you!!!
Margaret P
Hi. I could probably find someone to help, but I am so damn stubborn, I have to have a good go at it myself before I admit defeat.
DeleteBeing stubborn isn't always a good thing, Ilona. It's not 'defeat' to ask for help, only sensible if it's a big job that even a 15 stone chap with muscles would find a challenge. There is a saying that many hands make light work (yes, and I know that too many cooks spoil the broth!) Next time do consider asking for help. It's not a weakness, girl! I just wouldn't be able to do what you have done and I admire you greatly. And, of course, the upside is that this sort of work does keep you fit. But next time, do consider asking for help - people often like to help, too; it makes them feel good, that they're being useful in helping a neighbour and friend.
DeleteMargaret P
I'm also very "stubborn" that way. Yet as I age I've found that I've not given others that thing that makes "them" feel good - being able to help a neighbor or friend. But it's hard to be selective (so you're not always asking for help and they want to run the other way lol!) and giving others a chance to be helpful, neighborly and friendly. What I guess I'm trying to say is both ways have merit - yet it's difficult to always know which is best for you and for others. Just saying.
DeleteI know my limits. I wouldn't attempt to do something if it was beyond my capabilities. I can do most things except lift heavy items.
DeleteThink I've managed to get my name on this time, Ilona. Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteShame you do not live nearer, we have a chain saw.
Welcome Spreckly, you did it. See, you can learn anything if you try. I might need a chain saw if I want to cut the trunks out lower down. I'll see what it looks like when it is all tidy, I might leave them in and plant something else to fill the gap.
DeleteYou are very hard working and determined.
ReplyDeleteHi. I had to be when I was a lorry driver. The blokes expected me to do the same work and I did. It's sort of stuck with me.
DeleteGood for you! I was telling someone today about the few basic tools you used to build your summerhouse with and he described you as a bang on fit lady!! He also promised to watch 'your' Shed of the Year episode. I think you may have acquired a new fan.
ReplyDeleteLinda xx
Hi Ilona, Are you taking the whole tree down? Because if you are not, be careful of what you saw off. I had a tree guy come out and I wanted a large branch taken off my tree because it looked dead and I was afraid it would come crashing down on my house during a storm. Well,he told me that you have to make sure that the tree is not lopsided (like taking off too much on one side only) because that can make the tree unsteady and come down. Not sure what your plans for the tree are but I just thought I'd add that story so you don't have a problem. Arlene from NJ
ReplyDeletewe saw you on Shed of the Year too. great work especially with your limited tools. inspirational.
ReplyDeleteYou need an electric saw. Perhaps you could borrow one?
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSorry I meant a chain saw. yeesh ;-)
I have to put in a good word for handsaws, but with proper coarse teeth for quickly cutting timber instead of lots of smaller teeth for making finer cuts in lumber. I do a lot of both, and have been getting along with two handsaws for decades.
ReplyDeleteIlona, if the trunk is as big as it looks, maybe it's time to try carving spoons or such? Lilac can be a beautiful wood for small pieces!
You are one strong, bull headed woman and I love it. I used to be the same way. Now that I'm a bit older, I have had to accept some limitations, but I still have my moments and drive my husband crazy! Just be careful and stay safe. Ranee (MN) USA
ReplyDeleteI was working outside today too - I was wearing sandals. Tonight I am missing a big toenail and am black and blue with my hair full of wood stain. It's a long story....but I echo Ranee to be careful and stay safe!
DeleteBlimey! And I thought I was being tough and determined digging over the veg patch in the full sun 😊
ReplyDeleteGot a few like that in our garden. If you lived a bit closer I'd invite you over for a tree chopping party 😊
Jane
Well done Ilona, that looked a real tough job. When my husband was in hospital I attacked a massive forsythia hedge in our old house that was about 7 feet tall, with six trunks as big as small trees. Once I started I wished I hadn't but I kept on going. Our neighbour came out and offered to do the job for me with his power saw but I declined as once I start something I always try to finish it. It took me 3 days of solid sawing and hacking away, I was so thrilled once I had done the job and the bushes flourished, instead of being all leggy with very little blossom on in the spring they flowered profusely. Well done girl. Sue
ReplyDeleteHoly cow Ilona! You are one determined lady! I am such a weakling, there is no way I could get through that wood! Could you do me a favour and ask someone to lend you a saw or something. Your poor hands and arms will be wrecked.
ReplyDeleteFound this site through a craft blog and thought of you - some good ideas for recycling
ReplyDeletehttp://www.plasticseconds.com/
Linda xx