Sherbrooke Tree Service

07/08/2026

Another view shows just how rotten the tree was. Hard to understand how it remained standing. Prior to cutting bits of the shell, the tree would have been close to exceeding the compressible strength of the remaining wood. Once the cutting commenced it was a balance to provide some directional control and enable the tree to be "stood up" before it failed. Thanks to the team on that winch handle. (Video Andrew Firth)

07/08/2026

The crew: L - R. Myself, James Eastern, Andrew Firth and Shane Jackson. (Pic Andrew Firth)
David Swain (RIP) had to go right before it came over. "Sargent Swain" oversaw winch set up and pull. We all did as we were told!

07/08/2026

Winching it over, uphill and against its lean. All cutting with 661C, 25" bar, 77 drive links & square file. Pulled the mid point about 10' to stand it up. Well done winching team.

02/08/2026

Decision Time.
After stripping limbs and stubs from downhill and the two sides I realized it would be too hazardous to take off the limbs on the uphill side. In addition trying to fell trunk sections uphill was almost certain to bring it down. Any block striking the base of tree could pulverize vital wood helping the tree stand. Controlling recoil from blocks pulled against the significant lean would likely crumble the remainder. The shell was so thin any wood regarded as a hinge was highly unreliable with no guarantee not to rip a chunk of trunk through the straps.
Decided to pull the 100 ton leaner up hill against its lean and notified the client. I had a thin line to lay it into to minimize impact to the surrounding forest. It was agreed. (Video Andrew Firth, Ascension Trees)

02/08/2026

For folks wanting to see the initial access on spurs. Bottom left David Swain (RIP) and Shane Jackson at the base. The terrain is steep so wood dropped from a height could easily bounce to the boardwalks and viewing areas. Took the saw off, "the old grey mare aint what it used to be". (Video, Andrew Firth, Ascension Trees)

26/07/2026

26/07/2026

The splitting shell braced as best could be done. About 80' to go and the top leaned more as it went up. Very unpleasant. Any folk that carry on about retention or habitat are just looking for attention. There was nothing good about this tree until it was on the ground. Pic Andrew Firth (Ascension trees).

26/07/2026

Many have asked for a better look about the tree dubbed "The Mammoth". Getting near the top. Significant limbs and weight were removed however it was just a thin shell. The mongrel reacted like a sinking ship with me moving about and worse when a limb was released. Footage from Andrew Firth (Ascesion Trees)

23/07/2026

Another view of the heavy bowed pull and the scale of this problem. The target area can be seen. The new bridge and viewing platform for all to use is directly in line. This serves as a great example of how poor tree retention advise can put custodians, visitors and tree folk at risk. The assets that are at risk all day and every day (when this tree fails) is the complex ecosystem in this creek zone. Picture by Andrew Firth (Ascension Trees)

23/07/2026

Further up the tree from the last picture (Otways) the shell thickness was zero to five inches. This was not a guess. I could see inside very well. It was well lit by the gaping holes up and down the trunk for about 10 fathoms. Inexperienced folk looking at this might think it was structurally sound. It was not. The weight and twisting had created fresh splits of significant length. Straps were strategically placed for some length to share and support the collapsing structure. Picture by Andrew Firth (Ascension Trees)