Too much for my come-along , so how to lay it down w/o busting it

[John Mc]

Thats exactly what that root ball did, after it was free,  it stood back up like when the tree was vertical.  The other side went up too but not as far, cause the tree was balanced on a pivot point about 15' up fro the root ball.  In my inexperience, I mis-read the situation:  a) cut from the top 2/3 and then b)cut from the bottom.  This resulted in getting the bar pinched so tight the channel in the bar had to be pryed open in a spot and the main and best log cracking down the center.

Been there, done that (minus the severe bar pinch). Glad it wasn't on a high-value tree. Fortunately, I learned something from that experience, as I'm sure you did from this one.

[Magicman]

Downed trees have many forces exerting pressure in so many different ways.  Limby trees and root ball trees are especially dangerous.  This and mandolin's thread are very good reminders for all of us.