Hammocker almost got the widowmaker

**ChinoUSMC** · 08-30-2020, 19:24

I followed DavidFriars on IG. He posted a video of himself just getting into his hammock. He heard something, realized the tree was falling in his direction, and he jumped out of the way just in time for the tree to fall where he was.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEgvCtqB...=1o94g2vh8a307

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**TrailSlug** · 08-30-2020, 19:32

He really shouldn't tie up to a dead tree. He's lucky and I'll be he checks out the trees in the future.

**cbm9000** · 08-30-2020, 19:51

I guess this might be a good place to ask if anyone has any tips for identifing dead or dying trees in the fall and winter. I feel like once the leaves go and it gets cold I have a real hard time telling what's what.

**Carver** · 08-30-2020, 20:11

Originally Posted by cbm9000

I guess this might be a good place to ask if anyone has any tips for identifing dead or dying trees in the fall and winter. I feel like once the leaves go and it gets cold I have a real hard time telling what's what.

I am in my late eighties so that at times I am a bit hard to understand but I hope that this video may give you a few things to look out for.

**cbm9000** · 08-30-2020, 20:31

Originally Posted by Carver

I hope that this video may give you a few things to look out for.

This is very helpful, thank you!

**Rolloff** · 08-30-2020, 22:08

Carver you're the best. Great info/history lesson.

Thanks for sharing.

**tandrewmalan** · 08-31-2020, 08:07

Originally Posted by ChinoUSMC

I followed DavidFriars on IG. He posted a video of himself just getting into his hammock. He heard something, realized the tree was falling in his direction, and he jumped out of the way just in time for the tree to fall where he was.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEgvCtqB...=1o94g2vh8a307

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That was an impressively quick roll out of the way. I don't think I would've reacted as quickly.

**tandrewmalan** · 08-31-2020, 08:08

Originally Posted by Carver

I hope that this video may give you a few things to look out for.

This is amazing. Thanks for the video!

**jeff-oh** · 08-31-2020, 08:52

The limited view of the video does not give a full picture, but there are dead limbs and I'd suspect with the way it cracked (sound) that there were no leaves up top. The bit of trunk you can see after the tree falls shows bark is loose at several spots. This is a tell tail sign of issues.

As for being able to spot tree hazards, best advise is to get out in the woods and observe. There are a lot of obvious signs that can bee seen both in summer and winter that getting into the field and observing will start to stand out.

However, IMHO, without being there or seeing the top of the tree, the clean snap quick break of that tree suggests it was very long gone and there would be many obvious signs not to hang from it. EDIT: He posted a picture of the tree. Yep this was a horrible tree to hang on. It was obviously dead with numerous dead branches ready to fall. Why would he ever pick this tree? Trees with the canopy limbs already gone and no leaves or bark on the limbs is a massive warning sign of do not use this tree, and do not hang close to it... as it may come down in a wind.

Also, is that his normal hammock? It looks to be only 7' long. Tiny tiny.

But, yes the video does demonstrate the dangers of deadfall, and how fast it can happen. Glad he was not hurt.
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