Lots of tree trimming lately now that the "cooler" weather has set in and El Sol has transitioned into the Southern Hemisphere.
Main issue is dealing with all of the smaller branches w/ leaves trimmed off the larger wood. Unfortunately I don't have a shredder. For the trashmen to pick them up, they need to be tied off in manageable bundles.
Thus, an old sailing knot from my sailing days:The Buntline Hitch.
You'll notice this knot closely resembles a Clove Hitch that slides on the bight. What makes it so useful for binding thumb-diameter branches with leaves together is that it will only slide tighter once tensioned! As it becomes tighter, you can step on the bundle of limbs to compress it, then continue to pull on the cord and cinch it up even tighter. I use the cheap twine/cord often used by masons for string line.
Another benefit of using this hitch is that cord waste is minimized as the bundle is constricted.
The key is to plan ahead by laying out about 5 or 6' of cord on the ground, in front of you, from left to right. Next, stack branches perpendicular to the cord on top. When you have a decent sized bundle, grab the free end and tie the hitch around the other end. Pull to cinch up the bundle and apply tension to the hitch. It will hold firmly. Slide the knot around again and pull to constrict the bundle even tighter. At this point, I usually step on it with a foot and cinch it down tightly one more time, rewinding the slack back onto the spool of cord. Trim off, leaving about 5".
That's it! Makes quick work of bundling it all together for pickup.
You'll need to practice to get the hang of it, so do so with a larger rope and tie it around your legs while sitting.
Main issue is dealing with all of the smaller branches w/ leaves trimmed off the larger wood. Unfortunately I don't have a shredder. For the trashmen to pick them up, they need to be tied off in manageable bundles.
Thus, an old sailing knot from my sailing days:The Buntline Hitch.
You'll notice this knot closely resembles a Clove Hitch that slides on the bight. What makes it so useful for binding thumb-diameter branches with leaves together is that it will only slide tighter once tensioned! As it becomes tighter, you can step on the bundle of limbs to compress it, then continue to pull on the cord and cinch it up even tighter. I use the cheap twine/cord often used by masons for string line.
Another benefit of using this hitch is that cord waste is minimized as the bundle is constricted.
The key is to plan ahead by laying out about 5 or 6' of cord on the ground, in front of you, from left to right. Next, stack branches perpendicular to the cord on top. When you have a decent sized bundle, grab the free end and tie the hitch around the other end. Pull to cinch up the bundle and apply tension to the hitch. It will hold firmly. Slide the knot around again and pull to constrict the bundle even tighter. At this point, I usually step on it with a foot and cinch it down tightly one more time, rewinding the slack back onto the spool of cord. Trim off, leaving about 5".
That's it! Makes quick work of bundling it all together for pickup.
You'll need to practice to get the hang of it, so do so with a larger rope and tie it around your legs while sitting.
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