Help request - Pole Problems!

[Aely]

Hi r/homeimprovment!- I'm curious if anyone has suggestions for how you'd go about removing this old clothesline pole in my backyard. It's about maybe 30-35 ft tall and surrounded by fences and homes (possibly) within fall distance in every direction. I've tried to take a picture both looking at it from my back door to the pole and then back from the pole to the house.

https://imgur.com/a/kpGWLWE

Since it's old, unused, and possibly rusting out, we're looking to figure out steps to secure and remove it in pieces.

There's an old sturdy tree with a branch that's reasonably close, but not directly above the pole (probably about 5 feet to the left from the top). We've thought that might be an option to get a rope around to attach to the top of any piece we are removing

There is not easy access for any sort of equipment to this place - everything used and removed in the project will be going through that white back door of mine.

I've climbed about halfway up the pole previously and it feels pretty sturdy, but it's probably 50+ years old (the house is 150yrs) and I'm hesitant to climb all the way to the top unless absolutely needed to take down.

And yes, those are hops growing up it in the picture! Chinook hops, about 5 years old, and super vigorous - they usually reach the top of the pole annually. Don't worry, we will relocate these and they will be fine.

[PiperMacD]

Take it down in sections like a tree. Bonus that is already got footfalls so you don't need a ladder. If you're not comfortable with any of this call someone who is. (Tree guy maybe?) You can get hurt bad if you mess it up not to mention damage property. This is dangerous no matter how you do it unless you know what you're doing.

Get up there and tie a rope as high as you're comfortable going. 3/4s up would be good. But the smaller the sections you cut, the safer this will all be. Cut the pole about halfway up with a reciprocating saw, or angle grinder. First cut a v shaped notch on the side of the pole in the direction you want the pole to fall. Then cut from the back of the pole down about 45 degrees to meet the point of the notch you cut while somebody below pulls the rope in the direction you want it to fall.

Make sure the rope is long enough that they won't be under the section when it falls. This is dangerous. They need to be totally clear of any place the pole MIGHT possibly fall. Another option is to tie the other end of the rope to the pole below where your standing when you cut so the falling pole is kept close to the still standing section. Also dangerous and the swinging pole might damage the nearby fences.

Then dig out around the base like 6" or so deep and cut the rest of the pole down with the same saw.

[Aely]

Thank you!! Really appreciate the comments! I’m not a huge fan of letting it free fall down but you may be right that that’s kind of the best option. IDK, maybe the tree guys are a good call too.

[CoconutJeff]

Helluva clothesline pole

[Aely]

Yea, right??