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Original poster

We're trapped in the house!

321 replies

Frequency · 15/01/2023 22:06

A hedge has fallen in front of the gate and we cannot get out of the front garden. And Amazon cannot get in to deliver the chain saw we ordered a couple of days ago when we noticed the hedge was starting to look a bit out of control and the branches were too thick for the hedge trimmer.

I'm thinking if we use the hedge trimmer on the smaller branches and try a normal saw on the thicker branches we might be able to get it small enough to climb over/through but we cannot start until it is light and it doesn't get light until after DD leaves for school.

I can't tell the school the truth can I? They won't believe DD cannot get to school because she can't get out of the front garden, will they?

OP posts:
TimeToFlyNow · 16/01/2023 10:59

Blossomtoes · 16/01/2023 10:55

It’s been a lot more interesting than the tedious parking threads.

That's what I was thinking!

I wouldn't be trying to move cut it or climb over neighbours gardens in the dark either. What would be the point in that!

ArtixLynx · 16/01/2023 11:02

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what perspective?

That the hedge has collapsed, the gate is inaccessible, and the time it'll take to clear it in the morning will make her child late for school.

All of that was true.. the OP wasn't panicking or being dramatic.

The only people being dramatic on here are the ones in the replies and people like yourself who feel its in any way appropriate to stalk the OP like they're some kind of Miss Marple to discredit her.

Maireas · 16/01/2023 11:02

I still would have liked a diagram 😊

Wellwell82 · 16/01/2023 11:03

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QuinionsRainbow · 16/01/2023 11:03

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 15/01/2023 22:10

Don't you have a back door? A window to climb out of? A stool you can use?

Please read OP's post. It's the GARDEN that they can't get out of.!!!

Wellwell82 · 16/01/2023 11:04

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Original poster
Frequency · 16/01/2023 11:05

If I was drinking last night I would be hungover in bed right now not standing outside in the snow and wind hacking away at a bloody great tree. Also, I smoke Richmond Superking, not anything illicit. If I want weed I eat it rather than smoke it but I didn't have any of that last night either.

I discovered a steel cable that was holding the tree up and has come away from the fence. I've messaged my dad and asked him to bring me some wire cutters. I've gotten through most of the bigger branches with the saw but I can't pull them away from the path because they're tangled in the wire which is still attached to the fence somewhere.

I'm a HA tenant so the tree thingy is my responsibility.

OP posts:
ArtixLynx · 16/01/2023 11:07

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why are you so determined to discredit the OP? Not sure why you're feeling the need to be so disingenuous.

Wellwell82 · 16/01/2023 11:08

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Over40Overdating · 16/01/2023 11:08

OP, now that you have admitted edibles the thread police will be telling you you are clearly mentally unstable and just looking for drama because DRUGS.
the pearls will be clutched to breaking.

Hope the rest of the hacking goes well!

Wellwell82 · 16/01/2023 11:09

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Maireas · 16/01/2023 11:09

Sounds like you need a bit of help. Is your dad able to help when he comes round or can you ask anyone else?

tattygrl · 16/01/2023 11:12

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I think the only one reveling in anything here is you! You do know that you'll never get any watertight, indisputable facts from an online thread, right? Your quest for the ultimate truth is going to disappoint you, I fear. Let's all lighten up a bit!

Original poster
Frequency · 16/01/2023 11:27

The path is now clear. Once we got the steel cable off all we had to was drag the tree onto the grass. I'd cut through all the trunks at the bottom of the bush.

The chain saw has still not arrived but I think I will send it back and buy a pruning saw instead.

OP posts:
backinthebox · 16/01/2023 11:36

I don’t understand how this was such a drama. Having read most of the thread (albeit at skim-read pace) it appears that the lack of maintenance of the front hedge has led to a situation that was easily solved by secateurs, a hand saw and a bit of elbow grease.

I live in a forest, and every time the wind blows there’s a road somewhere completely blocked by a fallen tree, often a very large one. Usually just a mention of this on the local community Facebook group has it cleared within the hour.

It’s certainly not worthy of a 9 page thread!

longtompot · 16/01/2023 11:40

I don’t understand how this was such a drama. Having read most of the thread (albeit at skim-read pace) it appears that the lack of maintenance of the front hedge has led to a situation that was easily solved by secateurs, a hand saw and a bit of elbow grease.

Most of the drama was from other posters. Op explained why the hedge/tree was overgrown. It was due to be cut back around Christmas time but the person was ill with covid, so it was cancelled and they hadn't got round to rebooking it.

Glad you got out op. Chainsaws terrify me so I'm glad you are sending it back. My dh uses one to cut down long branches before chopping for firewood. It makes me feel sick every time.

AlwaysCountYourPennies · 16/01/2023 11:50

Frequency · 16/01/2023 11:27

The path is now clear. Once we got the steel cable off all we had to was drag the tree onto the grass. I'd cut through all the trunks at the bottom of the bush.

The chain saw has still not arrived but I think I will send it back and buy a pruning saw instead.

Please send the chainsaw back! They are incredibly dangerous and should never be used without training and protective equipment.

Coffeecreme · 16/01/2023 11:52

or buy a lopper?

JaneJeffer · 16/01/2023 12:02

I live in a forest @backinthebox this is like a Canadian asking why are you complaining about a bit of snow Grin

Grrrrdarling · 16/01/2023 12:06

Frequency · 15/01/2023 22:06

A hedge has fallen in front of the gate and we cannot get out of the front garden. And Amazon cannot get in to deliver the chain saw we ordered a couple of days ago when we noticed the hedge was starting to look a bit out of control and the branches were too thick for the hedge trimmer.

I'm thinking if we use the hedge trimmer on the smaller branches and try a normal saw on the thicker branches we might be able to get it small enough to climb over/through but we cannot start until it is light and it doesn't get light until after DD leaves for school.

I can't tell the school the truth can I? They won't believe DD cannot get to school because she can't get out of the front garden, will they?

You or someone in your street must have a set of ladders so see if you can borrow & jerryrig two together like a style so you can get out, for now, to get the chainsaw & child to school.

HeartBrokenWife · 16/01/2023 12:23

backinthebox · 16/01/2023 11:36

I don’t understand how this was such a drama. Having read most of the thread (albeit at skim-read pace) it appears that the lack of maintenance of the front hedge has led to a situation that was easily solved by secateurs, a hand saw and a bit of elbow grease.

I live in a forest, and every time the wind blows there’s a road somewhere completely blocked by a fallen tree, often a very large one. Usually just a mention of this on the local community Facebook group has it cleared within the hour.

It’s certainly not worthy of a 9 page thread!

I have to agree. I am surrounded by actual trees, big ones, as well as hedges and I couldn't have got myself worked up about a hedge falling over, not that I've ever heard of a hedge falling over before!

Lesson learnt, hopefully, OP? Maintain your garden properly and it won't collapse dramatically. I have to echo other posters warnings about chainsaws too. Seriously, if you can't figure out how to do regular maintenance on your garden, you'll be putting yourself (and any bystanders) in immense danger if you begin wielding something as dangerous as a chainsaw around!!!!!! You need proper safety clothing, hard hat, ear defenders, protective gloves and also training on chainsaw handling. I think it would be a lot cheaper for you to simply snip your privet bush occasionally 🙄

OnlyFannys · 16/01/2023 12:33

Grrrrdarling · 16/01/2023 12:06

You or someone in your street must have a set of ladders so see if you can borrow & jerryrig two together like a style so you can get out, for now, to get the chainsaw & child to school.

Show quote history

I'm not sure a school is the best place for a chainsaw

MMMarmite · 16/01/2023 12:35

Frequency · 16/01/2023 11:27

The path is now clear. Once we got the steel cable off all we had to was drag the tree onto the grass. I'd cut through all the trunks at the bottom of the bush.

The chain saw has still not arrived but I think I will send it back and buy a pruning saw instead.

Hooray :) Glad you're free!

Bluetrews25 · 16/01/2023 12:40

From experience, OP, you might have a hell of a job even starting the chainsaw never mind using it. They are not easy tools. Send it back.

justasking111 · 16/01/2023 12:43

HeartBrokenWife · 16/01/2023 12:23

I have to agree. I am surrounded by actual trees, big ones, as well as hedges and I couldn't have got myself worked up about a hedge falling over, not that I've ever heard of a hedge falling over before!

Lesson learnt, hopefully, OP? Maintain your garden properly and it won't collapse dramatically. I have to echo other posters warnings about chainsaws too. Seriously, if you can't figure out how to do regular maintenance on your garden, you'll be putting yourself (and any bystanders) in immense danger if you begin wielding something as dangerous as a chainsaw around!!!!!! You need proper safety clothing, hard hat, ear defenders, protective gloves and also training on chainsaw handling. I think it would be a lot cheaper for you to simply snip your privet bush occasionally 🙄

Show quote history

You also need protective clothing. Whenever you hire a chainsaw you have to hire the full safety kit. You'd be surprised how many people are refused by hire companies. Limb loss, catastrophic bleeding out, no-one wants to see