Ted:
        I presently have a bee tree in our back yard that we harvested from
some 40 miles from here last fall.  Some tips for you.
        If you can, fel a seperate tree at the spot where you plan to fel
the bee tree.  This will act as a cushion when the bee tree falls and will
rile the bees less.  When cutting the bee tree leave a thick hinge so as to
almost hold the tree by itself.  Then take a wedge and insert it into the
saw cut on the opposite side of fall.  Drive the wedge by splitting mall or
sledge and the tree will slowly start leaning in the direction opposite the
wedge. The hinge will hold the tree quite a ways cutting the impact
considerably.  One precaution the tree is probably dead and there are dead
limbs above you. They may break off. The wood is brittle and will not
stretch like live wood but will snap. Don't cut the branches first while
standing.  They act as a cushion. The queen in a cup with workers may not
work.  You may injure her.  Have a set up nearby.
Bottom board 2 deeps inner cover and cover, 20 deep empty frames with wire.
Fell the tree. Cut from the top till you find the beginning of the cavity.
It's bigger than you think. Cut from the bottom till you find the cavity.
Smoke the top and bottom and entrance. Cut the length of the trunk with the
saw only to score the log to help split it.  With wedge's, split the tree
and lay open.  Find the brood and cut and shape to fit the frames.  Need a
90 degree day so as not to chill the brood. Lay the brood on the wire and
wrap with additional wire or large rubber bands and place into the deeps as
quickly as possible. The queen will stay on one of the pieces of brood.  Do
this on one or several white sheets.  It helps the bees stay on top of the
grass and prevents unnessary killing and crushing.  Get all the brood in
and surround with honey.  Close up the hive and leave untill night fall.
At night cover up entrances with 1/8" hardware cloth for ventilation and
move to a suitable location.
Glad to help and good luck.
 
        George
 
George & Lorraine Willy
The Village Inn of East Burke
Box 186
East Burke, Vermont
05832