How to Go About Tree Removal

Taking down a tree is not always an easy decision, but it can provide better views, extra space for your garden, or help prevent damage to other trees or buildings. If you’re unsure of whether a particular tree needs to come down, consult an arborist who can assess its health and condition. However, if you’re considering removing the tree yourself, be sure to consider all the risks involved in tackling this job. You should only attempt to remove a tree if there’s plenty of space for it to fall and no other nearby obstacles could get hit, including power lines or your house. Also, ensure that you have proper equipment, such as a chainsaw with a bar at least as long as the tree’s diameter, felling wedges, and a stump grinder. You should also wear heavy gloves, boots, a hard hat, ear protection, and safety goggles. In addition, have someone to keep an eye on the tree and alert you to falling branches or swaying you might miss.

Once you’ve decided to remove the tree, choose one or two escape routes. These should be clear paths that you can run down in case the tree falls in a different direction than you intend. Aim to make these routes at least 45 degrees apart from each other. You should also clean these routes of any hazards, such as rocks or debris.

If the tree is far enough away from buildings or power lines, you can usually chop it down in a single piece. The process starts by slicing the trunk into sections, and then cutting each section into smaller pieces using a saw or chainsaw. If the tree is too close to buildings or power lines, this method won’t be feasible, and the entire tree will have to be scaled and cut down on site.

A crane can be used to cut down large trees that are too tall to reach with a saw or chainsaw. The arborist will climb to the top of the tree and tie a rope or cable around it, which is then lowered to the ground by the crane. The crew will continue to scale and cut down the tree in this manner until it’s completely removed from your property.

A stump grinder can be rented from most hardware stores to grind up the remaining roots and stump of the tree. Dig out dirt, mulch, and rocks with a mattock or shovel, then use the stump grinder to cut the remainder of the stump down to below ground level. Be sure to wear a helmet and protective gear when operating this machinery, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Once the stump is removed, cover it with mulch or wood chips to prevent weeds from growing. You can also plant flowers or shrubs over the area to disguise the unsightly remains of the tree. Alternatively, you can use a firepit to burn the stump and roots.