Removing a tree can be a tough decision that also requires expertise. There can be a lot of reasons why you should remove one near your property like it’s dead, can no longer be repaired, and it’s leaning towards your house.
However, you should make sure that the tree you’re planning to remove is in a hopeless case. When in doubt, contact the arborist near you to help you with your tree removal problems. Besides, if you’re having second thought about it, the best option is to hire an expert.
And if diagnosed correctly, the arborist might just end up transferring it to a better location. Remember that it takes years to grow a tree, so it’s not that easy to replace.
But if you still want to try removing a tree, then you should check the list below!
1. Make sure you can
Planning and seeing the actual work you’re going to do can be different. Of course, you might have seen the tree you’re planning to remove more than once. However, you can’t instantly realise what you’re about to get to until you tried.
So don’t worry if you’re about to do it, and you suddenly realised how difficult it is. You can just call an arborist to help you with the tree removal process. It’s better late than paying much more money dealing with damaged properties or hurting other people (even yourself).
Before you decide, you can observe the tree first. If it’s not too big, and you think you can handle it, you can proceed.
2. Secure the area
If you’ve decided to go on with this tree removal project, you should first make sure to clear the area. Similarly, you should measure the distance of when it falls. There shouldn’t be anything it can damage such as power lines, cars, and other properties.
After estimating and clearing the area, and if the tree is starting to decay, you should secure a net to catch it if it falls prematurely. For example, if you’re starting to cut the tree, there’s a probability it falls even if you think it’s not the time.
3. Prepare the tools
Before you grab your cutting tools, make sure that you also have safety gear. Secure a hard hat, gloves, goggles, vest, shoes, and first ais kit. Don’t be overwhelmed with the list because even arborists wear these things when they’re working.
After making sure you can do this safely, prepare the necessary tools for the tree removal process. The most common tools you need are a chainsaw, rope, ladder, wedges, and an axe. Make sure that the chainsaw works perfectly, and also the other tools.
If you don’t have the tools, and you can’t borrow from your family or friends, it’s better that you call for help instead of pursuing the project without the right tools.
4. Figure out where it’ll fall
Another important thing to remember, when you’re about to remove a tree, is to figure out where it might fall. It’s important because some are leaning more in a certain direction compared to the others. In addition, this will also help you decide where you’re going to have your first cut.
If you don’t think about this crucial part, you might end up hurting yourself. For example, if you just cut a part of it without realising that it’s leaning in your direction, the tree might fall onto you. And even if not the entire tree falls, a weak branch might hit your head if you didn’t plan this thoroughly.
5. Start cutting the tree
Finished figuring out where the tree is leaning to? Then you can start cutting! The first cut you should do is the undercut, where you slant the cut at the bottom of it. Ensure that you’re cutting in the direction where you want the tree to fall.
From there, you can gradually cut the opposite side using a straight cut to detach the support for this side. Since it’s your first time doing this, you should take things slow except when the it’s about to fall.
6. Dodge the falling tree
You may have planned this earlier, but you should know where to go after the cutting part. It’s also the part when you can yell, “timber!”. Verify the position where you can run, and remove all obstacles to avoid getting hurt.
Furthermore, you should have enough time to reach your safe base so keep an eye on the falling tree. Pick the least spot where the tree can end up falling.
Tree removal, indeed, is harder than it looks. So if you’re having even the slightest doubt that you can’t pull it off, you should call for an arborist. However, if you decide to continue, you should prepare and think about all the details. Don’t forget to share with us your first tree removal experience by leaving a comment below!
