How to Remove a Small Tree Yourself
With this article, we provide some useful information, precautions, and steps for any homeowner to remove smaller trees on their property. This is a job more difficult than trimming or pruning, so please consider these helpful suggestions before committing to removing a tree yourself.
Tree Removal Safety Precautions
For the most part, large, mature tree removal should be left to professional tree care services. Given their liability insurance and experience, they are most qualified to accomplish the difficult task of removing large trees. However, when homeowners have small trees that need to be eliminated, perhaps due to storm damage, disease, or just landscape reason, below are some useful suggestions on making the job safer and more efficient.
Chainsaws can be very hazardous. One mistake or slip can cause serious injury or worse. Always adhere the manufacturer's directions for both safety and operations, and please take your time. The tree is not going anywhere.
Always first assess your ability to remove the tree given property structures, power lines, vehicles, etc nearby. Ascertain if you think you are fully able to remain safe and ensure the safety of these structures. If you have any questions, call a professional tree care company.
When viewing the general area, ascertain the tree you want to remove. Identify how the tree will fall given the positioning of major limbs and the weight that they will put on the tree as it falls. If the tree is leaning in a direction, it will be very hard, if not difficult, to have the tree to fall any other way that where is leaning - gravity is a powerful force. Additionally, note if decay or damage will result in the tree falling in a particular direction. Lastly, determine if smaller branches could be eliminated prior to cutting down the tree, this will make the process simpler and safer.
Your chainsaw should have a bar that is as long or longer as the tree's diameter. The chain should be very sharp and in very good working condition. Moreover, ensure you have enough gas as you do not want to run out during the tree removal job. Remember to ALWAYS wear ear and eye protection - chainsaws can be very damaging to both. Having a few additional hand tools, such as a sledgehammer and wedge will make the tree removal process easier in certain situations.
Chainsaws can be very hazardous. One mistake or slip can cause serious injury or worse. Always adhere the manufacturer's directions for both safety and operations, and please take your time. The tree is not going anywhere.
Always first assess your ability to remove the tree given property structures, power lines, vehicles, etc nearby. Ascertain if you think you are fully able to remain safe and ensure the safety of these structures. If you have any questions, call a professional tree care company.
When viewing the general area, ascertain the tree you want to remove. Identify how the tree will fall given the positioning of major limbs and the weight that they will put on the tree as it falls. If the tree is leaning in a direction, it will be very hard, if not difficult, to have the tree to fall any other way that where is leaning - gravity is a powerful force. Additionally, note if decay or damage will result in the tree falling in a particular direction. Lastly, determine if smaller branches could be eliminated prior to cutting down the tree, this will make the process simpler and safer.
Your chainsaw should have a bar that is as long or longer as the tree's diameter. The chain should be very sharp and in very good working condition. Moreover, ensure you have enough gas as you do not want to run out during the tree removal job. Remember to ALWAYS wear ear and eye protection - chainsaws can be very damaging to both. Having a few additional hand tools, such as a sledgehammer and wedge will make the tree removal process easier in certain situations.
Steps in Removing a Small Tree
With smaller trees, less than seven inches in diameter, the first cut right through the trunk should be adequate to bring the tree down. For trees larger than this, three cuts will be required. The first cut should be 1/2 the way through the main trunk on the side you want the tree to fall. The second cut should be above the first one angling to create a wedge, approximately 40 degrees. The third cut should not go all the way through the trunk but instead cut from the other side towards the bottom cut. When you arrive at the midpoint, pay attention as the tree may begin to fall in the direction of the first cuts, crushing the wedge you created. Pay attention in the event you need to flee the area quickly. Lastly, turn the chainsaw off if you do need to move out of the area quickly - this will eliminate accidents. If the tree does not fall, use the sledgehammer and wedges in that last cut to begin the tree moving in that direction.
Once the tree is fallen, begin cutting branches and limbs being careful to avoid chainsaw kickback - this can happen very easily.
Once the tree is fallen, begin cutting branches and limbs being careful to avoid chainsaw kickback - this can happen very easily.