We highly recommend hiring a professional tree care company to take down a tree. But if you are confident that you can tackle the task yourself, then you should equip yourself with the proper tools to complete the job. Just a heads-up, you will have to spend some money to acquire the appropriate equipment necessary to cut a tree safely and efficiently. Below are the tools and equipment you need to purchase to remove a tree.

Tree cutting must-haves
It will be difficult and even impossible to trim or remove a tree without a high-quality chainsaw. If you are looking to cut a relatively small tree, you can use an ax to finish the task. But, if you want to get the job done fast, the use of a chainsaw is more suitable.

Gas-powered chainsaws vs. Electric Chainsaws
The chainsaw is one of the leading equipment used in taking down a tree. You will have to consider two types of chainsaws when you decide to buy one. Your choice is between a gas-powered chainsaw and an electric chainsaw. Gas-powered chainsaws are more portable. However, it will be challenging to determine the correct ration between gas and oil. Many property owners don't opt for a gas chainsaw, not only because they have to spend extra for gas, but also because it is not entirely eco-friendly. You don't have to worry about these things if you choose an electric chainsaw. One downside of using electric chainsaws is you need to have extension cords handy whenever you use them. The extension wire should be long enough to reach the tree you need to remove. This situation can be both a nuisance and hazardous. For instance, the cord may not be too long to access and electrical outlet, or you may accidentally trip over it and cause unwanted injuries.

As far as the price is concerned, it depends on the quality and power of the chainsaw. Naturally, the more powerful the chainsaw, the more costly the equipment will be. Some models can cost $100 or more, but these models usually are too lightweight to carry out a tree removal job. If you want a heavy-duty chainsaw that can tackle tree felling jobs, prepare at least $300 to $400for the equipment.

Other Tools and Equipment
Aside from a chainsaw, there are other tools that help make the tree-felling task more efficient and convenient:

• Ladder- you need this for larger trees
• Rope- You have to secure parts of the tree down to the ground
• Ax- An ax can do the trick if you only have a small tree to remove
• Wedges- Wedges, partnered with an ax and a chainsaw can make the tree removal process easier
• Protective equipment- regardless of the type of chainsaw you will use, it is crucial to protect yourself from debris and other elements. Wear gloves, hard hat, goggles, and boots while on the job
• First aid kit- you never know when accidents can happen, so it is best to be prepared with a first aid kit

Optional Cutting Equipment
After the tree is cut down, you have to think about the portions of the tree. If you have the extra money in your pocket, you can purchase a residential wood chipper. Prepare between $700 and $1500, depending on the size of the wood chipper.

When you have a tree in your yard that has been with you for decades, the thought of having it removed is not just scary, but heartbreaking as well. It is hard to think that the tree that once provided shade in a hot summer day needs to be cut down. No matter how much we don't want our trees eliminated, sometimes it is necessary. Trees need to be removed for a variety of reasons, including your safety and the beauty of your landscape.

In some cases, removing the tree is more of an investment; for example, you are trying to sell your house. Buyers will not be encouraged to buy a house with a dead tree in the yard. That is why if you have a tree in your yard that you suspect to be in a poor health condition or is posing a threat to your safety, it is time to inspect it and consider tree removal.

If you aren't sure whether your tree needs to be removed or not, here are seven reasons your tree needs to be removed:

1. Your tree has poor health or dead- This is one of the most apparent reasons for tree removal. If you notice dying branches in the crown of the tree or the trunk begins to show symptoms of decay, then tree removal should be done immediately.
2. Your tree was storm-damaged- Storms can impact your trees in the most destructive way. If your tree suffered from storm damage, you should not think twice and have it eliminated right away. There could be hanging branches that can fall at any time and cause damage or injury to any of your loved ones.
3. There are splitting or cracking in some parts of the tree- You should never neglect signs of cracking or splitting in your tree. If you see these signs, you should contact a tree expert for advice.
4. Your tree is growing too close major structures- Inspect your tree and assess if it is growing too close any fixed structure such as your house or utility lines. It is definitely dangerous for a tree to grow near these structures that is why it is imperative to have them removed before they cause any accidents. Leave this job to the professionals because the task is too risky to be handled by an average homeowner.
5. Your tree is disrupting the growth of the other plantings in your lawn- Although we love the shade trees provide us, plants in the yard need sunlight for them to grow. In this case, tree removal is necessary to save the rest of the plantings in your lawn.
6. Significant aging- Trees are amazing. Some of them can live for as long as 5,000 years, depending on their species. As they age, their health is also affected, and their health eventually declines.
7. Pest and insect infestation- If pests and destructive bugs infest your tree, it should be removed before it affects the healthy trees in your yard.

Call Jacksonville Tree Service for a free tree removal estimate.  

Don't we all want our trees to grow to its full height? They give us a sense of protection and warmth, and we want to be able to see them bloom to its fullest. However, what if your tree's limbs and branches grow to close to your property? Is it time to be alarmed? Safety should always come first. If you see drooping limbs on your roof, you should safely fix it before it becomes a problem.

What is the Risk of Overhanging Branches on Your Roof and How to Prevent Damage
It is dangerous to have limbs hanging over your home or any structure in your property because of the following reasons:

• During windy days, branches that are touching your roof can scrape and strip off layers of asphalt on your roof shingles.
• Leaves that fall directly to your roof can cause mold build up and lead to leaks and damage.
• If a storm hits a damaged or diseased tree, it can fall onto your home.

Is It Your Tree or Your Neighbor's Tree?
You should not plant a tree too close to your home without considering its height and width when it reaches full maturity. But what if your neighbor's tree is touching your home? In most cases, you can trim branches that are within your lot area, regardless if it is planted in your neighbor's yard. However, make sure to consult with your neighbor first because there can be some limitations to this case. Remember that you will be liable for any harm incurred by the tree, so always practice caution.
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How to Remove a Tree Limb Hanging Over Your House
If the limb is hanging over your roof, make sure that you will remove it with utmost care. One wrong move and it will end up on your roof. If you plan to do it yourself, you may put yourself in danger, and it can be expensive to do repairs because of one mistake you did. For this reason, we always recommend hiring a certified arborist to do the job for you. Make sure the company is insured and licensed for your protection. They are well-trained for scenarios like this, and they will be able to take care of the tree and do what needs to be done to keep you and your property from harm. Also, in case there would be any damage, their insurance will cover the cost.