DO-IT-YOURSELF TREE REMOVAL
Removing a tree yourself is reasonable if the tree is smaller, you have the right equipment, and if you follow these instructions and tips.
Reasons a Tree May Need to be Removed
Removing a tree is never without angst. Trees are beautiful, valuable assets not only to our landscape but our plant. However, trees can be problematic when they are dying, growing to close to a property structure, or causing a significant landscape problem. These are just a few of the valid reasons a tree might need to be removed.
Professional or DIY Tree Removal
You essentially have two choices when it comes to removing a tree from your property: 1) hire a professional tree service company in Jacksonville, FL; or 2) remove the tree yourself. Actually, you really don't have any decision as it is self-explanatory why you would need to hire a professional to remove a tree: the tree is too large and/or close to a property structure for you to remove it safely and efficiently. The only trees that the average property owner should remove themselves are young trees that are not more than 15-20 feet tall. Anything larger than this will be too dangerous for a homeowner to remove themselves.
How to Remove a Tree
Now if the tree fits the parameter of being manageable for the average property owner, there are still a number of steps and precautions you should take when removing it yourself:
After the tree has fallen, cut it into three-foot segment for easy disposal or stacking. Beware of kickback when cutting up the tree as touching the end of your chainsaw to the trunk may cause it to kick back into your face and head.
Following these simple but effective instructions will allow you to safely and efficiently remove smaller trees in your landscape, saving you money over hiring a professional tree care company.
- Assess the Tree -inspect it for rot, decay or other damage that might be hazardous to you or your property when removing it. Often times, a decaying or rotten tree will break unexpectedly during the removal process. If you suspect this might be a risk, you will want to take precautions to minimize this risk. Dead branches should be removed before falling and rotten or decaying sections of the tree should be identified before cutting. Further, assess the tree for the way it will want to naturally fall. It will be virtually impossible to have a tree fall any other direction than the way it is naturally leaning. Take this into account when you begin cutting and plan your escape route.
- Proper Tools - a good hand saw with larger teeth is required for hand cutting a tree. For all larger trees, a sharp, well-maintained chainsaw will be required. Ensure you know how to safely operate the chainsaw and wear protective clothing, eyewear, and hearing protection. Wedges may be required to provide for further chainsaw clearance as you cut.
- Planning - plan your cuts in advance by marking the tree remembering it will generally always fall in the direction it is leaning. Next, envision at least one escape route to take as the tree begins to fall. You will not have time to think about a safe path after the tree begins to fall
- Cuts - make a wedge cut on the side the tree want to falls. The wedge cut should be about 1/2 into the tree and at a 45-degree angle. Next, on the opposite side of the wedge cut, begin to cut into the tree at the level of the wedge cut. Use wedges to provide for clearance if your chainsaw begins to bind. Pay close attention as you make this second cut as the tree will likely begin to fall. If the tree does not fall after making this cut, add additional wedge until the tree falls. As the tree falls utilize your escape path to ensure your safety.
After the tree has fallen, cut it into three-foot segment for easy disposal or stacking. Beware of kickback when cutting up the tree as touching the end of your chainsaw to the trunk may cause it to kick back into your face and head.
Following these simple but effective instructions will allow you to safely and efficiently remove smaller trees in your landscape, saving you money over hiring a professional tree care company.