Dos and Don’ts of Safe Tree Removal
It is uncommon for someone to dislike having vegetation around their home. Unfortunately, there are occasions when having a tree near your home becomes challenging due to various issues such as tree rot or the trees being in a risky position. The tree might also have gotten too big hence the need to remove it.
Trees can rot from the inside out due to illness while appearing perfectly healthy to the untrained eye. Thankfully a tree care specialist can help determine whether a tree needs particular maintenance.
When all other risk management strategies, including trimming and disease treatment, fail, tree removal is usually the last resort. This is because trees that are dead or dying pose a risk to property and life.
As a tree owner, you are responsible for any harm the tree does, which is why it is critical to recognize when the tree is ailing and remove it as soon as possible. You can also hire a tree removal services provider to help you out.
Tree removal is a time-consuming task that can be dangerous if not done correctly. However, there are several dos and don’ts that you can follow during the removal process to ensure that the work is not only safe but also efficient.
Let’s have a look at what they are.
Ensure that you have the right equipment.
When it comes to tree removal, having the proper equipment is critical. Before you begin working, gather all of the tools you need so that everything you need is close at hand.
To securely remove a tree of any size, you need a chainsaw, ladder, axe, wedges, and rope.
To stay safe, ensure that you have the equipment and always use them how they are designed.
Besides the cutting tools, you also should have protective gear.
It is critical to wear thick safety gloves and protective eyewear to avoid hand injuries and to keep wood chips and sawdust out of your eyes. You also need a helmet to prevent head injuries while working.
Don’t cut a tree from a ladder.
As much as a ladder is a vital tool you need to remove a tree, you should avoid cutting a tree from it.
Cutting a tree from a ladder can be extremely dangerous because ladders tend to move, increasing the chance of bodily injury from a fall.
Body movements are more demanding while chopping a tree from a ladder. This increases the possibility of the ladder becoming misplaced, posing a serious risk of injury.
To be on the safe side, always cut the tree from the ground.
Ensure the surroundings are clear.
You should ensure the area you are cutting the tree is free of any obstructing materials. The reason for this is that a falling tree puts the tree and the people working around it in danger of injury.
Because it’s difficult to forecast which way a tree will fall when it’s fallen, it’s best to clear away the entire area.
This calls for you to ensure no vehicles or people around the area.
Be ready for anything.
When a tree is near a sidewalk or a driveway, you should keep a close eye on the surface around the tree and the risk of any potential damage that will follow when the tree falls.
While planning the removal, consider damage control measures you can undertake. You must ensure they are insured if you work with a professional tree care service.
The last thing you want is for the tree to damage something, and the burden falls on you.
Pay attention to regulations set by local authorities.
Every local government has rules and regulations to ensure public safety and security. These standards serve as a template for ensuring the safety of people and property near the activity.
During the tree removal process, you must follow these regulations. Plan properly, obtain a permit if necessary, hire a competent tree removal service, and complete your project with the highest safety.
Be ultra-cautious of trees near utility lines.
When a tree or limb falls on a utility line, the results can be calamitous and even lethal. To avoid problems, contact your utility company and have the power supply to the line disconnected before attempting any removal.
You can proceed with the removal if you have the skills, but if you have never removed a tree close to the utility lines before, consider consulting with a tree removal professional.
Don’t remove large trees without professional help.
As much as you are confident in your skills, hiring a professional, bonded, and insured business for the job is always best.
If you insist on doing things yourself, it is especially important to contract out the service for larger trees because tree removal can be extremely risky. It’s even worse when the tree is too big.
When working with the removal company, ensure they have cranes and other necessary tools to remove the large trees. Don’t hire a company just because you know them, as chances are that they will end up ruining your project.
Parting shot
These are the tips you should take into consideration when you are removing a tree. Remember that tree removal is extremely risky, so you should be ultra-cautious when going about it.
Ensure you aren’t biting too much than you can chew to protect yourself. This calls for you to know the maximum size of the tree you can remove.
If the tree is too big for you, avoid it and hire tree removal companies Bethesda to help you.
When hiring removal companies, don’t hire just any company. Instead, take your time and ensure that the company is experienced and has the necessary removal tools and machines.