Although arborist services recommend tree removal as a last choice, it is occasionally necessary to ensure the health of the trees. Unfortunately, removing a tree is more complicated than simply owning a chainsaw and anticipating where the tree will fall once chopped.

It is a complex process that requires you to be ultra-cautious to protect the safety of persons and property. To help you out, here are ways you can safely remove a tree without hurting anyone:

Thoroughly inspect the area

Before you cut the tree:

• Make sure to inspect the tree and its surroundings thoroughly.
• Examine the tree’s tilt to determine which way it will fall.
• Check the site, choose an escape path, and clear it of any obstructions during the inspection.
• Prepare the spot and notify everyone in your household. Children and dogs should not be present when you cut.

Prior inspection aids in identifying potential hazards and risks related to tree removal. It enables you to examine the tree’s stability, the presence of any dead or weak branches, surrounding electrical lines, structures, or other potential hazards during the tree removal procedure.

By anticipating these threats, you can take appropriate actions to protect yourself, others, and neighboring property.

Inspecting the area allows you to plan the tree removal process properly. Consider available space, obstructions, and the tree’s lean or natural direction of fall to decide the best technique for felling the tree. You also reduce damage to neighboring structures, vegetation, and landscaping.

By surveying the region, you can assess the equipment and resources needed for tree removal. Different trees may require different equipment or machines for efficient and safe cutting. Inspecting the region allows you to collect the necessary equipment and resources, resulting in a more efficient and effective tree removal process.

Finally, by inspecting the area, you can assess the visual impact of removing the tree on the surrounding landscape. If the tree is a significant feature of the landscape, consider pruning or trimming to keep its beauty while addressing any safety concerns.

Use the right tree removal equipment.

As mentioned, you can use plenty of tree removal equipment for your work. To avoid accidents and ensure that you properly remove the tree, ensure that you properly use the equipment.

The principal tool for felling trees is a chainsaw. Using the proper chainsaw for the size and type of tree you are removing is critical. If this is your first time using them, you should note that chainsaws vary in size and power capacity, so choosing the proper one promotes efficient cutting and reduces the danger of accidents.

You also should have the proper climbing gear if you need to climb the tree to remove branches or perform other chores. The gear should have a safety harness, climbing ropes, carabiners, and arborist-specific helmets. The climbing gear provides stability and prevents falls.

During the removal process, you use the rigging equipment to lower branches or portions of the tree safely. Slings, pulleys, ropes, and rigging plates are examples of the rigging equipment you need. By properly using the rigging systems, you distribute weight and control the fall direction reducing the risk of damage to neighboring structures or plants.

In some circumstances, an aerial lift or bucket truck may be required to reach high branches or remove the tree in pieces. These vehicles offer a solid platform for operating at heights and are outfitted with an extending boom or bucket to access hard-to-reach regions safely.

After felling a tree, you must process the branches and smaller pieces into wood chips using a wood chipper. This makes it easy to dispose of or recycle. Wood chippers come in various sizes, so choosing one that is adequate for the volume of material being chipped is critical.

Always wear protective gear.

It is critical to emphasize safety when removing a dead or wounded tree alone. Wearing safety gear is a crucial step to take. Gloves, eye protection, a hard hat, and robust boots are examples of safety equipment you need.

A protective hat shields your head from falling branches, debris, and other hazards during tree removal. It should fit snugly and meet safety regulations.

Safety glasses or goggles protect the eye from flying wood chips, sawdust, and other debris. They should be impact-resistant and have sufficient coverage to protect your eyes from all angles.

Operating chainsaws and other heavy machinery produces loud noises that might harm your hearing. Use earplugs or earmuffs designed to protect your ears from noise.

Work gloves with a good grip protect your hands while handling equipment, ropes, or branches. Choose gloves that provide a good blend of flexibility and protection.

To protect your feet from falling objects, sharp equipment, or other hazards on the ground, you must wear steel-toed boots or safety boots with puncture-resistant bottoms. To avoid slips and falls, they should have high traction.

The gear will protect you from injury and protect you from potentially hazardous products found within the tree, such as sap or fungi.

When using the protective gear, remember that the gear is only effective when properly used. Throughout the tree removal procedure, ensure your equipment fits properly and is in good condition.

Understand the basics of tree cutting.

When cutting a tree, you must understand the three fundamental cuts: the wedge, the back cut, and the hinge. The wedge is required to prevent your chainsaw from being squeezed by the tree, which would be a disastrous mistake. A good wedge will also assist the tree in falling toward the back cut.

The hinge is the unbroken wood section that guides the tree to where you want it to land.

The back cut is the final big cut. You do it on the opposite side of the wedge. The cut separates the tree from the stump, leaving the hinge that regulates the tree’s fall.

Parting shot

As you can see, you need to pay attention to plenty of things for you to safely and successfully remove a tree. You can do the work yourself, but let expert tree-cutting services Kensington help you for the best results.