How to Cut Down Potentially a Dangerous Tree
A decaying or dead tree is easy to notice during the times of year when it should have leaves. If a tree has a large number of leafless limbs throughout the summer, it indicates that the tree is ill and cannot be rescued. Dead trees will have no leaves remaining at all and they will be dangerous to remove.
During the winter, you can remove a twig or delicately scratch a branch to examine whether there is any green tissue. If you can’t find any, you’ll have to wait until spring to see if the tree is truly dead by observing the growth of new sprouts.
Also, brown leaves signal that the tree is dying due to insects, illness, or water stress. If there is seeping sap or moist marks on the bark, the tree may have suffered a deadly injury or disease.
Pruning off sick or dead branches will buy you some time before you have to remove the entire tree. However, it is best to focus on the limbs that can be reached from the ground. For more complex pruning, you should engage an arborist services provider.
You may also have to remove a perfectly healthy tree if it shades or crowds out other more appealing plants. Also, if they get too close to a utility, electricity wires, or a sidewalk.
If you plant a tree too close to your home, its roots may spread and cause harm to the house’s foundation or subterranean plumbing.
In that situation, you may need to remove the tree. You may also need to remove a tree that is in danger of dying after being severely damaged in a storm.
Regardless of the reason you are removing a tree, as long as removing the tree poses any amount of danger, you should be cautious how you go about removing it. To help you out, here is how to do it:
Prepare and plan
Proper preparation is essential prior to cutting down a tree. First, check the tree for stability and ensure it is not diseased or injured. Examine the surrounding area for any hazards, such as electricity lines or structures that could be damaged by the tree’s collapse.
You should then choose a clear path for the tree to descend and an escape route for yourself.
Fell the tree
After laying the groundwork, begin felling. The process calls for precise, strategic incisions to securely guide the tree to the ground.
To do this you need to align a notch cut (about 70% of the tree’s diameter) with the desired direction.
You should then saw toward the notch from the other side, leaving a hinge to assist the fall. Once the tree begins to fall, stay clear and withdraw along your escape route.
Plan for the waste
After the tree comes down, the focus should shift to dealing with the residual materials, making sure the space is orderly and functional.
Some of the things you need to do include:
Log or chip the wood: Depending on your needs, you can cut the tree into logs for fuel or grind it into mulch.
Dispose of rubbish responsibly. You should transport the debris to a suitable disposal facility or recycling center.
Be cautious when removing a big dead tree
Big dead tree removal may appear to be simple, but it is difficult since a large dead tree has loose branches that might cause an accident when falling.
While this is the case, the processes for cutting a dead tree are the same as for cutting any other tree, but you should take extra precautions and follow specific guidelines. As an example,
Proceed with your task according to a work plan, as this is what will ensure that your tree lands safely.
You must establish a backup plan in case the previous work plan fails for whatever reason.
Next, use an undercut, often known as a notch cut, to ensure that the tree balances.
You can then proceed to the rear cut or horizontal cut as the final phase, but keep an eye on the dead tree at all times.
A dead tree can be as hazardous as a stone because the dead sections dry out and harden.
Think about the tree stump and how to deal with it.
After removing a tree without its roots, you will have to deal with stumps. Let’s look at the step-by-step instructions for removing tree stumps.
Cut the upper portion.
While chopping the trunk, use the chainsaw to cut as far up as possible. It will be easier to remove the stumps if you cut a large amount beforehand.
Drill holes.
After you’ve hacked it apart, use a drill machine to make holes above the stump. You can later use these holes to pour chemicals or powders for stump removal.
Pour the chemical or powder.
Some chemicals are specifically designed to loosen stumps from the earth, allowing for easy stump removal. However, you might use a stump removal powder as an alternative.
Remove the stump.
The final step is to slowly remove your stump and root once they are loose enough to be removed, ensuring that nothing remains.
There are various other ways for removing a stump, but they may damage the tree stump or the soil. It can also be dangerous to the existing materials in the area.
If you aren’t sure about the best way to remove a tree stump, get the input of a professional.
Parting shot
Now you know how to remove any dangerous trees. Before beginning to remove a large tree, you must take all necessary safety precautions. This is because falling trees and branches pose major risks to both humans and property. That is why you’ll need to:
- Before utilizing any tools, ensure that they are in good shape.
- Use new chains and blades.
- Wear a hard hat, footwear, and protective gloves.
- Get a buddy to help you with trunk parts and diverting falling branches.
- Communicate your tree-removal intentions and drop zones clearly to everyone who works with you.
- If you have never done it before, let an experienced tree removal services Kensington provider help you out.