Tree Removal Tools and When to Call a Pro
May 20, 2025
When you are looking to remove a tree, whether you are working with a tree removal services company or removing it yourself, you need to have the proper tree removal tools. The tools that you need include:
Tree Shear
A tree shear is an excellent tool if your tree has low-hanging branches. It’s a heavy-duty mechanical device to clear woody regions and harvest undesirable trees. The tree shear is appropriate for tiny evergreen trees with most branches near the ground.
Axes
Axes are a traditional and reliable instrument for tree removal because of their sharpness, precision, and ease of use. Axes have a small handle that makes them easy to hold and move. Double-sided axes are ideal for felling trees, whereas pickaxes can help pull tree roots from the ground.
Crosscut Saw
Keeping with tradition, crosscut saws feature handles on both ends and require two people to operate. Before sawing, each person should stand on opposite sides of the tree with the saw held at a 45-degree angle. Crosscut saws are available in various lengths; choose the size corresponding to the diameter of the tree you want to remove.
Chainsaw
Chainsaws are among the most versatile tree clearance instruments. A chainsaw uses a moving chain with sharp teeth to cut through thick and tough branches, resulting in a clean cut.
Chainsaws come in a variety of shapes, styles, and configurations. Depending on your cutting requirements, you can select a full-chisel or semi-chisel chainsaw.
You can also choose whether you need a battery, an electric motor, or gas will power the chainsaw. Gas-powered chainsaws are better for felling trees, whilst electric chainsaws are ideal for pruning trees and shrubs.
Brush Grubber
Use a brush grubber to uproot tiny trees instead of chopping them. A brush grubber uses a clamp with metal jaws and heavy-duty spikes to secure the chain to a towing vehicle. The grubber uses the vehicle’s force to pull the tree from the ground.
Brush Mower
A brush mower is another heavy-duty machine for mowing saplings and small trees. It is a walk-behind lawnmower with a dull blade that you use to cut through dense woody undergrowth, saplings, and tiny trees.
It also allows you to chop dead trees and leave them mulched, saving you the effort of dragging them away.
Stump Grinder
After successfully chopping down the tree, you’ll need to retrieve its stump, which can be tough because tree roots can penetrate deep into the soil. This is something that stump grinding equipment can tackle.
A stump grinder contains revolving teeth that may swiftly and efficiently remove a stump and its roots. Remember that a stump grinder is a powerful piece of tree removal equipment that should only be operated by a skilled operator.
You should be ultra-cautious when using the grinder and observe the proper precautions to ensure that everything runs smoothly and no one gets injured in the process.
When to hire a professional
Even with all the tree removal tools, there comes a time when you can’t do the tree removal, and you have to hire a professional to help you. Some of the signs that it’s time to hire a tree removal professional include:
The tree is too big: Here, you’ll need an expert crew with the necessary tools to cut the branches, carefully drop them to the ground, disassemble the tree in sections, and transport it all away. This job requires more than one person and a power saw.
The tree is too close to the home: Extra caution is essential when removing a tree near enough to a structure to cause further harm during removal. When it comes to the safety of your home and family, trust the professionals.
The root system harms the foundation: The larger the tree, the more extensive its root system. Roots can cause havoc on sidewalks, lawns, and building foundations if they are close enough to an existing structure. To prevent future property damage, this project requires the appropriate excavating equipment.
It is the law: Some communities prohibit homeowners from removing trees themselves for a variety of reasons. Before attempting to remove the tree yourself, consult with local authorities. They may just send out pros to conduct the work for you.
When should you remove a tree?
Deciding when to remove a tree may appear to be a tough task. Some believe removing a live, healthy tree is a needless outrage. However, there are times when a tree must be removed due to certain conditions.
First and foremost, dead trees pose a hazard since they are unstable and will collapse, either whole or in pieces.
Second, dieback, cracking or broken limbs, holes, and excessive growth of bracket fungi or aphids may indicate serious root and stem decay and should be evaluated by an expert. If the tree is unstable, you should have it removed.
If a tree is causing structural damage to your home and you have exhausted all other options, including expert pruning, it may be time to remove it. Trees that have outgrown the areas in which they were placed can cause various concerns.
If a tree is blocking sunlight, it may be time to have it professionally chopped down before it becomes a serious issue for you.
Finally, you must be deliberate, investigate why you need to delete a tree, and carefully review its location so that the service is no longer required once it is removed. Consult qualified arborists if a tree appears to be taking over the landscape.
Parting shot
You need the right tools to remove a tree wreaking havoc in your home. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean that just because you have the tools, you should go ahead and attempt to remove a tree. You should always take your time to analyze the tree’s condition and only consider removing it if it’s right.
If the tree is too big or damaged, don’t attempt to do the removal. Instead, let tree cutting services Bethesda help you out. As a rule of thumb, ensure that the professional you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing.