Most homeowners appreciate trees for many reasons. Trees are beautiful to look at, they provide shade in the hot summer months, and their roots help prevent soil erosion along streambeds. However, what might be a delightful ornament in your backyard might pose a problem when its roots start to dig into your foundation or if you change your mind and want to have a clear space for a new garden.
Hiring professionals like the Canopy Tree company is one of the safest ways to remove trees. However, if you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast, it may be in your best interests to know how to cut down trees successfully. Thus, the question arises: How do you do it?
To narrow down your search, here are four tips and tricks to help make the process go as smoothly as possible.
1. Inspect The Area Beforehand
Before you start cutting down trees on your property, make sure to survey the area thoroughly. It’s best to walk around the perimeter of the site that you want to clear, so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. Look for small trees, fences, rocks, and anything else that might pose a threat or an obstacle during tree removal.
Aside from that, you may also need to consider your neighbor’s property, especially if the tree you want to cut down is near the boundary line. Why? There’s a possibility that the tree might fall on your neighbor’s side and damage their lot.
Of course, you don’t want to remove the tree only to realize it obstructs your neighbor’s driveway or hangs over their house. That’s why it’s advisable to plan everything out and check different angles to decide the best course of action.
2. Use The Right Tools And Equipment
As with every home improvement job, the right tools and equipment will ensure the project’s success; cutting down trees is no exception. However, this task shouldn’t be taken lightly since it involves heavy-duty machinery. After all, you don’t want to attempt the job with tools and equipment that aren’t suitable for the task.
Heavy equipment, such as a chainsaw, an ax, a woodchipper, and more, is necessary for tree removal. You may also need other tools like a ladder, sturdy rope, and a wheelbarrow to help in the process. So, before you start cutting down trees on your property, make sure to do a thorough check of what tools and equipment you have and what you need.
Having the right tools and equipment means you’re more likely to avoid mishaps while working on the task. Make sure everything is in order before you even get started. It’ll save you time and effort—not to mention it’s the safe thing to do.
3. Wear Proper Protection
As mentioned, you’re dealing with heavy equipment and tools, so it’s crucial to have proper protection for your safety. There’s a great chance you’ll encounter flying or falling debris when cutting down trees. Operating a chainsaw or any other equipment might also pose an injury risk.
Since tree removal is a challenging task, injuries may occur during the process. To avoid potential problems and to get the job done safely, ensure you wear the following protective gear:
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Steel-toe boots
- Earmuffs
- Hard hat
- Working gloves
- Protective trousers and jacket
Remember that each protective piece has its purpose, so make sure you don’t leave anything behind. There’s nothing more dangerous than working unprotected; take every necessary precaution during the entire process.
4. Cut Down Some Limbs And Branches
Now that you’ve checked the area, the required equipment, and protective gear, you can start cutting down trees gradually. Depending on the tree, there might be branches and limbs that need to be removed first before going for the main trunk.
Removing a few twigs and branches is safer than going full throttle. It also gives you a better idea of the best angle and direction to cut down the tree. But still, it’s best to proceed with the task cautiously and carefully, just like any other task involving hard labor.
After removing some limbs and branches, you can now cut down the tree’s main trunk. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Tie a sturdy rope to the top of the tree to guide the tree’s fall in the right direction. Make sure the string is taut and secure. You may need to work alongside someone on this part to pull the rope later.
- Make a big notch near the base tree that goes more than halfway through the trunk using a chainsaw.
- Cut the other side of the trunk towards the notch. On this part, you may notice that the tree will begin to lean away, so adjust accordingly and escape to one side.
- Pull the rope so that the tree falls in the right direction.
- Now have a cut tree ready for disposal.
Takeaway
Although tree removal is a challenging task, it’s not impossible. With the right tools, protective gear, and the proper technique, you can safely cut down any tree on your property. Just follow the tips and tricks here, and your tree removal Salt Lake city job will be a breeze!
