In this article, we’ll discuss the proper methodology for safe tree removal.

Trees are a vital part of our landscape for myriad reasons. Trees provide shade, oxygen, mini-ecosystems, bird sanctuaries, and decades of ever-evolving beauty to behold. Sadly, sometimes our towering beauties succumb to diseases or storm damage and become hazardous to humans and their property. In extreme cases, trees must be removed for safety reasons. 

Tree removal method depends on tree size

Even small trees should only be removed by a property owner if they have the correct equipment. 

Trees with less than a 7-inch diameter with one cut through the trunk.

Slightly larger trees will require three cuts before felling:

1. A cut should be made one quarter of the way through the trunk on the side you wish the tree to fall toward.
2. The second cut should be made 2 inches above the first. This cut needs to be angled downward at 45 degrees to form a wedge.
3. On the opposite side of that wedge make your third and final cut around 2 inches from the bottom of the wedge. Keep cutting until 10 percent of the diameter remains between the wedge and the back cut. 
4. If the tree doesn’t start falling after the cuts are made, use a sledgehammer, ax or felling wedge to encourage movement.

This is a crucial time and needs full attention to determine how the tree is moving. As soon as the tree begins to fall, run in the opposite direction as far away from the area as you can. 

You can also check out the video on safe tree removal below.

Removing large trees

Removing large trees requires a trained professional to ascertain dangerous issues prior to felling. Large trees also need powerful chainsaws and proper rigging equipment. These giants are better left to your local tree removal companies.

A tree removal professional or arborist will initially assess the height of the tree and determine the exact amount of space required for it to lie horizontally. They also pre-determine the direction in which it will fall and check for defects that could potentially cause the tree to collapse in an unpredictable manner. The professional will also insist on clearing the property of anything that could conceivably be damaged by the falling tree.

Many properties simply don’t have the space needed to fell a large tree all at once, and in these cases, it must be cut down in sections. For large trees that must be removed section by section, a rigging cable will be placed from the middle of the tree so the worker can easily climb it to remove limbs before felling. This requires patience and precise knowledge of where to cut the wedges to allow the branches to fall in the right direction.

When a tree is removed in sections, the pieces will often be lowered with a rope. Usually, a second worker will be below guiding the large branches in a rope safely to the ground.

In some trickier tree removal jobs, cranes are used for safety measures and to ensure that no damage is sustained to the surrounding property. When a crane is employed, it lifts the worker to the top of the canopy where they will then tie a rope or cable. The worker gradually moves down, cuts the top section, then the operator gently lifts the section to the ground. This process repeats until the entire tree is removed.

Tree removal safety tips

• Never fell a tree by yourself! Always have a helper or at least an observer in case you’re injured.
• Always have another person on the job to look out for unpredictable swaying or falling limbs.
• Proper tree-removal gear is an absolute must if a tree is going to be removed by a non-professional. 
• Always wear a hard hat, safety goggles, heavy gloves, ear protection, and work boots. 
• The chainsaw should have a bar at least as long as the tree’s diameter. 
• Always know the direction in which you want the tree to fall. Be aware that if a tree is leaning, it will generally fall in the direction in which it is leaning. 
• It’s important to have a good amount of space for the tree to fall safely without endangering the surrounding property.
• Always have several escape routes planned in case the tree falls in an unpredictable way.

On a side note: Palm trees are particularly dangerous to attempt to cut down without professional help. The heavy fronds weigh a ton and are poorly attached. They have been known to fall and injure people without warning.

Cleanup and stump removal

The larger pieces of debris left over from tree removal can often be used for landscaping projects or firewood. The smaller pieces can be ground up in a wood chipper and turned into mulch for your garden. If these materials are not going to be used, they can be removed by the tree-service, or taken to an organic waste dump.

The last part of any tree-removal job is to deal with the remaining stump. You could choose to leave the stump behind, cut as close to the soil as possible, or at a predetermined height. Stumps can be used as planters or pedestals for potted plants. 

Smaller stumps can be removed with a shovel. However, if you want a large stump to be removed, it’s best to ask the tree service to do this. Tree and stump removal can be a tricky job if you don’t have the expertise or proper equipment. Big jobs are best left to professionals.

Legalities of tree removal

Some jurisdictions don’t allow removal for strictly esthetic reasons but will make exceptions for a tree that is deemed to be dangerous. An arborist will be able to determine whether or not a tree is in need of removal.

Additional reading

• 5 Working with a Tree Removal Pro
• Tree Removal: You May Want to Consider an Expert
• The Homeowner’s Guide to Tree Removal
• It’s Gone, Now What? What to Do after You’ve Had a Tree Removed
• Signs that it’s time for tree removal services
• What is a certified arborist? What do arborists do?
• Do you need a permit to remove a tree in the Tampa area?
• How to remove tree stumps
• Tampa tree removal spat headed back to court