There are over 700 trees in the United States per person living in the country. While that may sound like a lot, it’s a number that we’re seeing dwindle due to rampant development.
Despite the joy trees can bring to spaces, in some cases, removing a tree becomes a necessity. If you’re in a situation where you’re considering tree removal, it’s integral that you consider all of the components that go into getting rid of a tree before getting started on your project.
Below, our team shares a handful of considerations to mull over before your removal process.
1. Consider Keeping Your Tree
The first and biggest consideration you should think about when pondering removing a tree is to avoid removal. We know that sounds counter-intuitive but hear us out.
Trees are the by-product of decades and sometimes centuries of growing. After all of that history, shouldn’t you have an exceptional reason to end a tree’s life? Furthermore, large trees are egregiously expensive which means that a well-kept tree can add value to your home and your community.
2. You May Need Permits
If you’re adamant about cutting down your tree, understand that governing bodies may not share your perspective. In some communities, you’ll need a permit issued to cut down a tree. If you request a permit and your HOA or city determines that your plans are dangerous or the loss of your tree presents serious detriment to the area, your permit will be denied.
Cutting down a tree in an area the requires permits without one can result in an expensive fine. Depending on the significance of your tree, you might also have to face the disdain of your neighbors.
3. Stump Removal Is Often Forgotten
The process of removing trees usually includes cutting down branches and eventually, sections of your tree’s base until all that’s left is a stump. Many homeowners that undergo tree removal projects neglect to understand that the process of stump removal is very different than the process of removing a tree.
Stump removals may require grinders, root cutters, and digging equipment depending on the size of your tree. Consider what may go into removing your tree’s stump and be sure to budget time and resources for that project.
4. Figure Out Your Lumber
Your tree has been cut down and all that’s left is a ton of wood in your yard… Now what? Chances are, all that wood is too heavy and voluminous to shove in your gardening barrel.
In these cases, you have the option of cutting down your lumber into usable fire or crafting wood. If you’d prefer not to have piles of wood sitting in your yard, your next best bet is to hire a wood removal company to pick up your scraps or rent a wood chipper to destroy your lumber.
5. Determining Rot
Rotted wood is a tell-tale sign of a dead tree. Dead trees should be removed because they pose a risk of spreading disease and falling.
Trees that are rotted will exhibit a hollow sound when you knock around their trunk. If you have a tree that’s in the process of rotting, some truck sections will sound hollow while other sections will sound solid.
If possible, plan your cuts through hollow sections of your tree’s trunk as these areas will be much easier to get through. Chopping through live wood can be a serious chore that may require heavier-duty tools and potentially two people.
6. Know What Equipment You’ll Need
The tools you’ll need for a tree-cutting job will vary based on your tree. Large trees may require ladders and chainsaws to cut down. Smaller trees might be able to come down with a few swings of an ax.
No matter what kind of tree you’re cutting buying or renting, safety equipment is a must.
Start by purchasing a hardhat to protect your skull from falling branches. Then, complete your look by picking up safety goggles and gloves.
7. Understand Your Escape Route During an Unexpected Fall
If you’re DIY removing a tree, you need to appreciate that unexpected tree collapses happen and kill people every year. While there’s no perfect way to avoid getting hit by a falling tree, there are ways you can lessen your odds of serious injury.
For starters, consider cutting a V-shaped notch in your tree’s base to help control the direction of your tree’s fall should it choose to collapse mid-job. After putting that measure in place, know exactly which direction you’ll run if you start to notice your tree coming down. When you head down that path, do so while partially facing your tree so you can read the situation as you get to safety.
At the end of the day, the best way to avoid tree injuries is to hire professionals. Believe us when we say that the cost of tree removal pales in comparison to the value of your life.
Removing a Tree May Be More Work Than It’s Worth
As we mentioned, trees provide ample value to communities. Not only is their living justified through what they give but also, cutting them down can be dangerous which further bolsters the case of working around/with healthy trees before choosing to remove them.
If removing a tree from your property is unavoidable, we implore you to plan well and go through the process with caution.
For those of you that would like to learn more about how to remove a tree, home care, and other lifestyle topics, please consider diving deeper into the content we have featured on our blog.
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