Sometimes a tree is beyond helping and it needs to be removed. Before tackling the job (and after determining it really is dead), a good arborist makes a plan. This is an important step in keeping everyone safe and preventing property damage.
The work of an arborist takes them high in the branches, and they get up there with rigs and ladders while carrying sharp tools. How a tree is removed depends on the tree’s location, size, and type!
The Factors That Go Into Planning A Tree Removal
The majority of the time, removing a tree is done limb by limb, starting from the lowest branch and working our way up. This is done for safety reasons, as it allows the arborist to control where the tree branches will drop and preventing any potential damage. Everything is considered before tree removal techniques are decided on, from the buildings and utility lines to the roads and landscaping.
However, every tree and every situation is unique. Before we put on our equipment, we analyze the situation to determine the safest way to remove the tree. Here is a very basic overview of how we start:
Factors Affecting Tree Removal Techniques
- The height, width, and lean of the tree are all estimated
- The direction of the fall is planned. This is determined by the type of tree and its proximity to utility lines, buildings, and other hazards
- The fall zone is cleared. This is especially important for anyone not working on the tree
- One person will tie an end of a rope to the tree, while another holds the other end.
- A specialist will then make the first V-cut on the side where they want the tree to fall; then, a second V-cut is made on the other side of the tree.
- When the tree starts to fall, everyone in the fall zone stands clear, and the other crew members can direct the fall safely.
Different Tree Removal Techniques For Different Tree Types
Different types of trees require different felling techniques. A coniferous tree will have a canopy that is much less broad than a deciduous tree, and thus the lean, fall zone, and our approach to the branches will be different. We might not have to climb as high with a slim conifer, though again, this can depend on the shape, height, and lean of this specific tree.
This is why a game plan is so essential. Every tree is different, and there is no real situation where we can safely say that the tactics that work for one tree will work for
another. This is especially true in urban settings where infrastructure, neighbours, and fences can all become huge obstacles that an amateur might not take into consideration.
It’s also important to note that tree removal techniques aren’t easy and it is not a DIY job. We always use more than one person, and you should never take a tree down by yourself. But the best way to remove a tree safely is to hire a professional to do the job for you! Contact us for all your tree removal requirements.