Tree removal is a process best left to expert tree-removal service providers. If the tree that needs removing is huge and is near your home, you should consider calling in the tree removal experts. Tree removal poses a safety risk to everyone in the vicinity. A wrong move and a large tree could fall the wrong way, crashing homes and causing loss of property and even life.
However, some trees are small enough to be removed safely by following these steps to make it easy getting rid of a tree.
Identify the tree to be removed
Identify the tree you want to be removed and make sure that it is not large enough to cause major destruction if anything should go wrong. A tree that has been bored by insects or termites is usually a good candidate as it is mostly dead, so it is not as heavy as a live tree. Ascertain that you got the right tree and marked it on its stump with some paint or chalk.
Clear the area around the tree
Estimate the height of the tree as this will determine the diameter in which to clear of people, pets, and any vehicles. Make sure there is no chance of a child or animal straying into this area once you begin to remove the tree. You may have to keep children and/or pets in the house, under supervision.
Look the tree over
This will help you to ascertain which way the tree will fall. It will guide you on how to cut or chop it down. Usually, the natural direction where the tree leans towards will be the direction it will fall. However, if it is too damaged, this may not go according to plan. A slight change in the direction and strength of the wind may also alter which side the tree may fall.
Chart a few escape routes
If the tree does not fall according to plan, it is essential to have already identified two or three escape routes from the falling tree. These routes should be communicated to everyone on site to prevent confusion in the event of a misaligned fall. Keep these escape routes clear of any barriers to make the escape smooth. Anything could go wrong, for instance, a strong wind may push the tree to fall in the opposite direction. Too much damage as mentioned before could also make the fall trajectory unpredictable.
Gather all the correct equipment
Once you have all the steps above in place, it is time to gather all the proper equipment you will need. Smaller trees may only require a handsaw, while a bigger tree may need a chainsaw. Make sure you have safety equipment too, like safety goggles, hard hats, and industrial gloves among others.
In conclusion, it is paramount that you observe the utmost level of safety for yourself and everyone around you. If at any point you feel that the task is insurmountable, it may be time to call in the experts.