Tree Removal – an Overview

The process of tree removal – for informational purposes only

DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF – FOR PROPER TREE REMOVAL CALL AN EXPERT. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

Understanding the Process of Tree Removal

Most people have little understanding of the process of tree removal and the steps involved to ensure safety of yourself, people assisting, and personal property.

Anything can go wrong at any time, that’s why tree removal is one of the most hazardous jobs around.

Every tree is unique. Every property is unique. Every circumstance is unique.

Various methods of tree removal utilizes different equipment and setups. Below you will find an overview of the most common techniques to removing a tree. AGAIN, DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF. THIS IS AN OVERVIEW FOR YOUR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Felling the Entire Tree

The simplest method of getting a tree to the ground first involves estimating the tree’s height. Next, the feller will determine if there is enough room to fell the tree safely. In many areas, there is not enough room to drop the entire tree, so it must be taken down in sections.

If there is enough room, the feller will next determine the “lean” of the tree. The feller is looking for tree symmetry, weight distribution, trunk defects like rot or cavities that could give way and cause a dangerous situation.

All the factors in the early stages of tree removal will determine the type of notch to use and where it should be place. But before the notch is cut, a rope will be tied to the top of the tree.

The rope will be used by the crew to guide the tree into the desired drop space. The notch is used to control the direction of the fall, and the final cut, the back cut, makes the tree fall. During the cutting process, the feller is able to change the direction of the fall by adjusting the cuts.

Dropping the Tree in Sections

When structures are present or space is limited, this is the most common tree removal process. Like all other processes it starts with evaluating all the factors mentioned prior.

The most important part after the planning is where to place the rigging. Once this is in place, the cutter can begin to cut and lower the limbs. The tree trunk will be the last remaining part after all the limbs have been cut and lowered.

The trunk will be cut to manageable lengths and dropped. Sometimes it is necessary to lower the trunk pieces with a rope. The cutter must know how and where to cut the notches in order to be able to swing only in the desired direction and distance. The ground crew is just as important as the cutter during this process as they must be able to guide the limbs once cut. The “rope man” will control the rate of descent of the limbs guiding them to the drop zone. The rope man has to be able to time the rate of swing and descent in order to hit the drop zone. One mistake, and property damage, personal injury and even death can occur. This is not a job for an untrained person just as being the cutter is not.

Sometimes cranes are use for tree removal as well. This process involves the need for enough space for the crane footprint plus outriggers, plus permission of property owners. The tree size determines the proper operating radius. Cranes can go upwards of 200 feet when fully extended so planning and experience are key to using them.

Once the crane is set up, the operator will telescope the boom and position it over the tree that is being removed. The crane involves safety rigging that is used to repel to the predetermined cut area. Once the cut is made, the crane operator lifts the section and maneuvers it to the drop zone. From there the ground crew disconnects the cable for the next section. This processes is repeated until the entire tree has been removed.

Tree Debris Removal

The ground work is just as important as the work that happens above when it comes to tree removal.

On the ground the ground crew goes to work dismantling the limbs and trunks further. The big pieces are cut to specifications and the smaller limbs, branches and small logs are run through the chipper and turned into mulch. The larger logs are cut to length and end up in mills that turn them into paper, furniture, etc.

And the final step is cleanup of everything else.

Tree removal. It’s difficult, challenging work that is best done by experts.

Visit this page for more information on inspecting the health of your tree.