Mill Creek Tree Care
DIY (Do it Yourself) Tree Removal
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Have a tree removal project you want to tackle on your own? Review these tips and safety suggestions - and don't hesitate to call if we can help.
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So you're ready to remove that tree in your backyard... It's finally time to make way for a new planter bed or bench, and one last thing stands in the way: a sick, unsightly, or poorly placed tree. And it's coming out of the ground today.
Before you run out with a chainsaw and some rope, it pays to formulate a plan. That's what this article is intended to do. Disclaimer: Safety is our number one priority, and it should be yours too. Consider safety at every step, and, if you do embark on this project yourself, have a plan. If you'd rather hire us, please don't hesitate to give us a call, and we will be happy to assist. Lastly, we cannot be held liable for issues or accidents which could occur should you choose to undertake this project yourself. Please be safe. |
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The first step of the tree removal process is to determine whether or not you'd like to take on the job. If you review all of these steps and consult others, and feel up to it, then get started. How do you know if a tree is too big to remove on your own? Many use the general rule, that if a ladder is required to reach branches to prune, the tree is probably too big to try and tackle on your own. If you're ready to do it yourself, consider this approach:
Planning: During the planning phase, ask yourself these questions: Do I have the proper tools to cut down and dispose of a tree? Do I have the time? Do I have a way to cut the tree once it's felled? Do I have a way of transporting and/or disposing the tree once it comes down? How/where will I fell the tree? How will I cleanup? (And most importantly) how will I remain safe?
Pick a day for tree removal, and water the day prior. By watering, you make the soil softer, which in turn makes it easier to dig. After watering, stage the necessary tools. Consider: something to cut with (generally a chain saw or similar saw), something to cut the tree up with (once you've cut it down), a ladder, (if required) safety equipment (at a minimum, gloves and eye protection) and also consider a helmet, kevlar chaps, ear protection, and a helmet. Also gather tarps, garbage/compost bags, and any other materials you think you'll need. A shovel and pick will likely help as well.
On the day of, head out to the yard, and get started. Determine where you'd like to bring the tree down. If you're near a structure, plan to fell the tree directly AWAY from the structure as not to damage it. That means doing the majority of the cutting on the side AWAY from the structure. Pay special attention here, as you could easily damage your house, fence, etc if you're not careful. Depending on the tree, you can start by cutting branches and limbs off, or do this once the tree is on the ground. We'd recommend minimizing your time up on a latter - save the cutting for the ground (as two feet on the ground are better then working from heights).
Prior to cutting, survey ALL of the area around the tree and ensure it is clear. Then, plan a primary and secondary escape route away from the tree - so when it falls you can move safely away. Next, get your chainsaw or cutting implement.
Make a downward 70 degree diagonal cut into the tree on the side opposite any structures (on the side you'd like the tree to fall on). Check your work, and make another upward diagonal cut or perpendicular cut until you've nearly cut through. Now it's time to move out of the way via your primary or secondary escape routes. Do not return to the tree until its fallen.
After the tree comes down, you can start cutting. Remove limbs and branches, and cut them down for transport or disposal. When you're ready, get to work on the stump. Either use your pick, a hoe, or a shovel to start working the root ball out. The wet soil should make things easier. Remember, root balls can grow up to 10 times the size of the tree, so you may have quite a few roots to remove.
Consider chemical stump remover, renting a grinding machine, or burning the stump out if it is permitted in your area. While we don't recommend any of these options (given their environmental impact) they can work in some circumstances.
Once the stump is out, and roots removed, fill in the hole you created. Clean up your site (we like putting tarps down beforehand and stacking debris on the tarp - this makes cleanup very easy). And cart away your materials. You're done.
While this may sound simple, it can take the better part of a day - especially if the task involves a lot of cutting, and removal of a large root network.
If you'd rather spend your day doing other things, call us instead, and we'll be happy to quickly and safely complete the job.
Remember, in all things, safety first!
Planning: During the planning phase, ask yourself these questions: Do I have the proper tools to cut down and dispose of a tree? Do I have the time? Do I have a way to cut the tree once it's felled? Do I have a way of transporting and/or disposing the tree once it comes down? How/where will I fell the tree? How will I cleanup? (And most importantly) how will I remain safe?
Pick a day for tree removal, and water the day prior. By watering, you make the soil softer, which in turn makes it easier to dig. After watering, stage the necessary tools. Consider: something to cut with (generally a chain saw or similar saw), something to cut the tree up with (once you've cut it down), a ladder, (if required) safety equipment (at a minimum, gloves and eye protection) and also consider a helmet, kevlar chaps, ear protection, and a helmet. Also gather tarps, garbage/compost bags, and any other materials you think you'll need. A shovel and pick will likely help as well.
On the day of, head out to the yard, and get started. Determine where you'd like to bring the tree down. If you're near a structure, plan to fell the tree directly AWAY from the structure as not to damage it. That means doing the majority of the cutting on the side AWAY from the structure. Pay special attention here, as you could easily damage your house, fence, etc if you're not careful. Depending on the tree, you can start by cutting branches and limbs off, or do this once the tree is on the ground. We'd recommend minimizing your time up on a latter - save the cutting for the ground (as two feet on the ground are better then working from heights).
Prior to cutting, survey ALL of the area around the tree and ensure it is clear. Then, plan a primary and secondary escape route away from the tree - so when it falls you can move safely away. Next, get your chainsaw or cutting implement.
Make a downward 70 degree diagonal cut into the tree on the side opposite any structures (on the side you'd like the tree to fall on). Check your work, and make another upward diagonal cut or perpendicular cut until you've nearly cut through. Now it's time to move out of the way via your primary or secondary escape routes. Do not return to the tree until its fallen.
After the tree comes down, you can start cutting. Remove limbs and branches, and cut them down for transport or disposal. When you're ready, get to work on the stump. Either use your pick, a hoe, or a shovel to start working the root ball out. The wet soil should make things easier. Remember, root balls can grow up to 10 times the size of the tree, so you may have quite a few roots to remove.
Consider chemical stump remover, renting a grinding machine, or burning the stump out if it is permitted in your area. While we don't recommend any of these options (given their environmental impact) they can work in some circumstances.
Once the stump is out, and roots removed, fill in the hole you created. Clean up your site (we like putting tarps down beforehand and stacking debris on the tarp - this makes cleanup very easy). And cart away your materials. You're done.
While this may sound simple, it can take the better part of a day - especially if the task involves a lot of cutting, and removal of a large root network.
If you'd rather spend your day doing other things, call us instead, and we'll be happy to quickly and safely complete the job.
Remember, in all things, safety first!
