| der to safely and efficiently remove a tree it is | | | | sure the chain is sharp and you know how to |
| very important to consider the following things: | | | | safely operate it. A good rope installed as a pull |
| safety, equipment, and work plan. | | | | line is also a useful implement to help steer the |
| 1. Safety- this is the most important aspect of all. | | | | tree or branches to the intended location. A |
| Tree removal can be a very dangerous | | | | wedge can help when felling a tree and bucking up |
| undertaking. Do not undertake a tree removal | | | | trunk piece on the ground. |
| that is beyond the scope of your competence. | | | | 3. Work Plan - Don’t attempt any tree |
| Listen when that little voice inside of you is telling | | | | removal that requires you to climb more than a |
| you no. Once you are certain the removal project | | | | few feet above ground. Do not attempt to |
| lies within your comfort zone, review the following | | | | remove large branches from a ladder. This is a |
| check list:a. Personal Protection Equipment - | | | | common cause of injury. Climbing aloft requires |
| Hardhat, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy shoes. | | | | highly specialized knowledge and equipment. This |
| When doing a lot of chainsaw work it is a good | | | | limits the average homeowner to tree removals |
| idea to wear hearing protection and chaps | | | | that can be done from the ground. This would |
| (protective coverings that help mitigate chainsaw | | | | include smaller trees that can be sectioned or |
| injury).b. Site Inspection- Inspect the surrounding | | | | felled from the ground. Do not attempt to |
| terrain to make sure there is an adequate buffer | | | | remove trees in areas with restricted drop zones, |
| zone to remove the tree without risking injury to | | | | or when the tree has a lean. A tag (positioning) |
| other people or property. Make sure the tree is | | | | line should be anchored as high in the tree as |
| clear of overhead power lines and the work area | | | | possible and on a branch strong enough to |
| is free of trip hazards.c. Tree Inspection- Check | | | | withstand the pull. Designate two different escape |
| for broken branches, dead branches (which are | | | | routes to take once the tree begins to fall. Next |
| weaker and more likely to break), cavities, rotted | | | | cut about a 60-degree notch in the direction you |
| wood, excessive lean, mounded soil (which can | | | | want to drop the tree. It should go in about 1/3 |
| indicate root ball is lifting and unstable), or stinging | | | | the diameter of the trunk you are cutting. The |
| insects or troublesome animals. | | | | final or back cut should be made slightly above |
| 2. Equipment – Having the right equipment | | | | the apex of the notch but leaving about 10% of |
| is crucial to successfully and safely executing any | | | | the diameter of the trunk intact. This is the hinge |
| tree removal. Small trees (about 4” or | | | | wood that will steer the tree in the right direction. |
| smaller in diameter) can be reasonably done with | | | | One or more helpers can help insure the tree |
| a handsaw. Loppers can be used to cut branches | | | | goes in the intended direction by pulling on the tag |
| that are within reach- up to about 3 inches in | | | | line. |
| diameter. Pole saws and pruners can be used to | | | | When your tree removal needs exceed your own |
| remove out of reach branches from the ground. | | | | capabilities- be smart. Call a professional ISA |
| For larger trees a chainsaw is the best tool. Make | | | | Certified Arborist to help. |