Handy DIY Tree Removal Trips

By Hands Fullltd September 14, 2022 3 Min Read
Arborist man cutting a branches with chainsaw

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In this post we’re going to take you through some handy DIY tree removal tips, if you are seriously considering going through the process yourself. Now, first of all, it’s important to point out just how dangerous the task is. Cutting down and disposing of a tree safely, is a very difficult process that can go wrong in all manner of different ways. As such, if you are serious about doing it yourself, then you must be incredibly careful.

Our biggest tip would be to hire a professional tree lopping service, that way, you can save yourself an awful lot of time and effort, without running the risk of hurting yourself or damaging your property. However, for those who can’t be swayed, read on and give this post some serious consideration.

Step 1 – Clear the area

Walk around the area surrounding the trees, taking note of all of the obstacles that could potentially cause a problem. Such obstacles could be fencing, electric cables, garden plants & pots, your swimming pool, a car, or your house! You need to be mindful of where everything is before starting, whilst moving everything that you can to a safe distance.

Step 2 – Determine which direction the tree is leaning

Stand back from the tree and circle around it until you are confident in the direction that the tree is leaning. Now, simply identifying this isn’t going to be enough, as in honesty, your tree could easily fall in any direction, especially if the tree is unhealthy and the center is not entirely stable. If you’re not confident in this, you should definitely hire the professionals.

Step 3 – Have clear escape routes

As a safety precaution you need to clear a number of safe escape routes if in the event that the tree does not fall in the direction that you’d planned. Any fencing and gates nearby should be left and held open. Take your time and be entirely aware of your surroundings.

Step 4 – Cut with a hand or chainsaw

You can use either back cut or undercut processes to cut the tree with a handsaw or chainsaw, depending on the size of the tree. Take your time and progress slowly until you’re nearing the point at which the tree may begin to fell. Once you notice the tree beginning to tip, stand well back and clear the area for the felling.

Step 5 – Remove the branches from the felled tree and slice it up

Removing an entire tree from your property isn’t going to be viable so you will have to cut all of the branches off, and then proceed to slice the tree up into manageable sections.

Step 6 – Dig and remove the stump

This part can be particularly difficult, especially if the tree has deep roots that have spread out quite far in every direction. However, you will need to dig around the stump and get in quite deep if you are to remove it properly. Then you can simply fill the hole where the stump had been and voila, you’re all sorted.

Risk management is an essentiality when it comes to cutting down and removing a tree, so be certain to do plenty of research before starting, especially if you’re going it alone!