Trees are a beautiful landscaping fixture, but there might be times you need to remove one. Dead, rotting, or leaning trees create safety hazards, so removing them should be your top priority. Removing mature trees is especially difficult as they have deep and stable root systems. This guide will cover some basic strategies on how to remove an established tree safely and effectively.
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Herbicides
Before removing a tree, your arborist might give it a herbicide treatment to soften the wood, making it easier to break apart and dispose of. The arborist will make a series of cuts in the trunk so the herbicides can get into the tree’s circulatory system. Once the poison starts killing the tree roots, they can start removing the branches and trunk.
Start From the Top
One of the first things an arborist might do to remove a mature tree is to reduce its overall size. Tree pruning can remove the top layer of the canopy and thin out the branches. They may also tie down smaller branches so they do not collide with anything when they cut the tree down.
Tree Felling
The classic method of how to remove an established tree is chopping it down and letting it fall. The arborist will cut a large wedge into the trunk in the direction the tree needs to fall. They will then cut the backside of the tree, so the weight and pressure of the trunk cause it to fall in the intended direction. You need at least as much clearance space as the height of the tree to fell it safely.
Cut the Trunk Into Parts
If a tree is too large to fell or there is not enough space, the tree company may start removing the trunk piece by piece. The arborists will cut off the top parts of the trunk and remove them, working their way down the tree bit by bit. This method takes longer than felling, but it is safer and works best on trees that don’t have enough space to fall down without hitting something. Stump grinding can remove any leftover tree parts.
Can I Remove an Established Tree on My Own?
You generally do not need a permit to remove a tree on your private property, with a handful of exceptions for protected trees and certain zoning considerations. However, we would not recommend trying to remove an established and mature tree on your own. Tree removal can be dangerous and risks causing damage if you don't have the right equipment. Arborists also know what safety precautions to take to minimize risks.