There are different reasons why a tree leans. Some reasons are natural while other reasons pose a risk and you should cut down the tree. Tree cutting services can inspect the tree to find out which direction you should go. If you have decided to remove a leaning tree, make use of these tips.
Make A Plan
Some people consider felling a leaning tree in the direction of its lean easier than cutting down a leaning tree in the opposite direction of the lean. However, tree experts consider both techniques difficult with their own set of challenges.
So, make a plan for the safe felling of the tree. Set the area where the tree should fall and also plan escape routes to clear the area when the tree falls.
Moreover, get a permit if required for cutting down the tree and inform your neighbors as well. Apart from that, schedule the equipment you may need to rent or buy for the process. And have at least one person as your helper because tree removal must never be done alone especially if it’s a big tree.
Tools You Need
For cutting down a leaning tree in the direction of its lean, you only need a chainsaw. However, don’t forget safety equipment such as closed-toe shoes, heavy-duty gloves, ropes, glasses, a helmet, etc.
Make A Notch In The Direction Of The Lean
Go to the leaning side of the tree and make a notch there. Making cuts on the leaning side is difficult so take your time and carefully make a notch with a depth of 1/5 of the tree’s diameter. Make sure that the cut is at your knee height max.
When making the cut, you don’t want to make the cut too deep as the tree can suddenly fall down given that it’s already leaning in that direction.
Make Bore Cuts
Never make the mistake of making a typical cut in the opposite direction of the lean. The tree can fall instantly or can kick back toward you at a dangerous speed. So, you need bore cuts for safe felling.
Where to make the bore cut? It should be on the side of the tree between your previous cut and the direction opposite to it. To determine the height of the bore cut, bear in mind that the bore cut should be a bit above the notch.
To make a bore cut, slowly push the chainsaw into the tree. After making the bore cut, make another bore cut in the opposite direction of your previous bore cut.
Make The Felling Cut
Now, the opposite side of the lean which wasn’t touched is acting as a strap to hold the tree. Make felling cut there. It should be deep enough that it meets the first notch and the bore cuts. If the cuts were made carefully and correctly, this will result in the tree felling in the direction of the lean.
Things To Remember
- Cutting the branches before the felling process is helpful. But it requires correct technique as well. Cutting branches from one side alone might result in the tree felling unexpectedly.
- To make the process safer, you can use ropes to anchor the tree so it doesn’t fall down during the process and in the wrong direction. Furthermore, you can use ropes to guide the tree to fall in your desired direction. Make sure that you or anyone with you is not holding the ropes in their hands. The ropes must be tied to an anchor point that should be away from the site.
- For safety, the chainsaw condition should be in 100% condition.
- For cutting tree branches, don’t lean your ladder against the tree. The tree is already leaning, so with the weight of the ladder and a person, it can fall down. Moreover, even if the tree doesn’t fall, it can jerk or shake. A person standing on a ladder against a tree can get serious injuries from the chainsaw he/she is using.
Conclusion
Cutting down a leaning tree is dangerous. Follow the above-mentioned steps to fell it safely. If the process is confusing and the tree is suddenly leaning due to severe weather conditions, it’s better to hire tree storm damage removal Bethesda services to inspect the tree and remove it safely.
