Cutting down and removing a tree is a dangerous job. One small mistake can be costly. You could damage your property and injure yourself and others.
Before you attempt to cut down your tree, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Do I have the right equipment (and know how to use it) to safely cut down and remove this tree?
This is so much more than just having a chainsaw or an axe.
Depending on the size and type of tree, its location and surrounding area (power lines, structures, etc.), and the landing space available, you could need different equipment. Some of the equipment you might need are pole cutters, felling wedges, ropes, loppers, and a stump grinder.
You will also need safety gear. The safety gear includes:
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
- Steel toed boots
- Ear protection
- Chainsaw chaps or faller’s pants
- Hard hard
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
2. Do I have the knowledge and experience to safely cut down and remove this tree?
This is truly a case of what you don’t know could kill you.
We don’t mean to be alarmist, but there is considerable risk when removing a tree. If you don’t have the knowledge and experience to see the risk, let alone mitigate it, you must leave it to the professionals.
Some of the things you need to know are:
- If you need permits
- The best direction for the tree to fall
- How to use ropes for directional control of the tree while falling
- How to make the tree fall in that direction
- How to plan and prepare escape routes
- How to remove the stump
- What to do if things don’t go as planned
3. Do I have the confidence to safely cut down and remove this tree?
Confidence is a double-edged sword. Too much, and you can get cocky, leading to you taking on more than you can safely handle. Too little, and you become hesitant and timid, leading to you not making timely decisions or taking quick enough action.
You will notice that each question contains the word “safely.” We cannot stress this enough. Anyone can cut down a tree, but cutting it down and having it land safely is another matter.
So think long and hard when you answer these questions. And if you answer no to even one of them, you should hire professionals.
Hey, here’s an idea — hire us. Our certified arborists have the equipment, skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence to remove even the gnarliest tree in the trickiest of locations.