Tree Work includes a wide variety of activities that improve or maintain tree health. It can include pruning, trimming, removing trees and planting new ones.
Look for a service that uses a reputable, professional approach. Avoid services that use sloppy methods or cut corners. For example, be wary of companies that advertise “topping” (removing live sections from the tops of trees). This is a poor practice that leads to unhealthy wounds.
When a tree has clearly come to the end of its life, it’s time to remove it. You can do this yourself if there’s enough space, you have the right equipment and safety gear, and you have clear plans for where the tree will fall. However, you’ll want to work with a professional service if the tree is near buildings or power lines, and even if it’s on your own property.
The first thing you’ll need to do is saw off the lower branches with a chainsaw, as these will be heavier and more dangerous to try and control once they fall. Next, you’ll need to cut a notch in the trunk at its base to direct the tree’s fall. This should be about a 70-degree upper cut, and where the bottom of that cut ends, you’ll need to make another horizontal line that’s aligned with it. This is called a felling cut, and it’s essential to ensure that the tree will safely fall in its intended direction without hitting anything important or damaging your house.
If there are power lines near the area where you plan to remove a tree, you’ll need to contact your local utility company to have them relocated. This is essential because live wires tangled in the branches of a falling tree can cause electrocution or fire. You can also hire a company to do this for you, but make sure that they’re licensed and insured, and never accept cash payments.
You’ll also need to consider whether you have the proper tools and expertise to remove a large, tall tree. You may be able to do it yourself if the tree is on your own land, but if it’s on public property, you’ll need to get approval from the city and possibly pay for a crane.
A good tree service will have extensive experience, and they’ll know how to navigate the complex process of removing a big tree. They’ll also understand how to protect the remaining trees on your property from damage by the falling debris. If they have to use a crane, they’ll make sure that it’s properly secured and that they can lower the sections of the tree to the ground carefully once they’re cut.
Pruning a Tree
Tree pruning is performed for many reasons, including improving structure and safety, controlling size, promoting health, and opening vistas. It is usually done to remove dead or dying branches, crowded or crossing limbs, water sprouts from limbs, suckers growing from the rootstock, and other objectionable growth. In addition, pruning may be necessary to provide clearance for structures, pedestrians, parked cars, or utility lines. It can also be used to reduce risk of storm damage, and for hazard assessment and mitigation.
The most common type of pruning is crown thinning. This involves removing specific live branches to reduce the overall density of a tree’s crown, allowing more sunlight to penetrate and decreasing stress on selected limbs from gravity, wind, snow or ice. This type of pruning can be very effective for reducing the likelihood of limb failure, particularly in older trees.
Structural pruning is more involved than thinning and can include a variety of different cuts depending on the desired outcome. In general, re-establishment of a single dominant leader is often the primary goal in structural pruning. For a reduction cut, the branch is pruned back to a lateral branch that is larger than the terminal branch and large enough to assume its role. This technique is a more natural form of pruning, but it does increase the potential for wound closure problems as the tree grows in its new configuration.
When removing a limb, it is important to make the first cut correctly. Look for the natural ridge of the branch collar and make your first cut into the underside of the limb just above this ridge. This will allow you to start your cut above the point where it will be removed and alleviate pressure on this point in the wood as it heals.
To prevent damage to the trunk and limbs below, never saw into the limb above where you will be making your final cut. Instead, make a cut into the underside of the branch and then another cut above this at a distance that will prevent the limb from falling and damaging the bark or trunk beneath. This will create a smooth transition from the retained limb to the cut stump of the removed branch.
Trimming a Tree
When a tree is dying or overgrown, it needs to be trimmed to keep it from growing too close to the house or blocking the view. This type of work requires a lot of tools and expertise, and is best done by a professional. Hiring a qualified arborist will help you avoid costly damage to your home, property or possessions.
When selecting a company, make sure the arborist has ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification. They should also have workers’ compensation and liability insurance coverage. Look for reviews and references, and request a quote from several companies. Get a written estimate before the work begins and make sure it includes all work to be performed. Also, ask the company to describe their procedure for securing the area around the tree and any power lines it may touch.
It is important to check the condition of a dead or dying tree, as it could fall suddenly and cause major damage. A professional arborist can determine if a tree is unsafe and recommend the right course of action. In addition, a pro can trim a tree that is in danger of falling over to prevent the loss of life or property.
Before doing any tree work, call 811. A technician will visit your property and mark the ground where any essential utilities like water, sewer or electric are located. This will help you avoid hitting or damaging them during the tree cutting process. It’s also a good idea to clear away any hazards near the area of the tree, such as rocks, limbs or turf. Also, be sure to set up a primary and secondary escape route in case the tree falls in a different direction than you intended. Finally, be sure to rent a dumpster to dispose of any debris after the work is completed.
Tree Removal
Trees can add beauty to a home’s landscape and increase its value. However, they can also pose a threat to people and property if they’re dead or diseased. When that happens, you may need to have them removed.
Tree removal can be a complex process that requires specialized equipment. That’s why it’s best left to a professional. Before hiring one, be sure to understand the work they do and what it entails. The cost of tree removal can vary depending on the height and condition of the tree, as well as its location. For example, a dead tree that’s located near a power line or other structure could pose a risk if it falls, so it would need to be removed right away.
If you’re planning to have a tree removed, it’s important to prepping your yard for the job. That includes reserving parking spaces for the service’s trucks and chipper. You should also move any cars in the area so they won’t get hit by falling debris. Additionally, remove any breakable items from the area, such as lawn ornaments or outdoor furniture. It’s also a good idea to clear the area around the tree, making it twice as wide as its height and free from objects such as sheds or fences.
When it comes to removing trees, different services have their own unique methods. For instance, some will fell the tree rather than cut it up into pieces. To do this, they’ll cut a notch in the tree’s base to guide its fall and prevent it from hitting nearby structures. For taller trees, they may use a crane or bucket truck to reach the top limbs, and then lower them to the ground once they’re cut.
Other tree removal services will scale the tree rather than using a crane. This typically involves climbing the trunk or utilizing a ladder, but it can be much safer for workers. It also allows them to cut the tree up into smaller pieces for easier transportation and disposal. Once the crew finishes, they’ll load up the pieces into a truck and haul them away.