Easy Tree Removal

Featured Pro/Author: Eric Stromer Tags: exterior, garden, gardening, landscape, landscaping, lawn and garden, outdoor, safety, security, tree, yard

Tree removal can be necessary for dead or damaging trees. Eric shows us the safe and proper way to do it.

Step 1: Chop It Down

Tree removal can be necessary for dead or damaging trees, but there’s a safe and proper way to do it. First, check to see if the tree is hanging over any utility lines. If so, contact your local utility company. And be careful if the tree is leaning more toward a structure or fence.
Step 2: Plan Your Escape

Step back and see which way the tree is naturally leaning—it’s easier to make the tree fall that way. But make sure you map out two escape routes for when the tree falls.
Step 3: First Cut

Saw the tree. First make an undercut, a 90-degree, pie-shaped piece, in the base of the tree in the direction where you want the tree to fall. Just don’t cut all the way through the tree.
Step 4: Take the Fall

Make a back cut on the other side of the tree, which should be two inches over the hinge, or the intersection of the undercut—and watch the tree fall.
Step 5: Branch Off

Once the tree is down, remove branches from the bottom up to the top. Remove only the branches that are on the opposite side of you.
Step 6: Stump the Yard

What do you do with the stump? You can dig it out or call a tree service to grind it down. Or drill holes into the stump and pour a solution in that makes it decompose faster. Or you can leave it alone and let it decay naturally.

Steps Items

Step 1: Chop It Down
Tree removal can be necessary for dead or damaging trees, but there’s a safe and proper way to do it. First, check to see if the tree is hanging over any utility lines. If so, contact your local utility company. And be careful if the tree is leaning more toward a structure or fence.

Step 2: Plan Your Escape
Step back and see which way the tree is naturally leaning—it’s easier to make the tree fall that way. But make sure you map out two escape routes for when the tree falls.

Step 3: First Cut
Saw the tree. First make an undercut, a 90-degree, pie-shaped piece, in the base of the tree in the direction where you want the tree to fall. Just don’t cut all the way through the tree.

Step 4: Take the Fall
Make a back cut on the other side of the tree, which should be two inches over the hinge, or the intersection of the undercut—and watch the tree fall.

Step 5: Branch Off
Once the tree is down, remove branches from the bottom up to the top. Remove only the branches that are on the opposite side of you.

Step 6: Stump the Yard
What do you do with the stump? You can dig it out or call a tree service to grind it down. Or drill holes into the stump and pour a solution in that makes it decompose faster. Or you can leave it alone and let it decay naturally.