If you own an ax or chainsaw, you may be tempted to cut your weak, diseased, or dying tree down on your own. Cutting down trees is often an effective strategy for slowing the spread of illnesses and infestations, protecting roofs and other nearby structures, and avoiding costly premises liability claims. However, this is only true when tree removal is performed correctly. Read on to discover all that tree removal entails and why you should have tree care experts tackle this task for you.

Tree Removal Starts With Site Preparation

Predicting how a tree will fall is never a sure bet. There are lots of factors that can affect the direction in which newly cut trees tip, including weather-related factors, such as wind speeds, wind direction, and precipitation. Heavy tree canopies, weak points, and the tendency of trees to lean as they grow toward sunlight can all impact their direction of movement during and after cutting.

Tree removal companies thoroughly evaluate trees and work sites before getting started. They also clear the surrounding area for safe landing in all possible directions. When homeowners skip these steps and cut trees on their own, they may end up with severe roof damage, auto damage, or physical injuries.

Planning Escape Routes

When the unexpected occurs, those cutting trees must have solid plans for getting out of the way. The surest way to avoid impact is by traveling at a 45-degree angle away from a tree’s fall pattern. Due to their extensive hands-on experience, seasoned tree removal companies know how to make quick, last-minute escapes when trees don’t fall in an intended direction.

Accurate Notch Cuts

The first cut plays a major hand in determining how trees will fall. Creating accurate notch cuts helps tree removal companies avoid sending trees toward roofs, outdoor HVAC equipment, autos, neighboring yards, and populated areas.

Permitting

Before you make your first notch cut, you’ll need a permit. Permits are required for removing all ordinance-size trees. This remains true even when private trees are unhealthy, dying, dead, or otherwise deemed hazardous.

Waste Disposal

It’s important to have a plan for waste disposal as well. You can’t leave a recently felled tree in your yard for long. Fresh-cut trees can serve as trip and fall hazards, or they may cause other injuries. Newly cut trees can also attract termites and other pests. To avoid premises liability claims and infestations and keep residents and passersby protected, you must take felled trees to an appropriate disposal facility, invest in a wood chipper, or have a plan for repurposing the available wood.

Tree Stumps Often Maintain Active Root Systems

If you’re removing a tree due to sewer line encroachment or the threat of sewer line encroachment, you should know that many tree stumps maintain active root systems for years. Thus, it’s best to follow tree removal with stump grinding or stump removal. Thorough stump grinding has a high likelihood of putting active tree roots to an end, but stump removal will eliminate aggressive tree roots entirely.

Tree removal is a multi-step process that requires strategic planning, the proper tools, and the right training and experience. For professional tree removal in El Dorado, CA, contact Tailored Tree today.