Whether a small tree is sick or obstructing your way, you have to bring it down. You can hire a tree removal services provider to help you with the removal or handle the work yourself. Either way, you have to observe several tips. Here are tips on how to remove a small tree:
Get the materials ready
You can’t remove the tree without the necessary equipment in place. You need an axe, chainsaw, stump grinders, and crosscut saw.
You also need personal protection equipment such as head protection, hearing protection, eye/face protection, and UL approved chain saw chaps.
Put plans in place
It’s disastrous to bring down even the smallest trees without a plan. Before you even begin, you need to know the direction the tree will fall.
Ensure the tree doesn’t fall on flowers, crops, or house. There should be a space large enough for the tree to fall comfortably without damaging anything.
Keep the base clear
To have an easy time cutting the tree, keep the base clear of any debris. This calls for you to get rid of falling and decaying leaves. You also should cut the grass and any other thing you find around the base of the tree.
Also, having better access to the tree, clearing the base prevents you from tripping when in the tree cutting process.
Ensure the saw is safe
You can cut a small tree using an ax or machete, but for convenience, use a saw. For peace of mind, ensure the saw is safe enough for use. Ensure you have a chain brake, throttle lock, chain catch, and spark muffler. The saw should also be properly maintained.
Before you start the cutting, carefully go through the saw. If you come across a damaged area, don’t cut the tree until you have fixed it.
Have an escape plan
Some people take small trees for granted as they feel they can’t hurt them. You should note that a tree, regardless of how small, can kill you, so always exercise caution when cutting it.
Before you begin the cutting, choose the directing the tree will fall. This should be the direction the tree naturally leans, away from property or animals.
The escape path should be the opposite of the fall and at a 45-degree angle. In addition to clearing the debris around the base, also get rid of loose branches overhead that might block your vision.
Make a 70-degree cut
With the tree on your left and your left shoulder against the tree, make a 70-degree cut on the side facing the direction you want the tree to fall. If your saw has a felling sight on its housing, use it to your advantage.
Pointing the sight in the direction you want the tree to fall helps you to cut the tree at the right location. Cut the tree to a depth of about a quarter of the tree’s diameter.
For the next cut, turn the saw sideways and cut horizontally until you meet the first cut, and create a notch. Ensure the two cuts meet.
To fall the tree, move to the opposite side and make a horizontal cut slightly above the previous cut.
You should saw until you have enough room to insert a wedge into the cut, then drive the wedge in and complete the cut while ensuring you don’t touch the wedge with the blade.
Tree removal companies Montgomery County advise against cutting through the cut. Leave at least 10% of the width as a hinge. When the tree begins to fall, move down your escape path.
