How To Remove A Tree: Process and Costs

25 Jun How To Remove A Tree: Process and Costs

Sometimes, you might find yourself needing to chop down a tree in your garden. If it’s a big one, there can be a lot of branches to deal with.

Tree roots have a tendency to invade all sorts of home foundations and virtually any type of driveway. Often, it’s more practical and cost-effective to remove the problematic roots rather than the entire tree.

Identifying which roots to remove, how much of them should be taken out, and the method of removal often requires the expertise of professionals like us, tree surgeons, landscapers, or stump grinders.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through chopping down a tree in simple, manageable steps, starting from the smaller limbs and moving to the larger branches. Additionally, we’ll share some handy tips to streamline the cutting process and make cleanup a bit easier.

Why choose professional tree removal services?

Tree cut down might seem like a straightforward task, but it involves significant risks and technical challenges. Here’s why you should consider professional tree removal services:

The dangers of DIY tree removal

DIY tree removal often seems like a cost-effective solution, but it can be hazardous. Without proper training and equipment, you risk personal injury, damage to your property, or even harming someone else. 

According to TCI Magazine, there were about 5,100 fatal injuries reported among the 132 million workers in the U.S. This highlights how dangerous tree work can be.

Additionally, tree workers have a higher rate of non-fatal injuries compared to other industries. While the general industry sees 89 non-fatal injuries per 10,000 workers, tree workers experience 239 non-fatal injuries per 10,000 workers. 

This means tree workers are more than twice as likely to suffer injuries that keep them away from work compared to other workers.

Falling branches, misuse of equipment, and incorrect cutting techniques are just a few of the dangers involved.

Benefits of hiring professionals

Professional tree removal services like us at TTS Tree Surgery, bring expertise and equipment to safely and efficiently handle the task. We can assess the health of the tree, determine the safest method for removal, and execute the job without damaging your property. Plus, we are insured, which protects you against any liabilities from accidents.

How to remove a tree: Top tree removal methods

Chopping down trees professionally and safely involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the job is done without harm to people or property:

Assessment

The first step is a thorough evaluation of the tree and its surroundings. This includes checking the tree’s health, stability, and the proximity to structures or overhead wires. The goal is to identify any potential hazards or difficulties that might arise during the removal process.

Planning

Based on the assessment, professionals decide on the best method for how to remove a tree. Planning also involves determining the direction in which the tree or its parts will fall and establishing escape routes for the workers. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the operation.

Preparation

Before the actual removal begins, the area around the tree is cleared of movable obstacles. Safety barriers might be set up to keep bystanders at a safe distance. The necessary equipment, such as chainsaws, ropes, and cranes, is also prepared and positioned strategically.

Execution

This is the active phase of tree removal. If the tree is being felled whole, precise cuts are made to guide its fall in the desired direction. In sectional removal, the tree is cut into manageable parts starting from the top, with each section securely roped and carefully guided to the ground.

Cleanup

After the tree has been successfully removed, the final step involves cleaning up the debris. This includes chopping up the fallen tree into smaller pieces for removal or processing onsite and ensuring that the site is left neat and safe.

These steps are designed to ensure that tree removal is conducted in a manner that is as safe and minimally disruptive as possible. Each stage requires careful consideration and professional execution to avoid potential complications and hazards.

How much to remove a tree: Factors influencing the cost

The cost of a tree cutdown can vary widely, influenced by several key factors:

1. Size of the tree: Larger trees require more time, labour, and equipment to remove, which can significantly increase the cost. The height and diameter of the tree are major factors in determining the effort required.
2. Location and accessibility: Trees that are easily accessible are less costly to remove than those near buildings, power lines, or other structures that require careful manoeuvring and additional safety measures.
3. Health of the tree: A diseased or dying tree may be unstable and require special handling to ensure safety, adding to the complexity and cost of removal.
4. Permits: Depending on the location, removing a tree may require a permit from local authorities, which can involve fees and additional paperwork.
5. Additional services: Costs can also include stump removal, hauling away the tree debris, and cleaning up the site after the tree has been removed.

Obtaining a detailed quote is crucial because it provides a clear understanding of all expected costs and the scope of work. 

This transparency helps avoid any surprises and ensures both parties understand what is included in the service. A detailed quote should itemise each aspect of the job, from the initial assessment to the final cleanup, providing a complete financial overview.

Tree cut down: Detailed process

The process of a tree cutdown involves several precise techniques to ensure a controlled and safe removal:

1. Planning: Before any cuts are made, we plan the direction in which the tree will fall. This involves considering natural lean of the tree, wind direction, and surrounding obstacles.
2. Notch Cut: The first cut made is a notch on the side of the tree facing the direction it is intended to fall. This notch guides the tree’s fall and helps control its direction.
3. Back-Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the notch, which releases the stress on the tree and allows it to fall. The back-cut should be slightly above the bottom of the notch to ensure the tree falls in the desired direction.
4. Escape Route: Safety protocols ensure that everyone involved has a clear escape route planned, away from the direction of the tree’s fall.

Chopping down a tree: Best practices and safety measures

When chopping down a tree, we follow the best practices and safety measures such as:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes helmets, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and sturdy boots. Harnesses should be used when working at heights.
2. Equipment check: All equipment, including chainsaws and ropes, should be checked before use to ensure they are in good working condition.
3. Securing the area: The area around the tree should be cordoned off to ensure that no one enters the vicinity during the removal process.
4. Communication: Effective communication among team members is essential, especially in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly.

How to remove the roots of a tree

Removing the roots of a tree is often necessary to prevent regrowth and eliminate hazards. This can be achieved through several methods:

1. Stump grinding: This is the most common method where a machine is used to grind down the stump and roots into small chips, which can then be removed or left to decompose naturally.
2. Chemical treatments: Chemicals can be applied to the stump to accelerate decomposition. This method is slower but less labour-intensive.
3. Excavation: In cases where immediate removal of the roots is required, mechanical excavation can be used. This method is more disruptive and typically used when new construction is planned.

Each of these methods requires careful consideration of the surrounding environment to minimise impact and ensure safety.

Why professional tree removal is the smart choice

Understanding the importance of professional tree removal is crucial. We ensure that tree removal is conducted safely, efficiently, and with minimal risk to property and individuals. 

We are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to handle various situations, whether it involves large trees in complex locations or emergency removals.

We encourage anyone considering tree removal to contact TTS Tree Surgery for a consultation. 

Our team can provide a detailed quote, tailored to your specific needs and situation, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. 

Let us help you manage your tree removal requirements safely and effectively.