Trees have always been a crucial part of our natural ecosystem. They are the primary producers that fulfill the nutritional needs of a big part of the animal kingdom directly and indirectly. Also, they act as a buffer to keep our environment from touching extremes of temperature and other factors. With the drastic changes in the earth’s character, the plantation campaigns are emphasizing planting new trees and restore forests to restore the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
In order to boost the plantation, old stumps and tree structures should be rooted before starting afresh. They are taking up space and elements that can be used by a thriving plant.
The big picture aside, we are going to focus on the domestic tree removal process in this post.
Tree removal is not something an average homeowner faces often, but it could be challenging. The obvious way to solve this issue is by going to the professionals. There are a number of trusted tree removal services in Tuscaloosa AL that can help you get on with the project. But, if you want to take on the project and go by the DIY route, this post is for you.
We are going to share some do’s and don’ts that are going to help you through the way. They are critical and essential in nature and should be observed to avoid any injury or damage.
So, here we go:
Do’s
Tools & Equipment
There is no denying that all the right tools and equipment are needed to pull off a job in the least possible time without incurring an injury or damage. When you are planning on taking on old trees and tree stumps, it is best to take a closer look at your tool shed before commencing the project.
Instruments and the knowledge to use them effectively are one of the factors that distinguish amateurs from professionals. If you have the necessary tools, then you are halfway through the project.
For a tree removal project, the following are some of the tools that will come in handy along with others that your special case may need;
- Axes
- Wedges
- Ladders
- Ropes
Ground Clearance
Trees are large bodies. When they are cut, they fall down crashing on the ground, and can cause serious damage to both person and property.
While you are preparing for the tree removal, it is best to impart some preliminary awareness in the neighborhood and in the house to avoid any accident.
Following steps can help you avert any hazard that might come due to lack of knowledge;
- Notify all your immediate neighbors and ask them to acknowledge the information.
- Make sure all the residents of your home are aware of the critical ground where work is going to be done. Emphasis should be put on the safety and wellbeing of kids and pets.
- If the critical ground falls around a street or a road, put “hazard” signs and “work in progress” signs to let the pedestrians and drivers know that they should steer clear.
There is no guarantee where a cut tree may fall, so it is best to get the area cleared as much as possible.
Protection
Aside from modern tools and equipment, you are going to need robust safety gear to keep yourself and your crew from getting injured onsite.
The best way to keep yourself and your crew from getting any injury is by going for a complete suit-up. It means you should go for full-body protection, including the head, face, and eyes. Only compliance with these practices will ensure your safety.
While cutting the tree, wooden chips and blades fly in every direction. They can seriously harm any naked part of your body. So, make sure you are covered on all fronts before picking up the big chainsaw.
Local Regulations
Cities and states have their own rules and regulations that residents must abide by to. In case of any drastic change, everyone must know about the law around their neighborhood to ensure smooth operation. Otherwise, it can cost you heavy penalties.
Tree removal is also one of the things that can raise a lot of red flags for you if you decide to go along without informing the authorities first. Laws and regulations can vary from city to city and you need to be absolutely sure before commencing tree removal.
Again, if you don’t know the regulations and you are not up for the challenge, you can always rely on the acumen and training of professionals to do the heavy lifting for you. Tree removal service cost in Tuscaloosa AL is reasonable for what they bring to the table. So, it is a win-win.
Don’ts
Beware Of Utility Lines
Trees grow and cover a wide range of areas both vertically and horizontally. When you are removing a tree, it is best to ensure its estimated range when it will go down. This will give you the idea of clearing that range of ground before giving your final blows.
Utility lines are often ignored by amateurs and DIYers while they are axing a tree. This can cause serious damage to these lines and disrupt the power supply to respective blocks.
If you find there are lines in the range, cut the power supply before getting up on the rig and cut the tree. Otherwise, it can cause serious financial and personal damage.
Ladders
The ladder is a great tool to reach up higher places and do the task. From nailing a picture to cleaning higher nooks and corners of our places, the ladder is always there for us. But using it to cut down a tree will not be feasible for you.
When you are applying force to a static object at a height, there are chances that the feet of the ladder may not remain planted on the ground. It can trip and you can be seriously harmed as the tools you are carrying will fall with you. Or, it could crash down with the tree when it goes down. Both ways, you are better off using some contraption or rig to cut the tree. The option for calling a professional is always open.
Big Trees
As we mentioned earlier, trees can grow on either side and cover a large space. For you who needs to remove a tree on its own, it poses a great threat.
When big trees are cut and they are supposed to follow a path on their way down, they often diverge and crash into something else. You don’t have contingency or restraints or manpower to keep the damages to the minimum or none at all.
This is where professionals shine. They have ample training and experience with removing all types and shapes of trees. If you find that the tree you want to remove is too big for you, it is time to call the cavalry. They have contraptions, restraints, everything to ensure the tree is removed without any damage to the property or person.
Tree removal is not an easy task. It requires commitment, skills, and the right tools to do the job. If you can handle it, be sure to follow all of the do’s and don’ts. Still, the best way for tree removal is to hire a professional company.