How to Safely Remove a Tree

Safe removal of a dead or dying tree is best left to a professional tree removal service, especially if the tree is large and close to your home.

You could try to remove a small tree on your own, but this should also be done with care to help save the tree and keep you and your family safe. You have probably been thinking about getting that tree on your property trimmed or removed for years now. We understand that the cost of such an endeavor can be intimidating. Here at Black Sheep Tree Service, we work with our customers to make sure they are getting the best service possible. 

The tree removal process outlined below may seem easy enough, but without the right equipment and knowledge, it could pose a great risk to those involved. No matter who removes the tree, it’s important to be aware of the steps involved.

What Steps are Involved in a Tree Removal?

After you determined whether a tree must be removed—maybe it’s dead, dying, diseased, or poses a risk to your property—the following steps should be taken before, during, and after tree removal.

Some steps are easy for a homeowner to take care of before a professional tree service arrives to remove the tree. Taking care of yourself, your family, and your property comes before anything else. 

1. Clear the area. There should be room around the tree for it to lay flat on the ground once it comes down. Estimate how tall the tree is and clear whatever you can from the immediate area.

2. Examine the tree. Notice which way the tree leans naturally—this could help determine the best direction in which the tree should fall. However, if you notice areas of decay, the tree could collapse easily and not fall where intended causing damage to your home or your property.

3. Pick an escape route, or two. If the tree begins to fall out of control, you’ll want a clear path to run in the other direction. Notice what other areas around the tree are free of obstacles, and be prepared for anything. If there are other trees in the way or tree stumps, you should talk to your tree service experts about removing those first.

4. Gather the right equipment. Depending on how tall and large your tree is, you may be able to cut it down with a handsaw. Large trees with a trunk diameter of a foot or more require more power from a chainsaw.

You may want to call the pros now…

5. Start the undercut. You’ve scoped out the area. You have an idea of the ideal direction you want the tree to fall. Now cut a V-shape at a 45-degree angle at the bottom of the side you want the tree to fall on. This undercut should be about a quarter of the tree’s diameter deep.

6. Start the backcut. Go to the opposite side of the tree and cut straight through about two inches above your undercut. This should release the stress on the tree trunk.

7. Move out of the way. Go ahead and yell “Timber” to alert others the tree is about to fall.

We know you know your trees and that you may even have some of the tools necessary for tree removal, we do however recommend you call a tree service company, like us, to take care of any large trees you may have on your property.

We are trained tree experts, tree removal is our specialty!

What to do After a Tree Removal

Once the tree is on the ground, you can easily remove branches to make it easier to dispose of. You’ll also want to cut the log into multiple pieces to make hauling it off the site simpler.

Customers who use a tree service for their tree removal wont have to worry about trimming the tree or the stumps that remain. Here at Black Sheep, we take care of everything that comes after tree removal.

We know as a homeowner or property owner you may be concerned with the removal cost. However, waiting years to remove even an average-sized tree can cause problems for your property. Perhaps you want your landscape to look more natural and are worried about that. We know how to take care of trees without removing them completely as well. 

Whatever the reason, we are at your service! Big or small, no tree job is too complicated for us.

For more information on tree removal, contact the specialists at Black Sheep Tree Service.