Is your yard ready for tree removal? Whether you are removing the tree yourself or have hired help proper yard preparation can minimize damage, ensure safety, and make the process go smoothly. Here’s how to do it right.
Evaluate the Tree and the Area
Knowing critical information about the tree that you are wanting to remove and the area that it is in is the first step to making sure that you are able to safely and effectively remove it. The best removal method will depend on the condition and location of the tree, so skipping this step can put yourself and others at risk. We’ve prepared a checklist to help you make sure that you know all of the most important information.
Tree and Location Checklist:
- Tree Species: Identify the type of tree
- Tree Size: Measure the height and diameter of the tree. Larger trees may require specialized equipment for effective and safe removal
- Is the Tree on Your Property: Be sure to double check that the tree that you would like removed is on your property, and not on a neighbors or land that is owned by the city.
- Tree Health: Check for signs of the three D’s, disease, decay, or damage. A tree with any of these symptoms may be more dangerous to remove and requires extra care.
- Tree Structure: Look for any leaning or unusual growth that could impact the removal process
- Proximity to Structures: Structures include any man-made construction that is on your property, including but not limited to your home, a shed, a deck, fencing, and more. If a tree is close to a structure on your property extra care needs to be taken during removal to prevent causing damage to the nearby structure.
- Proximity to Power Lines: If the tree that you would like removed is near power lines, you may need to contact your utility company to cut power or disconnect the lines during tree removal.
- Ground conditions: Assess whether the ground surrounding the tree is level and hard. If it is uneven or soft that can impact the ability for different pieces of equipment to be used in the removal process.
- Identifying Access Points: Check how easily the tree can be accessed by heavy equipment such as a crane or bucket truck, especially if you are removing a larger or weak tree that requires special equipment to remove.
Many of these can be assessed by your arborist if you are working with a team to have a tree professionally removed, but knowing the answers to these questions yourself and staying informed whether or not you are removing the tree yourself is imperative to ensure safety for yourself and anyone else involved.
Clearing the Work Area
Now that you know all about the tree and the area that it is being removed from, it is time to prepare the area for removal. Remove all lawn furniture and decorations that can get in the way of work that will be done, and if possible cover or temporarily relocate nearby plants that you want to protect from damage. Depending on the area, you should protect or remove:
- Nearby trees and shrubs
- Fences, decks, sheds, pergolas, and other structures
- Paved patios or paths
- Outdoor furniture
- Potted plants
- Neighboring property and trees
- Pets and family
The easiest way to think about this, is if there is anything on your property near the tree that is going to be removed, take precautions to move or protect it. Removing trees, especially large ones, can be dangerous and anything that is near the area does have the potential for damage.
Identify the easiest access points for yourself or your arborist to reach the tree that you will be removing, and clear all pathways to the area. This is both for yourself and for any heavy equipment that may be used, so be sure to clear a wide space.
Safety is for Everyone
Once you have scheduled a time for yourself or an arborist to clear a tree from your property, it can be extremely helpful to let neighbors know when it will be happening so that everyone can remain safe and informed. This is good practice all around, but especially important if the tree that will be removed or the work space necessary for removal affects your neighbors property in any way. This way both you and your neighbors can make sure that all children and pets are indoors or in an otherwise safe area while removal will be happening.
Another thing that you can do before starting is marking all potential safety hazards on your property in the removal area before starting. Safety hazards can include:
- Uneven Ground
- Tree Roots
- Low-Hanging Branches
- Power Lines
- Obstacles
- Slopes or Hills
- Water Puddles
Planning for Debris and Cleanup
It is important to have a plan for debris removal and cleanup before your tree is removed. Leaving debris such as leftover branches, stumps, mulch, and more can attract pests, be a tripping hazard, and cause other issues.
There are several options for handling tree removal debris, the most common being keeping the wood, having it chipped for mulch, and having it hauled away. Which you choose will be determined by what is best for your property and lawn goals.
If you choose to remove debris yourself, renting a dumpster can be an effective way to easily get rid of large amounts of green waste at once. You can also choose to burn leftover green waste, however it is important to check with your local city laws and permits to see if there are rules or regulations associated with burning wood, and it is also important to have all fire safety tools and practices ready as well.
If stump removal is a part of your process you can also prepare and clear the land for that as well. Stump removal can be extremely beneficial for your property, and if you are interested in learning more about how to remove it you can check out our article ‘How to Safely Handle Stump and Root Removal Post-Tree Removal’ here.
Tree Removal Services, Do it Yourself or Work with an Expert?
There are a few key points to consider when looking into whether you can remove a tree from your property yourself or if it would be beneficial to hire an expert. Let’s take a look at when you are likely to be able to safely remove a tree yourself:
- Small Trees (Under 15 Feet): If the tree is small and easy to manage, with no risk to nearby structures.
- Clear Access: If there is clear access to the tree with no obstacles like power lines, buildings, or other trees.
- Healthy and Stable: If the tree has none of the three D’s (Disease, Decay, or Damage) that we checked for earlier.
- Low-Risk Location: If there are no nearby structures and it is located in an open area with little risk to people or property.
- Basic Tools Required: If the tree removal process will only require basic tools such as a hand saw or small chainsaw, and you have experience handling these tools safely and effectively.
However, there are many times when it would be much safer to call a professional such as an arborist. Let’s take a look at some of those considerations:
- Large Trees (Over 15 Feet): If the tree is tall or wide it may require specialized equipment to remove.
- No Clear Access: If the tree is near buildings, fences, power lines, or other valuable property.
- Diseased, Decaying, or Damaged: If the tree has any of the three D’s, there is a significant increase in risk of something going wrong during removal. It is safest to hire an experienced tree removal expert when dealing with any of these symptoms.
- Complex or Dangerous Situations: If the tree is leaning, has multiple trunks, broken branches, or is entangled with other trees or structures.
- Large Stump Removal Required: If there is stump grinding necessary that you are unable to take care of yourself.
- Lack of Experience or Tools: If there are any of the above considerations then the tree removal process will likely require specialized equipment and tools. These situations can be dangerous, and professionals who have the correct tools and training required should be contacted.
When in doubt, call it out. If you have any concerns about your ability to remove a tree yourself, it is usually safer to contact an expert to handle the situation safely and effectively.
The Land Tree Removal Difference
If you are looking for an experienced Arborist in your area to assist you in removing an unwanted tree from your property, or looking for other services such as stump grinding, tree trimming, or land clearing, let us help you! Land Tree Removal can help you connect with a local arborist in your area to make sure that you are able to get your property goals met. You can fill out a Free Estimate Request form on our website or through the link here.
