Felling a tree is the process of cutting down a tree with a chainsaw. This can be done because the tree has died or for maintenance to clear away dead trees.
Before beginning to cut down a tree, it is critical to inspect the trunk of the tree and the roots for rot and termites. If there is significant damage present, it may not be possible to safely remove the tree. Additionally, some dangerous trees cannot be removed safely by nonprofessionals.
A tree can be felled by hand, using a chainsaw or other cutting tool. Professionals use a variety of tools including axes and chainsaws to help remove the tree. This is done because it is complicated and dangerous to remove a tree that has grown on rocky terrain where there are no roads. Without proper equipment, fallers risk being killed by the tree they are cutting.
Other tools used include cherry picker trucks (simple elevated platforms), ropes, grappling hooks, chokers, wedges and pry bars.
If a tree has not died but is simply in an inconvenient location or growing in an inappropriate manner for homeowners or land managers it may be appropriate to undertake the following steps to remove it.
It is important to understand that while you can physically remove a tree, there are always consequences which should be considered before undertaking any form of tree removal activity. See Tree Removal - Why You Should Think Twice. There are often issues with erosion control, new trees coming up somewhere else on the property or dirt/soil movement after removing or digging around the roots. Additionally, sometimes there is a conservation control issue as well where a tree has to be left in place by law.
1. Determine if the tree is alive or dead.
2. If it is a live tree, make sure to check for rot and termites in the trunk of the tree before beginning any cutting/removal action. It will be very dangerous to cut it down if there is significant damage present - often trees are cut down if there is rot or termites found because it is unsafe to leave them.
3. Inspect the roots of the tree for similar issues as you would inspect the trunk of the tree. Damage to roots can also mean that a tree should not be cut down. However, sometimes there are branches overhanging other structures which may be cut down causing the live roots to break, which may lead a new tree to grow from the stump. If this is the case, do not remove the old stump when you are done tree cutting.
4. Make sure that there will be no damage to your property occurring in the process of cutting of trees - especially if it is a large tree which may cause damage to your house or other structures. Have professionals remove trees if there is any question about how it should be done.
Tree removal is the skillful technique of individualized tree cutting. That when performed correctly, allows a tree care professional to down even the tallest and oldest of trees, This process, is generally performed in conjunction with other tree removal services. If you are looking for a tree service, the chances are that either your trees are getting too big or too unruly, or they have succumbed to disease, and the council is forcing you to chop them down.
Reputable local tree cutting services near me will ask you exactly why you want the work done; it's not all about making money from them anyway. They will offer their advice or assistance with the project as well as doing the necessary work.
The more information they receive from you in advance, the better they can give you an approximate price and time estimate for doing the job. It does depend on what type of material they use, though - so don't be surprised if it turns out cheaper than expected!