Do-it-yourself tree removal

If you have ever cut a tree down in your life, you know that it is not a simple job. The truth is, cutting a tree is a dangerous task, and it can cause severe injuries if not done correctly.

If you are planning to cut a tree on your own, you should make a careful consideration of the things you need to do before getting the chainsaw and cutting the tree. You don't want to end up on a hospital bed because of negligence and the wrong thought that it is a job that an average guy can do. In this blog, we will discuss important things that you need for cutting a tree. We hope that this can help you cut that tree down correctly and safely.

Materials You Need
When cutting down a tree, you will need:

• Logger's helmet- This is important to protect your head from falling limbs and branches that can cause head injury during logging.
• Earmuffs- The chainsaw can create too much noise, and you need earmuffs to protect your ears from the noise. When there are too many trees to cut down in a day, you might find it difficult to hear correctly at the end of the day.
• Face Screen- Tree bark and other tree debris scan fly from all directions when you are cutting a tree. A face screen is essential to protect your face, especially your eyes from flying wood chips that can cause you to go blind. We highly recommend you using eyewear to protect your eyes, as well as, a mask to cover your mouth to avoid ingesting small particles of bark.
• Chaps- Working with a chainsaw instantly puts yourself in danger. Chaps stop the chainsaw right away in case you accidentally drop it against your leg. Once the chainsaw gets any close to you, chaps significantly lessen the possibility of damage. You don't want to risk your life for cutting down a single tree.
• Felling Wedges- Felling wedges are a significant investment. It prevents your saw from tweaking during a chainsaw cut. They will not cost you much and will help you cut down larger trees easier.

 
Check the Tree to See if it is Out of Your Capacity
Before you begin cutting the tree, the first thing you should do is assess the tree and the entire situation and see if it is something within your limits. It is best to know what you are capable and not capable of doing before you start cutting that tree only to leave it unfinished. Remember that not all trees are the same. They should be handled differently, and they need a proper approach to be able to cut them down correctly. One good example is a tree close to a power line, fences, or building. If you see that this is the case for you, it is much better to call a professional tree company to handle tree cutting for you. If you try to do it yourself and it falls in the wrong direction, you will be held financially liable for damaged properties.

Also, the lack of proper equipment can make it difficult for you to cut down a tree. If a tree is leaning heavily on one side, chances are it will fall on that side. Having a crane will make the work more comfortable for you, but you may not have it at your disposal that is why in this situation, leave it to the professional.  Further, you may also want to check if it is safe for you to climb up the tree. Inspect the tree for dead or broken branches. One wrong step on these branches can cause you injury, so you have to be extra careful.
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Estimate the Falling Distance
Once you are done assessing the tree and you have your safety gears on, the next step is to estimate where the tree will fall. This is a crucial part of the process of cutting down a tree. If a tree falls on you, you will inevitably end up in the hospital, and that's the least we want to happen. Some trees reach a height of more than 200 ft. That is why it can be challenging to tell where it can be falling. To accurately estimate where the tree will fall, you should measure the height of the tree using a crane. Use a tape measure to find out the exact distance of the fall. Another technique is by holding your ax upside down and outstretch your hand. Move back with one eye closed until the ax barely "covers" the sight of the tree. This will help you determine whether the top of the tree will fall in the direction you desire. This is an essential part of making sure you and your property are safe when the tree falls, so we highly recommend you to give it time and effort. You don't want to be surprised that the tree falls exactly on your roof once the process is done.
 
Clear a Separate Escape Route
Without the aid of cables and braces, it will be difficult to say where the tree will exactly fall. There are also other natural forces that can make it challenging for you to cut it down. One example is wind. We cannot control where the wind blows, and the wind may cause the tree to fall on the opposite direction of where you originally planned it to take down. If this happens, you should be ready with a plan. Make sure you clear an escape route opposite the direction of where you wanted your tree to fall. This will allow you to have a place to run to in case the tree falls toward you. Safety should always come first; that is why you need to be ready with an alternate path for yourself when the unexpected happens. Cutting down a tree is never an easy task. Even the most professional tree service can still get themselves hurt due to unforeseen situations that is why we encourage you to practice caution when cutting down a tree.

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