When it comes to tree cutting techniques, understanding how professionals proceed makes for a safer experience. In this post, Pro Tree of Knoxville, your expert tree removal company in Knoxville, TN, explains good tips to keep yourself safe when cutting or caring for trees.
1. Hire a Professional for Large Trees
Google “tree felling fails,” and you’ll see countless videos of big branches and trunks crushing cars and damaging houses. If you don’t understand the terms “felling pattern” or “open face notch,” then it’s time to call in a professional.
2. Use the Right Equipment
You’ll need the following, as well as someone to help you:
- A chainsaw with a 20-inch bar and a 3.5 horsepower motor
- Safety glasses, gloves, and heavy-duty leg protection in case the saw snags on a knot and bounces back out
- A 1,000-pound test rope to use to nudge the tree over
3. Prepare
Work out the tree’s height and where you want it to fall. Clear out anything within these possible felling danger zones. If the tree falls on anything within this area, it will crush it. Tie the rope to anywhere around the middle of the tree or above and leave the other end outside the fall zone.
4. Work Out an Escape Route
When the tree starts to fall, you need to be able to get out of the way quickly. Make sure that there is nothing in the area that you can trip over and create a clear path before you begin.
5. Cut
When it comes to tree cutting techniques, the old ways are best. Now that you know which way you want to tree to fall, start cutting on that side. Cut at about knee height. Create a shallow V shape in the wood that extends from the outside to the center but no further.
6. Back Cut the Hinge Wood
Move to the opposite side and cut straight through until you get to the first cut. The tree should start to fall in the correct direction, so get out of there as quickly as possible.
Always stand to the side of the tree because the trunk might snap and fall back on itself. The tree may then topple backward instead of where you want it to go.
What if the Tree Doesn’t Topple?
If the tree doesn’t fall over, you should tug the rope to get things started. Ensure you’re well outside the danger zone when you do so. Don’t ever try to deepen the cut, as the tree is under a lot of pressure and can topple at any moment.
Contact Us for Expert Assistance
Even if you use the best tree cutting techniques, DIY tree removal is a dangerous job. If your calculations are even a millimeter off, the tree could go toppling in the wrong direction. In a forest, this isn’t such a big deal, but in a built-up area, it can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. And, if you don’t hire professionals, your insurance is unlikely to entertain the claim. Keep yourself and your property safe by calling Pro Tree of Knoxville at (865)-294-0062 today!