Tree Service Blog, Winston-Salem NC

How to Cut Down a Tree in Sections

11/27/2018

It is ideal to cut down a tree in pieces when there are nearby property structures or the tree is too tall to fell in one cut. Dividing the cutting process into segments is usually safer for the person performing the job as well as other people nearby Practice caution when cutting down a tree. Having a steady hand and no fear of heights will make the job easier.

Remove the large lower branches at the base of the tree using your chainsaw. Remove these limbs from the area so you have plenty of working room.
Assess the tree and adjacent area to evaluate the ideal direction for the tree to fall to avoid any property damage.
Position a ladder (tripod is best) close to the tree so you can safely reach where you want to cut. If you need to use a traditional ladder, such as a telescoping one, secure the middle rungs to the tree trunk to ensure it doesn't fall. This will also reduce potential slippage of the ladder as you cut the top portion of the tree.
For extra safety, use a harness system attached to the tree trunk. The use of a prussic knot will enable you to stay attached to the tree while climbing up and down. It is best not the climb while carrying the chainsaw so attach it to a rope so you can pull it up to your position. Don't be tempted to step on upper branches as they may break and cause you to fall.
Make a seventy-degree cut down into the tree about 1/3 through the trunk on the side of the tree that you want it to fall. Next, make a twenty-degree angle cut such that the two cuts come together at a 90-degree angle (right angle) making a wedge. Be sure that this tree wedge of wood fall from the tree. Climb down from the tree lowering your chainsaw using the attached rope.
Re-position the ladder to the opposite side of where you cut. Climb back up and locate the wedge cut. Make a straight cut into the tree until the chain goes through to the wedge cut. The top part of the tree should know fall in the direction of the wedge cut.
Continue this process down the trunk of the tree cutting it down into manageable sections. Obviously, the last section of the tree can be removed while you are standing on the ground.

Additional Suggestions

Always hold your chainsaw below shoulder height for improving safety and control.
Prior to cutting the tree down, assess the danger and safety zones around the tree. The area behind and in front of the cuts are the danger zones. Consider you escape path prior to making each cut in case something unexpected happens.
Wear protective clothing, eyewear, and ear protection. It is recommended to wear protective headwear in case of chainsaw kickback.

Cutting down a large tree is dangerous and hard work. For trees over 20 feet, it is best to call a professional tree service company in Winston-Salem, NC. Call us at 336-347-1277 for a free tree removal estimate or contact us by filling out our contact form.

How to Know When a Tree Should be Removed

10/23/2018

There are many benefits associated with having a tree on your property. It provides much-needed shade, aids in water drainage and maintaining soil integrity, and can also be very attractive. However, there are some scenarios in which a tree must be removed from your property. Before choosing a tree removal service, here are some ways to know if a tree should be a candidate for removal.

Location of the Tree

The location of a tree is an important consideration when determining if a tree should be removed. If a tree is growing extremely close to your property or other neighboring structures, you might need to consider removing it already. The damage that a fallen tree or branch can cause is devastating. Also, the roots of a tree too close to buildings can penetrate on foundations, causing massive damage to properties.

Position of the Branches

The placement of a plant’s branches is a factor to consider when determining if a plant should be taken down. If the plant’s branches are constantly growing too close to dangerous places such as power lines, it might be time to remove the plant for good instead of resorting to periodic trimming. The damages that the branches can cause in the event of a natural disaster should also be assessed.

Signs of Disease

You should opt for tree removal services when the tree has become diseased and cannot be treated anymore. Diseased trees are at risk for falling down because their structural integrity is already compromised. They can also become a breeding ground for pests, as diseased trees provide a potentially fertile site for both pest animals and plants to grow in. A diseased tree may show signs in its trunk, branches, leaves, and roots.

Risk of Falling

A tree should be removed if it shows an increased risk of being taken down by an incident such as strong winds. Aside from checking the tree for signs of disease and its proximity to neighboring structures, there are other factors to consider for checking a tree’s fall risk. A tree growing at an awkward position or a tree growing in compromised position are at a higher risk of being uprooted by a storm or falling unexpectedly.

Summary

If you are considering removing a tree from your property, our tree removal services can help. Our experts can help determine if a tree should be removed, and we have the right equipment and personnel to do the job right. Call the tree service Winston-Salem trust to remove trees efficiently and safely.

How to Remove a Small Dead Tree (without a chainsaw)

9/19/2018

Trees are vital to life. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, provide food shade and shelter to all life forms. Warren Buffett said “someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”. They are a gift of nature. However, there are unfortunate situations where we need to remove the trees for the larger good.

For the most part, a dead or decaying tree can be revived through expert tree trimming or pruning the badly affected parts. However, if trimming does not work, then removal can be resorted to as the last option. Different strategies can be opted for the removal of dead trees. You can do it on “DO IT YOURSELF” basis if the tree is small and removal is manageable.

For larger trees or risky tree locations (close to houses or structures), the best way is to contact an expert at dead tree removal service (like us). We are the best service providers in the area. You can either call us at 334-310-4556 or you can fill the contact form in order to contact us.

How to remove dead trees on DIY basis?
You will need following tools essentially:

Spade
Containers and potting soil (optional)
String Trimmer
Work gloves
Axe
Steel-toed boots
Safety goggles

After having assembled your tool kit for tree removal, follow undermentioned steps:

Remove the extra dead branches. This will help you to manage the weight of the tree and make the removal easier.
Clear out grass or any weeds from the area surrounding the tree.
Remove the roots (if they are very long and far reaching).
Water the area surrounding the tree.
Dig circular stretch of soil around the tree.
Continue digging until you remove the top soil.
Once you have removed the top soil, start removing the roots Note: If you plan to plant another tree in the same spot, you can let the roots stay there. They will help in growth of the newly planted tree.
Now pull out the root ball around the tree trunk base with the help of a shovel. Ask a family member or friend to help you in pulling out the tree.

Word of Caution
While removing a dead tree, it is very important to follow safety precautions. Wear gloves, steel-toed boots and safety goggles to avoid injury from swinging tools or flying wood chips.

Winston-Salem Tree Service offers professional yet affordable tree removals. Call us today for a free, often same day, estimate.

Winston-Salem Tree Service Blog