SAve, BEautify and Love Your Trees: Tree CAre Tips

If you have a tree in your yard that is becoming overgrown and unmanageable, or is in the front yard and blocking the street's view, you might need to cut it down. While this isn't an ideal option, it is sometimes necessary. Here are some tips to follow when you plan on cutting down a tree.

Get the Right Tools and Equipment

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have proper tools and equipment. To remove a tree, you are first going to cut down the tree to create a stump. To do this, you will need protective gear like gloves, goggles, and steel-toe boots. You also need an ax and a chainsaw, choosing a high-grade, professional variety. Some other items to make sure you have on hand include rope, a ladder, and wedges. You can also let the home improvement store know you are cutting down a tree and they will provide recommendations for other items you might need.

Follow Important Safety Tips

One of the reasons people often hire tree removal experts is because of the dangers associated with cutting down a tree. If you insist on doing it yourself, make sure you are following the proper safety precautions. First of all, make sure you are very careful if the tree is close to a power line. Even if you think that line is no longer energized, assume that it is. When cutting down the tree, pay attention to when it begins falling and get out of the way. Far too many people stand right behind it not realizing how fast it falls and get injured. Once it starts to sway as if to fall, pull it with rope instead of going back at it with the ax or chainsaw. Also make sure you are cutting down the tree in mild weather, avoiding heavy wind, rain, snow, and hail.

Decide What to do With the Stump

After cutting down the tree, you will left with a tree stump. At this point, you need to decide what you are going to do with it. If you want to leave it be, there are plenty of ways to use it in your yard. You can keep it as a natural part of the landscape, dig out the center and use it as a planter, or even use it as a table or seat for the garden. If you want to remove it, this can be done manually, with chemicals, or by renting a stump grinding machine.

If you have any doubts of your ability to remove the tree or stump, call a tree removal specialist (like those at Heritage Tree Care). They already have the tools needed and will get the tree cut down safely and efficiently.