Removing trees from a garden may not be to everyone抯 taste but it抯 sometimes necessary if a structure is to be constructed or more room needs to be made. Most removal jobs are undertaken by professional tree removal companies especially if a tree is large and has far ranging roots.
Traditionally, trees are removed in sections. The branches are cut by a climber who makes his way to the top. Once all the branches have been chopped, the trunk is cut in sections from the top down. When only the stump remains, it抯 tied using a chain and hitched to a four wheel drive truck.
Techniques for tree removal are chosen depending on whether there are buildings nearby which could suffer damage from falling branches and sections of trunk. If there is a chance of damage, pieces of the trunk are hooked using rigging ropes. Rather than fall, the pieces are lowered to the ground.
In places where structures sit too close to trees, the entire tree is rigged with a rope and the branches and the trunk are lowered to the ground. This technique takes time but has a better guarantee of not damaging structures.
Complete tree removal is a time-consuming process even if the trunk is cut down to a short stump. The stump is the most difficult to remove because it connects with roots which stretch far and go deep. Targeting the roots loosens them so that they can be removed with more ease.
DIYers can save money by undertaking tree removal themselves but there are some points that must be focused on to make the task easier to accomplish.
Clear all branches
Clearing branches makes removing the trunk easier and less dangerous. Those surrounding the lower sections of the tree should be removed first and the upper branches later as one climbs. A wedge cut into upper branches and tied with a rigging rope ?one end for pulling and the other for lowering ?will ensure minimal damage to surrounding structures.
Cut the trunk to about 5 feet
A stump that抯 too short will be difficult to pull out. Cut it to at least four or five feet to give some leeway if using a truck to remove it.
Stump removal
?Stumps are stubborn and don抰 come off easily. To make the task easier, holes can be drilled and kerosene poured into them. Since stumps run deep into the ground, the accelerant must be given time to soak through the wood which is why a wait of about two weeks is necessary before setting fire. This is one method of removal and should be followed only after checking local fire safety codes.
?Another technique is to use chemicals with high nitrogen content. Like the fire method, holes are drilled into the wood and filled with the solution. It抯 left for two weeks to a month as the chemical works its way into the stump and the roots. Once they begin rotting, an axe can be used to chop away the spongy contents.
?If fire and chemicals are not favored, the simplest technique is to leave it to decompose under natural conditions. It takes time but poses no hazards to the environment and health.
?The last option is to use a stump grinder to wear the wood down to ground level.
