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How Do I Remove a Fallen Tree?

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Winter storms can be destructive, especially for trees. Winter storms are one of the most challenging forms of emergencies as they may include blizzards, communications system failures, electrical storms, hail, high winds, ice, power outages, road closures, sleet, snow, and transportation accidents that pose risks to buildings, collections, and people.

On average the United States has roughly four catastrophic winter storms annually with storms occurring most commonly in the northeastern US. Trees can pose certain threats during winter storms, including damage to houses and property, as well as being an eyesore.

Removing a large fallen tree by yourself tends can be very difficult and dangerous, especially if you don’t have much experience with tree removal. Using a chainsaw is also extremely dangerous, and if you’re a novice, you should never try to remove a large tree by yourself. Professional help is highly recommended, as fallen trees can occur in many different dangerous scenarios that can’t all be covered in one article. Partially fallen trees are the most dangerous, as they are usually supported by a few branches under great tension and can resume falling at any time.

However, for certain trees, it may make sense to avoid the cost of tree removal and just do the job yourself. Below, are some tips on how to remove fallen tree:

1. Make sure you are allowed to remove the tree. Most cities and counties have ordinances related to the removal of any tree from a property, fallen or not. Since removing a tree from a property may have significant effects on water absorption and runoff, it is best to check with your local government office regarding any permits that might be required to remove the tree.

2. Safety first. A fallen tree can be dangerous. The tree might be resting precariously on some unseen obstruction or only be partially fallen. Make sure the area is safe before you start working to remove it. If you are not certain that the area is safe, tree removal Bellevue services should be contacted for assisting the removal. Also,always have at least another person work with you. That why, in case you get trapped or injured, there is someone to assist or call for help. If using a chainsaw, make sure you have the appropriate safety gear. Never use a chainsaw on a fallen tree unless you are well protected.

3. Start chopping.  Once you are ready, begin from the top to remove the tree’s branches. Work your way down until you have stripped the tree’s trunk of all branches. Then divide the tree into manageable slices (which should get narrower towards the tree’s trunk). Use a chain or hand saw to cut the tree into these slices. If the wood is good and dry, you can save it for firewood. It is best to continually clear the debris from where you are working, as tripping or stepping on a branch could result injuries.

4. Dispose the debris. There are a number of ways to deal with the resultant chopped wood from a fallen tree. You can use a professionally equipped tree service to come and grind the chunks of the tree to sawdust and haul it away, or you can store it for firewood. Some local governments will pick up smaller-sized dead branches and wood debris with trash collection or special recycling runs. Check to see if this is true for your area.

In the future, tree service Bellevue specialists recommend to avoid planting any large bushes or trees near your home or business, and cut back all dead branches on trees in the surrounding areas. If you are ever unsure on the removal of a fallen tree, it is best to consult with your local tree removal services to see what option is best for you.

 


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How and when should I cut down a tree?

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arborist seattleTrees can raise the land value of a home and make the property look more appealing. What most people forget is that trees, like all living creatures, also die and can become hazardous, making it necessary to remove them safely and efficiently when they reach the end of their time.

According to professional Seattle arborist companies, it’s not always easy to know when the time has come to cut down a tree, but obvious signs usually come in the form of falling branches and an overabundance of brown leaves.

Homeowners that catch these problems early might be able to save their trees, but in most cases, the best option will be to cut down the tree before it causes property damage or personal injury.

If you want to take the task on by yourself, make sure you have the necessary tools (chainsaw, ladder, wedges, rope) and safety equipment (hart hat, eye and ear protection, work gloves). It is important to be aware that this is a very dangerous task and many people have died over simple mistakes they made while cutting down trees. Be careful!

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to cut down a tree:

Step 1: Assess the tree and determine the felling direction.

Take a note of any slants or potential imbalances in the tree as this may alter the direction it falls. It is usually easier to fell a tree in the direction it is leaning. Also, try to choose a landing path without tree stumps, rocks or uneven ground as this may crack the tree or create conditions for a dangerous “kick back.”

Step 2: Plan an escape route

Safety first. When chopping down a tree make sure to have a safe retreat path once the tree begins to fall. The ideal escape route should have a clear path of at least 25 feet from the stump. Make sure to back away from the tree at a 45 degree angle and never turn your back on the tree once it’s falling!

Step 3: Creating the first notch or face cut

This is a two cut process.The face cut is made by making a top cut and bottom cut, diagonally, resulting in a V-shaped notch. Redmond tree removal experts advise making the top cut horizontal to the ground, and angling the bottom cut up at 20 degree angle. Both cuts should reach about 1/3 of the way into the tree trunk.

Step 4: Creating a back cut

The back cut, the third and final cut, is a horizontal cut on the opposite side of the notch. The back cut should be one to two inches higher than the corner of the notch. It is important to not cut all the way through the tree because the uncut part in the center will steer the tree to fall in the direction you want it to.

Step 5: Timber!

Make the back cut slowly and soon enough you will see the tree begin to fall. You should hear loud cracks, but if you don’t, you can use a rope to help pull the tree down. Once the tree is falling, turn off the chainsaw and back away quickly. Do not stand directly behind the tree to avoid being injured by a possible kick back from the trunk.

There it is. Five steps to cutting down a tree. It may sound easy, but in practice this is skill that only develops with practice. Experts say it’s best to start practicing with small trees (below 20 feet) before trying anything larger. Just remember to use the proper safety equipment and precautions.

If you do not feel prepared to take on such a task, it is best to have the tree in question inspected by a professional arborist. Homeowners in the Seattle area have often recommended the staff at the Certified Arborist Tree Care for their expertise and landscaping knowledge.


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How Do I Become a Certified Arborist?

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According to Seattle arborist experts at Certified Arborist Tree Care, LLC, certified arborists are “knowledgeable about trees, and often work with tree services and/or as consulting arborist”.

There are a number of ways to begin the process of becoming a certified arborist. For those that wish to pursue formal training, there are formal certifications and programs available in arboriculture or horticultures at a number of colleges that offer either a two-year or four-year program.

Depending on the amount of experience and education background, some arborists are more qualified than others, however, the most important part of undertaking a career as an arborist is having extensive experience and knowledge of working effectively and safely with trees.

In order to become a certified arborist in the USA,  you must pass a written test from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). There are other certifications exams, such as the Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), but they are not as well-known.

According to Redmond arborist at Certified Arborist Tree Care,

“an ISA Certified Arborist is the most widely recognized in the world”.

In addition, a certified arborist is required to have at least three years of documented and verified experience. Certification must be renewed every trees years in order to ensure a advance level of professional training.

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