The ABC's of Tree Service: Tips for Everyone

Tips on how to effectively conduct tree lopping in your garden

24 November 2015

Roberto Palmer

Whether you wish to remove a single tree, or multiple trees, it is a process that takes a lot of planning and requires a lot of precautions. If there are a large number of trees to be removed, it is advised for you to deal with a professional tree lopping company who will be able to complete the job efficiently and safely.

However, if there are only at most a handful of trees to be removed, you may be able to do it yourself while keeping in mind a few key pointers. Here is some advice to help guide you through the process.

Preparing the area

When you are getting ready to conduct a tree lopping, you need to ensure that there is enough space to easily work with. You don't want anything in the way that could potentially be damaged by a falling tree. You also do not want to cause damage to any part of your property as a result of tree lopping. Therefore, make sure that all items are secured away in a safe place. The last thing you want to happen is to have your house damaged by a falling tree, so make sure you cut the tree down in such a way that it will fall harmlessly to the ground and is not in the path of anything.

Make sure that you have all the relevant equipment at hand such as a chainsaw and ladder. You should be wearing thick protective boots as well as safety clothing and protective eyewear. There is a lot of dust and debris going to be in the air during the cutting process as well as many exposed sharp branches.

Cutting down the trees

You should begin by sounding out the tree to check whether or not it is hollow. Simply tap the trunk with an axe and you will hear if it is hollow and therefore easier to cut. Identify which direction the tree is leaning and what path it will fall once cut. Make the first cut horizontally at hip height. The tree will fall in a perpendicular fashion to this cut.

You should then proceed to make a wedge cut on the opposite side, cutting either above or below the horizontal cut. Finally, cut slightly above the first horizontal cut and your tree should begin to fall. Make sure that, once the tree begins to fall, you get out of the way and find adequate shelter. 

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