Tree removal can be a very tough decision. It takes a lot of consideration to decide whether to take out a tree or not. Sometimes, it’s better to simply trim the tree back. Either way, it takes a lot of work. We offer tree removal services, tree trimming services, and tree pruning services for those who decide they’d rather not do it themselves. If you do the job yourself, you’ll need to know the safety measures to take in order to ensure your safety as well as effective tree trimming. Here are some of the most important tips from “Pruning Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide” and our own experience.
Clear the Area
Whenever you remove or trim a tree, make sure the area is traffic free. Controlling the traffic must be established. A barrier should be put into place so that people will recognize that it is a work zone. To control traffic and the movement of vehicles outside the work zone, signs, cones, barricades, or a traffic control officer should be present.
Utilities
It is a must that you should be far away from places such as gas stations or any refueling areas so that a fire can be avoided. You also need to be cognizant of power lines and even underground gas, plumbing, and power lines to avoid disrupting service.
Weather
Do not continue tree removal or tree trimming operations during bad weather conditions. Among these conditions are thunderstorms, snow, and high winds.
Hanging Limbs
If you see any large hanging limbs, remove them first to avoid them breaking off when you’re working on the rest of the tree. Tree limb removing can be hazardous. Be sure to understand how much the limb weighs and the direction it is likely to fall.
Equipment
Before beginning tree removal or tree trimming, be sure to check your equipment, and maintain it throughout the process. See to it that there are no abnormalities. Upon using the tools, be sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Sight Checks
When cutting trees, you should assess the surrounding area, the height of the tree, its shape, and identify what kind of tree it is as this will all affect your approach to the work. Be sure to look for loose limbs, decayed weak spots, and the location of other nearby trees and structures.
Escape Route
People who offer tree cutting services know their position and duties so that they don’t put other workers in danger. When doing the job yourself, you should be organized and plan an escape route in case something unexpected happens.
Communication
Tree trimming or removal must be done in a way that dangers are unlikely to arise. Communication is vital both between workers and between workers and bystanders. Someone working up in the tree should warn the person on the ground before cutting or dropping limbs. Bystanders should not enter the work area while chainsaws are running. Cords and fall zones should be brightly marked.
As you have noticed, cutting a tree is real work. There are many factors to consider before and during tree removal or trimming.
For help with your tree maintenance, we perform tree removal services, tree cutting services, and tree trimming services in Grand Junction, CO as well as Aspen, CO, Fruita, CO, Palisade, CO, Redlands, CO, and all along the Western Slope of Colorado.
(Image and excerpt from “Pruning Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide”)