Having your very own garden with all kinds of plants can be great. It’s the perfect thing for anyone who wants to develop gardening as a hobby. And if you have any trees on your property, then you can have even more fun with your gardening. A tree can beautify your property by adding a lot of personality. And if you don’t have a tree already growing on your property, you can always have one planted. Growing a tree from its sapling stage can be a rewarding experience. What about removing a tree by yourself? Can and should you do that?
The functionality of a tree is determined by where and how it grows. A tree growing neatly in your backyard can be amazing. However, if a tree is growing dangerously close to powerlines, or if it’s getting in your way, then it can be a problem. Sometimes, we need to remove a tree from its place. And when that time comes, we are all met with a choice. We can either try removing the tree ourselves or call in a group of experts.
So, what should one do? The answer to this question depends on a handful of factors. Most of the time, it’s advisable to call in a tree removal service. You can find a great deal of options for Tampa tree services. Calling in a tree removal company is safer for you and for your surroundings. However, there are situations in which you can make do without hiring a tree removal company. Managing your tree problem by yourself can save you lots of money.
When Can You Cut Your Tree on Your Own?
There are a lot of nitty gritty details that need to be taken into consideration when cutting a tree. But if you want to determine whether you can cut your tree on your own, you need to focus on:
- The size and age of the tree in question
- What equipment you have on hand
A small tree can be cut down without the need for extra pairs of hands. The easiest way to tell whether a tree is sufficiently small enough is by measuring the width of its trunk. If a tree’s trunk is less than 10 inches in diameter, you can try cutting it yourself. A height of less than 7 feet is another measurement that you should keep in mind. The taller a tree is, the harder it will fall when you cut it.
Having the right equipment is really important as well. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, then you can make do with a hatchet. Keep in mind that you will need a lot of arm strength in order to cut a tree with a hatchet. You will also need to know the proper technique behind using a hatchet to cut a tree.
A chainsaw is far more convenient than a hatchet. It is also far more dangerous. Therefore, you need to be really careful when using it.
Apart from having a primary cutting tool, you will also need safety equipment. Sturdy gloves, a helmet, and safety goggles are all
essential.
Proper Cutting Technique
When you’re cutting a tree, the single most important thing is to be able to control its fall. In order to make sure that you maintain control, you must follow a certain technique. Whether you’re using a hatchet or a chainsaw, you need to follow these steps:
- Begin by clearing the working site. Make sure that the tree has enough clear space to fall down.
- Once you have prepared the surroundings and decided where you want the tree to fall, you can begin cutting.
- Start cutting a wedge in the direction that you want the tree to fall.
- Once your wedge is sufficiently large enough, you can make a back-cut on the opposite side of the wedged area.
- The wedge sets the direction in which the tree will fall. And the back-cut is what will actually bring the tree down.
A good thing about small trees is that their fall isn’t too violent. And once they hit the ground, you won’t have a hard time taking care of them either.
Trying to cut your tree by yourself can be challenging. We would recommend that you only try this if you are experienced with tree felling. Even with smaller trees, there is still a chance of something going wrong. The slightest error can result in your tree falling in the wrong direction and doing damage. A tree cutting mistake can turn out to be really costly.
So, if you’re thinking of trying to cut your tree by yourself to save money, you should weigh the pros and cons. The last thing you want is to end up with a mess.
