The job of an arborist is to take care of your trees. Ironically, this sometimes means taking them down. Cutting down a tree, especially if it’s large, weakened by injury or disease, or even dead, is a frankly hazardous job. It requires planning on the part of the arborist. Here are the steps that an arborist takes before they take down your tree.

Inspecting the Tree

Before the arborist applies the chainsaw, they’ll inspect the tree. They’ll notice any areas of decay or injury, check the roots, and determine the tree’s stability. This helps them draw up a plan to take the tree down as safely as they can. This may mean that the tree is safe enough to climb, or that a bucket truck or a crane will be used instead.

Preparing the Area

Preparing the area for the tree removal might be labor-intensive if the tree is in your front yard, backyard, or garden. Outdoor furniture and potted plants need to be removed, and there needs to be cleared areas where the arborist can put the pieces of the tree and some kind of pathway where the pieces can be taken to the wood chipper or other conveyance.

Putting on Safety Gear

Once the area has been prepared and the plan of action has been approved, the arborist needs to put on safety gear. This includes a hard hat, safety goggles, heavy gloves, and climbing equipment. They may also put on special pants that can jam the teeth of a chainsaw if the chainsaw slips.

Climbing the Tree

Most arborists climb up into the tree to take it down. They use spurs and harnesses, and they wear a tool belt that holds the chainsaw and other equipment. The arborist releases the chainsaw when they reach a branch. They won’t cut all of the branches, as some are needed to keep the tree stable.

As the arborist cuts the branches, they simply let them fall to the ground. However, if there’s something on the ground that couldn’t be moved, such as a hedge or a fountain, they’ll tie the branch and lower it with care.

Cutting the Trunk

When the arborist is near the top of the tree, they’ll cut into the trunk and either let part of it fall or lower it. They’ll cut the rest of the trunk and the branches on the way down. In the end, only the stump remains.

Call If You Need a Tree Removed

Whether your tree is dying, dead, too sick to save, or growing in the wrong place, you’ll need experts to take it down. For tree removal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced arborists at Luna Tree of Dana Point, CA.