Even the smallest tree can grow into a stately tree - one that grows right in front of the living room window and no longer lets in any light, whose roots threaten the foundations of the house or that is simply infected with a wood-decaying fungus and therefore threatens to fall over. There are various reasons why it may be necessary to remove a tree. You can find out what you should pay attention to in the article below.
How to properly remove a tree?
In order to remove a tree, official permission should first be obtained. With the appropriate protective clothing, a chainsaw (€109.00 on Amazon) and active helpers, first remove the lower branches and then saw the trunk accordingly while the rope is tensioned in the direction of the fall. The stump and roots can then be dug up and cut off.
Approval is often required before felling
First of all: If a tree has already reached a certain height and age, you are not allowed to cut it down even on your own property. The tree protection regulations in force in many municipalities only provide for felling, and often even pruning, if there are good reasons and official approval. However, secretly cutting down the tree is not recommended: violating this can result in drastic fines of up to 100.000 EUR follow. For this reason, it's better to get permission first and then grab the axe.
Felling down a tree – this is how it works
Larger trees are best felled with the help of a chainsaw (€109.00 on Amazon) and appropriate protective clothing. Cut-resistant clothing, a helmet with a visor and safety gloves are essential and protect against injuries to a certain extent. You will also need a few active helpers and a thick rope. By the way: If you don't have experience using a chainsaw, it's better to leave this task to someone who does. It's not without reason that you need proof of skills to operate a chainsaw! In addition, felling work may only be carried out on windless days. And this is how you cut down the tree:
- First of all, set up a security zone.
- This covers approximately twice the length of the tree - in all directions.
- No people, animals or objects are allowed here that the tree could fall on.
- Cut the lower, reachable branches.
- Attach a strong rope as high up the tree trunk as possible.
- This is held taut by the helpers in the direction in which the tree should fall.
- The helpers are of course not allowed to be in the security area.
- Now saw a 45 degree notch in the trunk on the side you want the tree to fall.
- Then saw through the trunk from the other side.
If the tree has fallen, cut the trunk and crown into manageable pieces that can either be dried and used as firewood or for other purposes.
Tear out and remove tree stump
If the tree stump and its roots are to be removed, leave about one to two meters of the trunk as leverage. Fell the tree as described. Then dig a spade-deep trench around the trunk, exposing the roots. Cut the roots with a sharp object and then use the rest of the trunk as a lever to loosen the rhizome. If you don't have enough physical strength, a winch or a tractor can help.
Tip
You don't always have to remove the tree right away. Sometimes it is enough to cut back the crown and make the tree smaller.
