Planning for an Outdoor Wedding

Removing a sick, dead, or badly placed tree is a job you don't want to undertake lightly. If proper protocols aren't followed, there is a real risk of property damage or major injury. This is why you will want to avoid making the following mistakes.

#1: Not calling your utility company

There are a couple of reasons you may want to call the utility company. First and foremost, if the tree is growing into or very near to electric lines, notification and the arrangement of a temporary power cut to the lines may be required. You may also need underground lines, including gas lines, marked if you are planning to dig out or grind down the stump. Also, take a few minutes to mark your sprinkler lines. You don't want to drive over a sprinkler head or grind down through one of your lines near the tree stump during removal.

#2: Failing to prepare the area for removal

It's a recipe for disaster if you plan to cut down the tree with little to no exterior preparation. First, you need to move everything that falls within the radius of a falling tree, such as lawn furniture and outdoor garden structures and toys. Then, move any vehicles that could be within the potential fall zone. If necessary, the street may even need to be temporarily closed down for the sake of safety. Once the area is clear, keep it clear – put up barriers or yellow caution tape so no one wanders into the potential fall zone. You should also have at least one helper acting as a spotter. There job is to keep the area clear and notify those cutting if they need to stop to allow someone to pass through.

#3: Cutting down the tree with no preparation

Unless the tree is very small, it is rarely a good idea to just simply cut it down. Generally, larger trees must first be limbed, which means that the side branches are cut off. Then, depending on height, the tree may be taken down in segments. This means that first a section from the top is cut off and lowered down. Depending on height, a second section may then be removed before it is finally cut down at the base. A system of ropes and pulleys is needed to lower limbs and tree sections to the ground without damaging anything below.

For more help, contact a tree removal company such as Williams Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc.