In order to safely and efficiently remove a tree it is very important to consider the following things: safety, equipment, and work plan.



1. Safety- this is the most important aspect of all. Tree removal can be a very dangerous undertaking. Do not undertake a tree removal that is beyond the scope of your competence. Listen when that little voice inside of you is telling you no. Once you are certain the removal project lies within your comfort zone, review the following check list:



a. Personal Protection Equipment – Hardhat, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy shoes. When doing a lot of chainsaw work it is a good idea to wear hearing protection and chaps (protective coverings that help mitigate chainsaw injury).



b. Site Inspection- Inspect the surrounding terrain to make sure there is an adequate buffer zone to remove the tree without risking injury to other people or property. Make sure the tree is clear of overhead power lines and the work area is free of trip hazards.



c. Tree Inspection- Check for broken branches, dead branches (which are weaker and more likely to break), cavities, rotted wood, excessive lean, mounded soil (which can indicate root ball is lifting and unstable), or stinging insects or troublesome animals.



2. Equipment – Having the right equipment is crucial to successfully and safely executing any tree removal. Small trees (about 4” or smaller in diameter) can be reasonably done with a handsaw. Loppers can be used to cut branches that are within reach- up to about 3 inches in diameter. Pole saws and pruners can be used to remove out of reach branches from the ground. For larger trees a chainsaw is the best tool. Make sure the chain is sharp and you know how to safely operate it. A good rope installed as a pull line is also a useful implement to help steer the tree or branches to the intended location. A wedge can help when felling a tree and bucking up trunk piece on the ground.



3. Work Plan – Don’t attempt any tree removal that requires you to climb more than a few feet above ground. Do not attempt to remove large branches from a ladder. This is a common cause of injury. Climbing aloft requires highly specialized knowledge and equipment. This limits the average homeowner to tree removals that can be done from the ground. This would include smaller trees that can be sectioned or felled from the ground. Do not attempt to remove trees in areas with restricted drop zones, or when the tree has a lean. A tag (positioning) line should be anchored as high in the tree as possible and on a branch strong enough to withstand the pull. Designate two different escape routes to take once the tree begins to fall. Next cut about a 60-degree notch in the direction you want to drop the tree. It should go in about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk you are cutting. The final or back cut should be made slightly above the apex of the notch but leaving about 10% of the diameter of the trunk intact. This is the hinge wood that will steer the tree in the right direction. One or more helpers can help insure the tree goes in the intended direction by pulling on the tag line.



When your tree removal needs exceed your own capabilities- be smart. Call a professional ISA Certified Arborist to help.

If you have been looking for a new hobby then maybe one you should consider is planting a garden. It can be rewarding, healthy and educating all at the same time. You get the benefit of being outside in the fresh air and warm sunlight which will provide your body with Vitamin D as well as see the rewards of your efforts as time progresses. You also get some exercise in as well and everyone can use some of that, don’t you think?



The great thing about a garden is that if you forget to water the plants or pull the weeds then your plants will die but you can easily go back and replant new ones. This can be a great method for teaching kids responsibility without putting a pet through the suffering of neglect if they lose interest.



You also get to be rewarded with having a garden full of gorgeous plants. Flowers can liven up the yard and bring buzzing little bees and birds in to the area as well as beautiful flowers for your viewing enjoyment. When it’s time to harvest your crop you also get to bring home tasty fruits and vegetables to use for you and your family. You can even donate part of the crop to a local food bank if you have more then you need.



The greatest part about having your own fresh produce to consume is that if planted right it is possible to have that freshness year round in varying plants right outside your door. This cuts your grocery bill almost in half while providing you with much healthier options for your meals.



Of course, all these benefits are pretty obvious, but have you thought about the ones that aren’t so obvious as well? While you should already know that fruits and vegetables are healthy and an essential part of our diet you should also know that all the chemicals used on them during their growth isn’t so much. If all you have access to is the produce on the super market shelves then that is one thing, but you can rest easier knowing exactly what has came in contact with your food by growing it yourself.



The commercial fertilizers and other chemicals used on produce for mass production to be sold to stores can block the plants from sucking up all the nutrients they normally hold. This is done so they grow faster and yield more per crop but at the expense of being less healthy. When you have grown your own you can choose not to use any chemicals and have plants that are absolutely full of those essential vitamins. Your crop won’t be near as big of course, but it will be a much healthier option.



You can also practice better environmental habits with your own garden as well. Creating a compost pile cuts down on a lot of waste you would normally throw out and can provide you with rich, chemical free fertilizer for your plants.



The health benefits of having a garden are plentiful. You can feel good about yourself knowing when you prepare a meal for your family that it is of the highest quality and totally healthy.