What are some reasons that justify tree trimming or removal?

If a tree poses a potential threat to property or if the limbs have grown too low over the house or structure. Your neighbor might be having problems from your tree. These may be motivating factors for a  tree to be removed or trimmed of course there are many other factors. How do we make sure we trim the correct tree and cut down only the correct trees.


Professionals like me need some fun too.  If you getting sleepy researching tree services and how to cut trees.  Let me suggest a distraction to wake you up.  Check out these chainsaws.  You might try one of these chainsaws if your feeling frisky. After writing for my tree service website day after day, I need this distraction probably as much as you do. Then I’ll get back to the tree removal stuff you came here for.

Proper cutting techniques must be used to assure that the limb or tree comes down safely. You don’t just simply cut a limb off.  Many times the limb being trimmed is close to the house.  Therefore it must swing away from a roof before it disconnects from the tree or else it may hit the house. That is why training is essential. If you hire TreeCrews.com we train our climbers so you don’t have to train them with your house. If you want to know more about our training just ask. Don’t expect that every tree services trains their staff. We bring in certified trainers that are recognized in the industry as experts in training. The idea is to protect structures and to prevent injury to the person doing the work.

Felling Trees

Cutting down a tree is sometimes referred to as felling a tree.  When felling a tree there are four main things to consider.

1. Lean – The direction the tree is leaning should determine the way the tree will fall when cut. I say should because that is not what determines where it falls. What determines where it falls primarily is a combination of a few factors that influence the fall all at the same time.

  1. The balance or lack of balance in the upper canopy is why homeowners and untrained tree guys will hit the house even though  they have a rope in the tree pulling it away from a house. Once the tree starts to fall the gravitational pull to the side and incorrect henge wood can overcome the forward motion and change the falling direction. This can be counter acted by correct  “henge wood”. THIS IS NOT OUR CREW ———— THIS IS NOT OUR CREW
  3. “Bad Henge Wood” this is not a result of a defect in the tree, rather a defect in the tree man doing the cutting. Simply put there should always be wood that has not separated from the tree until it is completely down on the ground. This actually governs where the tree lands more than any single factor.
  4. This is a good example of falling a very easy tree.  There was no rope used because this tree was in a very open area. Don’t assume you can always judge this correctly without professional help.

2. Wind – On windy days the direction the tree will fall could be affected by the wind.
3. Area of landing –  The area the tree will land in should be checked for any trees or property that could be damaged by the tree. We call these targets or traffic areas.
4. Escape Path – Escape plan should be chosen. Doesn’t the thought of an escape path just     make you want to cut your own tree, NOT.  All the debris or obstacles must be removed from the area of the escape path to reduce the chance of an accident. Remember if you cut the Henge Wood correctly you should
not have to escape. Remember this is really a job for a professional. Remember you always want an escape path.

Tree Cutting
When cutting down a tree there are two main cuts that are required.
1. The undercut – A series of two cuts. The cut on the tree are made at an angle that meet towards the middle of the tree, forming a v-shaped notch.
2. The Back-cut – This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree approximately 1 – 2” above the undercut.  (Let me tell you this is a super tricky By cutting in this pattern it will encourage the tree to break toward the notch.

Note that the back cut should not be made below the undercut. This could cause the tree to pinch the saw blade, mess up the henge wood and cause other accidents

Pruning small branches on your tree.

Pruning the some small branches on your tree can improve the appearance of your tree. If the tree service trims to many this can reduce food production for the tree. It is important to use proper pruning techniques to ensure quick healing. Always use proper pruning instruments, that are clean and sharp such as razor saws, pole pruners, or pruning shears. Pruning cuts are made at node, ½ inch above a healthy bud.  Pruning cuts should be made at an angle of no more than 45 degree.

Pruning Large Branches
There are three cuts a tree service should require their tree crews to use for pruning large branches.  Your first cut should be made on the underside of the tree branch, approximately 18 inches from the trunk.  ⅓ of the way through the branch.  The 2nd cut should be made on the top of the tree branch, approximately 1” out from the first cut.  With these proper cuts the tree branch will be removed leaving a stub on the tree.  Then a 3rd cut should be made at the collar of the tree.  The collar is where the branch comes out of the trunk. This is not to be confused with cutting it flush with the tree trunk. This can cause decay in you tree as well. For more information click here.