Removing a large tree, whether it’s cutting it down piece by piece or actually digging it up and removing it to another location, is a perilous business. The good news is that the risk can be decreased by following a few precautions. Here are some of them.
Use the Right Protective Gear
When it comes to tree removal, protective gear can include things such as:
- Harnesses
- Helmets
- Climbing boots
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves with good grips
- Earmuffs
- Chainsaw protective clothing
Other types of equipment necessary for tree removal are climbing belts, saddle belts and other types of rigging. The size of the tree being removed dictates what protective gear should be used. The protective gear and equipment also need to be in good shape and used the right way.
Consider and Secure the Area
Even before work begins, the area around the tree needs to be assessed. Arborists should take note of power lines, streetlamps and other hazards around the site. They might even call the power company and have the electricity shut down while the job is in progress. If not, workers need to assume that all power lines are hot.
The supervisor should also make sure that all the protective gear and tools are available and in good shape and draw a drop zone around the tree. This zone’s diameter should be at least twice the height of the tree. This is where the tree’s branches and, eventually, its trunk are going to fall. Civilians should stay well clear of this zone.
Keep Workers Comfortable
With all the focus on tools and protective gear, it’s easy to overlook things such as keeping workers hydrated. Whoever’s supervising should also be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion if the job’s being done during the warm weather. Fatigue makes people more accident-prone, so workers should take frequent breaks. They should also be able to hear, or at least see, each other while they remove the tree.
Decide the Direction of the Fall
The crew should decide where the tree is going to fall before they start work. Since trees don’t always cooperate, they also need to draw up contingency plans in case the tree leans the wrong way.
What to Consider When Removing a Tree to Another Site
Safety must also come first when removing a living tree to another site. Arborists also need to consider overhead wires, other structures, and specialized equipment such as trucks and cranes.
Professional Tree Removal Services
Whether you want a tree taken down completely or dug up and moved to another place, you’ll need professional help. To learn more about tree removal, reach out to our arborists at Charleston Stump Stompers in Charleston, SC.
