Mechanized Tree Removal

Equipment

• Several pieces of equipment are used to remove trees from building sites. Usually this form of removal is not done for transplanting purposes, so the machines cut or remove trees any way possible. Bulldozers with brush blades are used to remove smaller trees and bushes. The bushes are pushed out of the ground with the large shovellike attachment on the front of the bulldozer. A skidder is a machine that has a large grabbing arm that can pull branches or logs off the ground. A type of skidder has also been modified so that it can remove trees from the roots up for transplanting. A felling machine is designed to cut down trees for removal. A harvester is used to cut down trees and produce manageable log lengths for easy removal. A forwarder is a type of machine that is designed to carry felled trees away from the site. Any mechanized tree-removal contractor may use some or all of this equipment depending on the number of trees to be removed.

Process

• The process of removing trees is easy. Smaller trees are cleared away with brush blades and skidders. Larger trees are removed with harvesters. All brush and trees are carried away with a forwarder or other kind of large truck. Many mechanized tree-removal companies will also provide hand removal for smaller areas or for trees that cannot be removed through mechanized processes.

Concerns

• Many environmentalists and arborists discourage mechanized tree removal. Often this kind of blanket removal removes trees that did not need to be removed or damages trees that could have been planted elsewhere. Most trees take many years to reach their full height, and some properties have trees that are hundreds of years old. Removing these trees creates unsightly property and also can cause soil and wildlife disruption.

Finding a Contractor

• If you feel that mechanized tree removal is necessary on your property, it's easy to find an appropriate contractor. A simple Internet search will pull up dozens of results. Make a list of questions to ask every contractor. Ask about transplanting, what machines are used, cost of removal and whether they offer a combination of hand and mechanized removal. The contractor that you choose should care about the appearance of the property and should remove only the trees that are necessary for construction to begin.