How to Cut Down an Arbutus Tree

If you own property with an arbutus tree that is dead, dying or otherwise in the way, you can remove it yourself rather than hiring a professional arborist. These trees have flaking bark and red berries, which can litter a sidewalk, driveway or lawn. As long as the tree is not interfering with utility lines, you can remove it from your property. You only need a few supplies and some landscaping tools to remove an arbutus.

Goggles
Chainsaw
Ax
Herbicide
Plastic tarp
Rope
Shovels
Pickax

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which way you want your arbutus tree to fall. For best results, attempt to fell it in the direction it leans if possible.
- 2
  Put on goggles to protect your eyes. Cut a horizontal "V" shape in the side of your arbutus tree in the direction it will fall with a chainsaw, making a face-notch. The cut should be about three-quarters into the trunk and 2 to 3 feet off the ground.
- 3
  Saw into the opposite side to make a back cut that nearly meets the face-notch on the other side. Back away from the tree and allow it to fall.
- 4
  Chop up the felled tree with the chainsaw. The wood makes excellent firewood once it's dried out.
- 5
  Make several cuts into the top of the stump of the tree with an ax. Pour herbicide into the rooted stump to kill it, as well as the roots, making it easier to uproot later.
- 6
  Cover the stump with a plastic tarp and tie rope around it to hold the tarp in place. The tarp will cut off any sunlight and repel rainwater, making the stump die faster.
- 7
  Excavate the tree stump with a shovel and a pickax after three to five weeks or once the stump is dead.

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