Do-it-Yourself Tree Removal

Planning

• Certain locations require you to obtain a tree removal permit before you can legally remove a tree. To find out if your city requires a permit, inquire at your local courthouse. Removing a tree without the required permit may result in a hefty fine.

  Before you can remove the unwanted tree, you must plan the fall direction and your escape path. The fall direction is the location where the tree will land and the escape path is the route you will take after you have made the final cut in the tree trunk. The fall direction must be free of structures, homes and power and telephone lines. The escape path is located directly behind the tree and must be free of obstacles.

Safety

• Cutting down -- also known as felling -- a tree can be a dangerous task. That is why it is important to take the necessary safety precautions and wear the necessary safety gear to prevent injury to yourself and those around you.

  Examine your chainsaw blade for knicks or dullness, and make sure the chainsaw has enough fuel to finish the job. Furthermore, familiarize yourself with the workings of the chainsaw and follow all instructions and warnings for your specific chainsaw. During the tree removal process, wear a pair of heavy-duty work gloves and safety goggles.

Removal

• The first step in cutting down the tree is to make the undercut. Move to the side of the tree trunk that is facing the direction the tree will fall. Turn the chainsaw on and cut a 45-degree notch into the tree trunk. This notch is the undercut and must measure 1/4 of the diameter of the tree.

  Once you have created the undercut, move to the opposite side of the tree trunk. Position the chainsaw 2 inches above the undercut and begin creating the backcut. Do not let the backcut go all the way through to the undercut. Doing so will cause the tree to fall unpredictably. After you have finished the backcut, turn off the chainsaw and quickly but carefully walk away from the falling tree using the preplanned escape path. Wait for the tree to fall on its own.

Stump

• After you have cut down the tree and cleared away the limbs, you will have to deal with the stump. A tree stump can take up useful space in your yard and harbor unwanted guests such as bees and snakes. Various methods of stump removal are available to help you get rid of the unsightly eyesore.

  To slowly get rid of the stump, cover it completely with dirt and let Mother Nature do her job. The stump will decay over several years and essentially turn into compost. You can speed up the decaying process by adding a chemical decay accelerant to the stump; however, it could still take weeks and even months before you can break up the decay stump with a shovel.

  For quicker removal, secure a heavy chain around the stamp, attach the other end to a truck hitch and forcefully jerk the stump out of the ground. Alternatively, rent a stump grinder at a home improvement store or tool rental center and grind the stump 6 inches below the soil level.