Cutting Down a Tree Near a House

Last Updated: 4 December 2020

Trees found too close to your home pose a risk to people living there. If you have a tree that is within 10 to 20 feet of your house and you live in a fire or cyclone one, then you should consider cutting it down.

Cutting down a tree, especially neat to your home, requires planning and preparation. You need to make proper cuts and calculations otherwise the tree might fall on your house.

Your first option should be to get an insured tree service to help cut it down.  You could also get a certified professional to do the work.

If you live in a city where you need a permit to cut down a tree make sure you get it first.

Depending on where you live, you should consider the most conducive method to do it. The first thing you should always have in mind is safety. This includes both the safety of the property next to the tree and the people cutting down the tree.

Ensure that everybody has the proper safety equipment, this includes:

• Work glove – to protect your hand from cuts and puncture wounds
• Eye protection – to protect your eyes from debris or any foreign objects
• Hard hats – Limbs and branches may fall down hence the hat protects your head
• Ear plugs – Being exposed to loud noises may affect your ears hence you need ear protection for them
• Face shield – Protects your face from debris and the machine’s kickback
• Steel-toed boots and leg protection – Protects your feet and legs from getting cut. Must be cut-resistant and cover you from the legs to the thigh. The boots should be firm and prevent you from slipping.

Climbing equipment- These includes belts, ropes and slings that are supposed to keep you secure when you are cutting down the tree branches.

The chainsaw is a powerful tool that can be used to cut down a tree but should be handled with care. Using it is very simple and is quick. They are strong enough to cut through wood easily.

As powerful and easy it is to operate one, it can also cause accidents. Always make sure that you are certified or have a lot of experience using one. Here are some of the main things to keep in mind if you are going to be using a chainsaw:

• Always make sure you have read the manual before operating it
• Never lower your guard when operating. You should always be alert
• Turn off the engine when carrying it
• If you want to refill it, shut off the engine first
• Make sure there are no open flames when you are refilling it. Don’t smoke while refilling
• Make sure there is at least one adult around when you are operating it. In case of an emergency, he should be able to call for help
• Make sure your hands and feet are far from the tree when cutting it to avoid injuries
• Do not use dull chains. If the chainsaw is dull sharpen to make cutting easy
• When cutting the tree do not raise the chainsaw above your chest. This makes it harder to control and may lead to accidents

Aside from those guidelines, you should be aware of the kickback. Kickback refers to when the chain at the end of the bar touches a hard surface or object. This makes the saw jerk upward and backward.

It has been the most common cause of accidents for a while now. To reduce the kickback:

1. Avoid cutting with the upper section of the bar. Make sure the saw is inserted fully into the tree
2. Never start the saw against yourself when you are standing. Crouch on the ground for firm balance to avoid hurting your neck and head.
3. Ensure the saw you have is equipped with an anti-kickback device.

Ropes are important for holding and pulling the tree when cutting. It is a very essential tool as it helps the tree fall in the intended direction to avoid property damage or injuries. The rope used should reach certain standards that make them safe for using.

A good rope should have:

• Acceptable tensile strength
• East to use and handle
• Have good retention
• Good visibility
• Low stretch

Ensure the ropes are strong enough and won’t break when used.

When cutting down a tree, make sure that you have enough manpower available. You should not be doing it alone. There should 2 people at the very least.