Need to cut down a tree at your summer house or garden plot? Looking for a company that offers professional services for safely and efficiently removing old, dry, or hazardous trees? You’ve come to the right place! Order the service from our experts after reviewing its description and pricing.
If you wish to fell a tree on your own, study the information provided in the article. A knowledgeable approach and understanding of the key points will help you avoid any unwanted consequences.
Possible Mistakes in DIY Tree Cutting
Here is the information on why it is not recommended for individuals without proper training, specialized gear, and equipment to cut down trees on their own properties.
Many people believe that cutting down a tree in their own backyard or residential area is a simple task that can be easily managed on their own. It seems straightforward to climb a tree with a saw using a basic ladder and carry out the necessary actions. However, this is not the case – in reality, it is much more complex. There are many important factors that must be considered to ensure, first and foremost, that no harm comes to oneself or others, and that the tree removal is performed effectively.
Mistake No. 1 – Cutting from a high ladder
Important! Forget about using high sectional ladder constructions! Do not attempt to cut down a tree using them!
This often leads to the following inconveniences:
- When cutting large branches, the removed section can spring back several dozen centimeters. Consequently, there is a risk of falling off the ladder and ending up in the hospital with related injuries.;
- A large branch being cut down can fall and knock down the worker himself.;
- During the course of the work, the craftsman’s hands are occupied with tools, making it difficult to maintain a secure grip. In such a situation, it is easy to lose the already precarious balance, increasing the risk of falling. While it is unlikely to be fatal to fall from a ladder, there is a significant chance of sustaining serious injuries, such as a complex fracture or spinal trauma, which can lead to substantial complications.
Mistake No. 2: Independently arranging a safety rope around the waist
Important! Wrapping a rope around your waist is the worst form of safety harness; it is extremely dangerous!
Here’s an example of how having a rope around your waist can be not only completely useless but also quite dangerous. When it comes to cutting down trees in everyday household conditions, a person is unlikely to visit a specialized store for modern climbing equipment. The «gear» will be purchased from a regular store. Many people buy a rope after seeing the label that says «breaking strength 800 kg» and think that this will be enough to protect a man weighing 80-90 kg from falling.
The problem is that if a person falls while cutting tree branches, the fall will be from a height of at least 2 meters, and then they will be left hanging. In other words, the fall will end with a sudden jolt. How significant will this jolt be?
To understand this, it is enough to watch a video recorded at a seminar of modern arborists (specialists in the care and maintenance of trees as individual organisms) who professionally fell trees. In the video, one of the instructors dropped a wooden element weighing 6 kg from a height of 2.5 meters. The device measuring the load showed 123 kg.
What kind of force will be generated if an average-weight man falls from a staircase or a tree? Based on the information provided above, we conclude that a fall from a two-meter structure will result in a load force of 1000 kg. It is important to consider that typical household knot ties used to secure the rope to the tree will automatically reduce the strength by approximately half. Consequently, from the declared strength of 800 kg, only 350 kg will remain, whereas the fall with a human body will exert a force of at least 1000 kg. This can lead to significant issues.
Professional industrial climbers, when pruning or cutting down trees, utilize specialized equipment capable of withstanding loads of no less than 2200 kg. These are not just ordinary ropes, but specifically designed devices and tools.
- Shock Absorbers for Potential Jolt;
- Special ropes with the most advanced shock-absorbing devices;
- Specially durable shock-absorbing knots are tied.
All of this significantly reduces the load during an accidental failure, bringing it down to the safest possible levels.
Important! If you wish to cut down a tree by yourself, you must completely avoid tying ropes around your body!
Even if the coiled rope does not break and can withstand a person’s fall, there is still a significant risk of sustaining rib fractures or, even worse, spinal injuries. This risk remains considerable. Even with modern mountaineering gear, which distributes the load using wide belts and shock absorbers, fractures still frequently occur.
Mistake No. 3: Using a Chainsaw
Many craftsmen who wish to cut down a tree often use a small, domestic, two-handed chainsaw. The person climbs up a prepared ladder and begins to work. With their hands occupied, maintaining balance becomes a challenge. At the slightest loss of equilibrium, the craftsman might reflexively squeeze the throttle handle, and during a slip or fall, could potentially injure themselves.
The use of modern climbing equipment does not result in such consequences. Even if a professional climber falls, the gear automatically disengages, regardless of whether the person has grabbed onto it or not.
In summary
In summary, it is essential to reiterate that Absolutely! Prohibited Actions During Independent Tree Cutting:
- Use a very tall ladder.
- Wrapping ropes around the waist.
- Being at a height without proper training and appropriate equipment.
These are all hazardous actions that can lead to quite serious consequences.
Is it necessary to attempt tree cutting on your own? Where should you turn for tree or branch removal services? How much does it cost to remove a tree from a garden plot? If you have decided to seek professional help and hire trained specialists who are masters of their craft, you should visit the section with prices and service descriptions on our website.
