Tree Removal: When, Why and How

By Karen Stretch, regional editor

Above: This cutter is backing away at a right angle from the falling tree?EUR??,,????'???s path to prevent possible ?EUR??,,????'??kick-back?EUR??,,????'?? in the face?EUR??,,????'??+which can be fatal. If possible, the saw operator should take refuge behind a nearby tree.

It?EUR??,,????'???s no secret that removing trees is a hard and dangerous job. According to an article published on CNN.com in August regarding the 10 most dangerous jobs by fatality, logging workers suffered the most on?EUR??,,????'???the-job casualties. Even if you aren?EUR??,,????'???t a logger, arborists must still take careful precautions before removing any tree from a property. One must consider the following factors: species, age of the tree, health, current stability, surrounding vegetation, rooting habit/soil type, density of the stand, and the ability of the tree to sprout.

Educating employees is a crucial step that employers can take to ensure the safety of workers.

?EUR??,,????'??In this business, every person will differ in the way that they do things,?EUR??,,????'?? said Eddie Rodriguez, Horticulture Supervisor for the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. ?EUR??,,????'??By far, the best thing a person can do is to educate themselves about arboriculture and safe working practices. Employers can train their employees and ensure that these practices are being done safe and correctly ?EUR??,,????'??? we must all strive to better ourselves in this business and learn why it is we do what we do.?EUR??,,????'??

When to Remove a Tree

During site preparation, there is a tendency to remove more trees than is necessary. Unless the tree is a threat to life or property, is on the proposed building site or drainfield area, or has a major problem, it is important to explore alternatives to removal before making the decision to cut.

Consider the Roots

Tree roots form an interlocking network. On shoreline sites, rooting can be quite shallow, sometimes only two to three-feet deep. The depth of root penetration is for the most part, a function of soil depth and type, soil moisture, as well as the presence or absence of a dense layer of clay or till. All of these factors have a greater influence on rooting than the tendency of a tree to develop a characteristically deep or shallow root system.

Trees will compensate for shallow rooting by increasing the spread of root systems. A root system will extend significantly beyond the dripline- sometimes as much as two to three times as far. Widespread lateral root systems are common where soil moisture is excessive, soil is shallow, and impervious soil layers hinder vertical growth.

The removal of any tree should be carefully considered. Any diseased or damaged trees should be removed to avoid infecting the surrounding population.

A root system?EUR??,,????'???s influence on a site will often be related to the age and size of the tree. Larger trees tend to have extensive and often deeper and more developed root systems. Dominant trees ?EUR??,,????'??? those which are larger and taller than surrounding trees ?EUR??,,????'??? usually have developed stronger root systems due to built resistance against wind. Before clearing dominant trees, it is important to think about the effects of removal on rootmass over time. As the roots of dead trees decay, their stabilizing abilities weaken over a three to nine year period. This may result in the gradual loss of root strength after removal and unstable slopes may give way several years after clearing or thinning.

High winds pushed this tree over in a storm. Arborists need to gauge soil moisture, wind and soil conditions to predict the behavior of trees during extreme weather conditions.

Species

Different species of trees have different characteristics. Growth and rooting habit, shape, height, longevity, strength, resistance to salt and climatic stresses, and tolerance to pruning differ among every species.

Stability

It is important to assess the stability of a tree?EUR??,,????'???s relationship to the surrounding trees. Determine if the tree is part of an inter-dependent group or can be managed as an individual. If mature trees grow within 10-feet of each other and share crown canopy space, they are functioning as a group. If roots in the area are shallow due to high water table, impervious or impermeable layers, or shallow soils, then inter-dependence will be greater. If the trunks lean away from each other, more than likely they are ?EUR??,,????'??balanced?EUR??,,????'?? and removal of one will leave the other inclined to windthrow. Quite often, the more dense the stand and the younger the trees are, the more that can be removed safely.

Felling

The actual felling of the tree can be a dangerous and even fatal job. Before felling it is important to consider the following:
?EUR??,,????'???? The tree and its surrounding area for anything that may cause trouble when the tree falls;
?EUR??,,????'???? The shape of the tree, lean of the tree as well as any decayed or weak areas;
?EUR??,,????'???? Wind force and direction;
?EUR??,,????'???? Location of people on the site;
?EUR??,,????'???? Electrical Hazards.

The work area should be cleared to permit safe working conditions. It is also important to have an escape route planned. Instruct workers exactly what they are to do. Any workers not involved in the felling should be kept away from the work area. The operator should be totally sure of their footing before they begin to cut. Clear away brush, fallen trees, and other material that might interfere with cutting operations.

It is crucial to the safety of arborists and others on a site to take careful precautionary measures in order to avoid injuries.

Before the tree or limb is ready to fall, a loud warning should be given to those in the area. Everyone should be safely out of range when the tree falls ?EUR??,,????'??? 45 degrees from the sides and back on either side of the tree is recommended. Never move away directly behind the tree; serious injury can occur if the tree butt kicks back during the fall. Walk quickly away to a distance of 20 feet from the falling tree and position yourself behind a standing tree, if possible. If there is any danger that the tree being felled might fall in the wrong direction or damage property, wedges, block and tackle, rope, or wire cable (except when electrical hazards exist) should be used. Limbs should be removed from trees to a height and width sufficient to allow the tree to fall clear of any wires and other objects in the surrounding area.

Take extra care when roping rotten or split trees due to their potential for falling in unexpected directions; this may happen even if the cut is made on the proper side of the tree. Finally, make sure that everyone on the site is kept back from the butt of a tree that is beginning to fall.

Certify to Save Lives

?EUR??,,????'??We need tree people to become certified groundsmen, tree workers, line clearance, and arborists. This is what will saves lives,?EUR??,,????'?? said Rodriguez. ?EUR??,,????'??This is what will further our industry, make it better and grow ?EUR??,,????'??? our families depend on it, our communities depend on it, and the future of our industry depends on it.?EUR??,,????'??