Even the smallest tree can grow into a stately tree - one that grows right in front of the living room window and no longer lets in the light, whose roots threaten the foundations of the house or that is simply infected with a wood-decomposing fungus and is therefore in danger of falling over. There are a number of reasons why tree removal may be necessary. You can find out what you should pay attention to in the following article.
A permit is often required to fell a tree
Approval often precedes felling
First of all: If a tree has already reached a certain height and age, you may not simply cut it down yourself on your own property. The tree protection ordinance that applies in many communities provides for felling, and often even pruning, only if there are good reasons and official approval. Secretly cutting down the tree, on the other hand, is not recommended: Violations can result in drastic fines of up to EUR 100,000. For this reason, it's best to get permission first, then pick up the axe.
Felling a tree - how it works
Larger trees are best felled with the help of a chainsaw and appropriate protective clothing. Cut-resistant clothing, a helmet with a visor and safety gloves are essential and protect against injuries to a certain extent. You also need a few energetic helpers and a thick rope. By the way: If you don't have any experience with using a chainsaw, it's best to leave this task to someone who is familiar with it. It is not without reason that you need a certificate of ability to operate a chainsaw! In addition, felling work may only be carried out on windless days. And this is how you fell the tree:
- First of all, set up a security zone.
- This is roughly twice the length of the tree - in all directions.
- There must be no people, animals or objects that the tree could fall on.
- Cut off the lower, accessible branches.
- Attach a strong rope as high up on the tree trunk as possible.
- This is held taut by the helpers in the direction in which the tree is to fall.
- Of course, the helpers must not be in the safety area.
- Now make a 45 degree notch in the trunk on the side where you want the tree to fall.
- Then saw through the trunk from the other side.
If the tree has fallen over, cut the trunk and crown into manageable pieces that can either be dried and used as firewood or otherwise.
Pull out and remove tree stump
If the tree stump is also to be removed along with the roots, leave about one to two meters from the trunk as a lever. Chop down the tree as instructed. Then dig a spade-deep trench around the trunk exposing the roots. Cut off the roots with a sharp object and then use the remainder of the trunk as a lever to loosen the rootstock. If physical strength is not sufficient for this, a cable winch or a tractor will help.
tips
You don't always have to remove the tree right away. Sometimes it is enough to cut back the crown and thus reduce the size of the tree.