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Showing posts from February, 2018

Who Is Liable if a Neighbor’s Dead Tree Fell on Your Property?

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Who Is Liable if a Neighbor’s Dead Tree Fell on Your Property? When a dead tree falls on your property, you likely will clean it up and deal with any damage on your own. But, what if it is not your tree? What if, instead, it is your neighbor’s tree that fell? Perhaps he or she did not take care of it. In that situation, you may be wondering what to do about the damage to your property. Your home or car could have been struck. Your fence may be flat. What insurance is going to pay for this? Who is liable? In most situations, your insurance policy will provide coverage for this type of incident for the damage to your property. However, if you can prove your neighbor was negligent in caring for the dead or dying tree, it could easily become their insurance company’s problem. Homeowners are responsible for acting reasonably in caring for their trees and other property. If a tree falls on your property, it is a good idea to call your insurance company to discuss the options. In fact...

Why is cutting down trees bad?

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Why is cutting down trees bad? Cutting down trees severely affects the habitats of forest-dwelling flora and fauna, which can eventually lead to extinction of vulnerable species. In addition to causing soil erosion, deforestation also results in larger amounts of greenhouse gases reaching the atmosphere because trees cannot absorb carbon dioxide once they’re cut down. Around 70 percent of the world’s flora and fauna lives in forests. As trees get cut down, plant and animal populations dwindle, which endangers the livelihood of the human population that depends on the forests for food, medicine and other products. In certain parts of Southeast Asia, deforestation has led to migration and social conflicts. Trees normally mitigate the effects of air pollution caused by the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. As trees get cut down, the burning of fossil fuels required to operate wood-cutting machinery and large transportation vehicles further exacerbates the pollutio...

What are the alternatives?

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What are the alternatives? In order to avoid topping, newly planted trees should be properly pruned to develop a good branch structure as they grow. When a mature tree's height must be reduced, an alternative to topping is drop-crotching . Drop-crotching is a type of thinning cut that reduces a tree's size while preserving its natural shape. To drop-crotch, select and cut higher branches back to laterals at least one-third the diameter of the limbs being removed. Cut outside the branch collar at a 45 to 60 degree angle to the branch bark ridge. Leave the branch collar intact to help prevent decay from entering the trunk. This type of thinning cut will stimulate growth throughout the tree and discourage water sprout development. Whenever removing limbs greater than 1 inch in diameter, use the three-cut method to avoid tearing bark. First, about 12 inches from the trunk, cut halfway through the limb from the underside. Second, about 1 inch past the first cut, cut throug...

Why are trees topped?

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Why are trees topped? Some homeowners and unprofessional tree pruners practice topping whenever trees reach an undesirable height. They mistakenly believe that topping will reduce the storm hazard of falling branches, when in fact, topping has the opposite effect. People also top trees when they interfere with utility wires, buildings, solar collectors, or sunny garden areas. Selection of trees that only reach desired maximum heights eliminates severe pruning later. If you must prune a tree heavily every five to seven years, the tree is too large for the site. Replace it with a smaller species. The National Arborist Association considers topping an unacceptable practice and advises against it. Unfortunately, even some legitimate tree service companies indiscriminately top trees. Before selecting a tree service, find out which companies advocate topping and avoid patronizing them. Why are trees topped? Please visit here: http://treeagenebraska

How does topping damage trees?

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How does topping damage trees? Topping occurs when the vertical stem ( leader ) and upper primary limbs ( scaffold branches ) on mature trees are cut back to stubs at uniform height. Topping is also referred to as heading, stubbing, or dehorning. 1) Topping reduces food-making capacity . Trees require a large leaf surface area to provide food for maintenance and growth. Topping cuts off a major portion of the tree's food making potential and depletes the tree's stored reserves. 2) Topping stimulates undesirable "water sprout" growth . While removing most of the buds that would form a normal branch system, topping often stimulates the regrowth of dense, unattractive, upright branches (water sprouts) just below the pruning cut. Water sprout regrowth is vigorous. A topped tree will rapidly return to its original height, but will lack its original form 3) Topping leaves large wounds . The branch wounds left from topping are slow to close, therefore more vulne...

How to Safely Drop Large Trees with a Chainsaw

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How to Safely Drop Large Trees with a Chainsaw One of the most common ways I see people mis-using a chainsaw is when they are cutting down large trees. Hinge-cutting is a popular technique for enhancing deer habitat, but this technique is best for small trees that you can easily handle. It’s not safe to attempt to hinge-cut large trees, for reasons I will explain. The trouble is, it’s tough to define “large” in terms of trunk diameter, because tree species vary in density and other characteristics that make them handle differently when cut, and even “small” trees can hurt you if you aren’t careful. Err on the side of caution: If in doubt when studying a particular tree, consider it “large.” Here’s what people tend to do WRONG: They walk right up to these large trees and make a single felling cut, right into the trunk of the tree, and saw until the tree falls. Often this works, and no one gets hurt, and nothing valuable is destroyed. But these people should consider themselve...
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Fell in the Right Direction The term “directional felling” is when you make the tree fall in a chosen direction. Now that you have already chosen the direction you want the tree to fall, you have to make it fall that way. To do this, you first make a “directional cut” and then a “felling cut” and the tree should fall the way you want it to. To properly use a chainsaw to fell a tree, you start with a directional cut. Start with your feet apart and your left shoulder leaned up against the tree trunk. Your top, front hand should be on the handle and facing the felling direction. The first part of a directional cut is a top cut. Using full throttle on your saw, start high and make a downward cut of about 60 degrees and about ¼ to 1/5 of the trunks diameter in length. Next is your bottom directional cut. Using full throttle again, start low and cut upwards of about 30 degrees and stop exactly when you reach your top directional cut. Do not stop short or cut any farther. If do...

How to Properly Use a Chainsaw When Tree Cutting

Chainsaws can be a very dangerous tool if you or the people around you do not know how to operate one. Before you pick one up and start hacking away, make you know the proper way to use one. Protective Equipment Safety is one of the most important things when it comes to properly using a chainsaw. You need to wear eye protection, ear protection, strong boots, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and chainsaw chaps. The chaps are specifically designed to wear while operating a chainsaw and are a very important piece of gear. A helmet is also a great piece of gear to have. Specific chainsaw helmets are made with attached flip-up mesh face shields and earmuffs. Prepare the Tree Safety does not only pertain to what you wear, but also the area around you. Check for any objects around the trees you plan to cut such as houses, other buildings, vehicles, or roads. If you are cutting near a road, place warning signs so drivers know what are happening. ...

What is the Cost of Cutting down a Tree?

What’s Typically Included in the Price? As far as the prices above go, the total tree cutting cost should include cutting the tree down to a small stump, chipping and hauling away its branches and chopping its trunk into manageable sections. However, you may pay more for some of those services. A few things that can add to the total bill include: Stump Grinding – If you’d like the stump to be removed as well, a stump grinder will be needed. You’ll pay up to $300 extra for a large stump and up to $80 for a small one. Read these other guides to learn more about how much it costs to grind a stump and other stump removal costs. Branch Chipping and Hauling – Some companies don’t include branch chipping or hauling. You may pay an extra $70 to $150 per hour to have the branches chipped, and you can expect to pay an extra $50 or so to have the chips hauled away. Haul Away Trunk Wood – After the trunk has been cut into sections, you can have it hauled away. However, you will pay up to $35...

What is the Cost of Cutting down a Tree?

What is the Cost of Cutting down a Tree? If there’s one job that you shouldn’t attempt to handle yourself, it’s cutting down a tree. Unless you have actual training as an arborist and own the right equipment, it’s always best to hire a professional company to cut down a tree for you. Before doing so, you should educate yourself about typical tree cutting prices. The cost to cut down a tree depends on a variety of different factors. You can spend as little as $125 or you could end up spending around $1,500 or more. Learn about the main factors that affect tree cutting costs below. Tree Sizes The size of the tree in question plays a large role in how much you’ll pay to have it removed. For example: • Small Trees up to 30 Feet in Height – $125 to $450 • Medium Trees between 30 and 60 Feet in Height – $175 to $950 • Large Trees between 60 and 80 Feet in Height – $400 to $1,100 • Extra-Large Trees between 80 and 100 Feet in Height – $1,000 to $1,500 or more. Tree Trunk Diameter...

Prepare to Cut Down the Tree

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Prepare to Cut Down the Tree Think about safety first and the prevention of accidents when preparing to fell a tree. Look at where the tree is located and what objects are around it. Houses, barns, power lines, fences and other structures can be damaged due to falling trees or limbs. If there are roads located within the fall zone, set up warning signs. If you are a beginner and there are objects near, get an experienced person to assist with the felling. Pay special attention to other trees as well. Making a tree fall can have a domino effect on other trees that may be smaller or weakened by tree rot and leaning. Even if you do not think the tree you are planning to cut down will strike an object, a tree that is hit by the tree you cut down could fall in an unexpected way, so it is best to imagine all possible scenarios before cutting. Once you have a good idea of surrounding objects, look at the tree itself to figure out what direction in which to fell the tree. If the tree i...

Cutting down large pain tree near house

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Cutting down large pain tree near house A massive branch had fallen from a ninety-foot pine tree that stood less than fifteen feet from the side of our house. The tree branch was at least twenty feet in length and at its root, I guessed it was eight inches in diameter. Looking up at the section of roof where the pine tree’s other massive branches hung over the house, I saw a large interruption in the blanket of snow that covered it. I quickly surmised that I was looking at the area where the massive branch had fallen onto the roof. The branch had apparently caused a mini avalanche of snow from the roof when the branch hit. Fortunately, however, the branch must have hit the roof with its soft pine bough side rather than with its root. Safely do this by visit here: http://treeagenebraska.com/

Tools for Cut a Trees

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Tools for Cut a Trees Helmet , my helmet has saved me from falling branches more than ones. When you start to cut, dead and dry branches from the top of the tree can get lose and fall to the ground. When you're concentrated on the saw you don't see the falling danger. And if it is a big branch it can cause serious injury. Safety boots , Fresh cut wood are very heavy, if you get the log over your feet if will crush it. Next it will also protect your feet and toes from the chainsaw. Ear protection , a chainsaw is very noisy you will lose your hearing if you don't wear ear protection. Most helmets have built in hearing protectors. Gloves and eye protection . This you already have, that's good. If you use helmet most of them have a face screen that protects the face and eyes. Plus it will not get misty in bad weather like glasses."   The wedge is what determines what direction the tree will fall in. It compromises the integrity of the tree. The direction t...

Cut Down a Tree

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Cut Down a Tree Make it a big notch that goes more than halfway through the tree. The "mouth" part of this notch faces in the direction you want your tree to fall. If the tree is mostly upright and the branches are sort of symmetrical it will want to fall that direction. We tied a rope to the top of the tree to help it fall in the direction we wanted. When you get close to the notch the tree will start to lean away from you. If it doesn't, or if it leans the wrong way and binds your saw blade, have the Oompaloompas pull on the rope tied to the top of the tree. I misjudged the height of the tree and the distance to the nearest neighbor.I have no depth perception. That's why they wouldn't let me fly jets. It fell in the right direction, but it skinned the next tree over and hung up on it.  There are always problems like this. This one's called a "widow maker" because you've just compressed the spring of a giant trap, and now you've got...

Fell a Tree Away From Your Home

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Fell a Tree Away From Your Home Cutting down a tree should never be taken lightly unless of course you are taller than the tree you are removing. Property damage can skyrocket if you aren't felling a tree properly, breaking outdoor decor, tearing apart landscaping, and possibly landing on your house. If you choose to cut a small- to a medium-sized tree down yourself, then follow all the safety rules to avoid damage and injury, and direct it away from your home. However, if the tree is 12 inches or more in diameter, or you would need cut it down in sections to ensure the safety of others, then it is best to call a tree removal service. Before cutting a tree down, you must have a plan. Look at the tree to gauge the balance of the branches, as well as any leaning. Trees tend to fall on the side that has the most branches, due to excess weight, and if it's leaning, you can bet it will want to fall in that direction. Select a general direction, or path, for the tree that av...

Fell Dead Trees

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Fell Dead Trees Perform general maintenance and safety checks before starting. Gas up your chainsaw, make sure it is properly oiled, sharp and the chain correctly tensioned. Look for hazards or obstacles that may interfere with the tree as it falls. Remove any vines, smaller trees and shrubs if possible, and aim the planned fall away from power lines, houses, streets or anything that cannot be removed. To avoid serious accidents, remove larger limbs of dead trees from the ground with a long-handled pruning saw before felling the tree if they appear weak or likely to fall while you are cutting the trunk.Mark the target spot where you will ideally drop the tree by carefully considering the lean of the tree. Establish the side-to-side lean of the tree in relation to the target by visually determining a line straight down from the farthest-reaching limb on either side of the tree as you face the proposed target area. Take half the distance between those two lines and visualize a str...

Cut Down a Tree Safely

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Cut Down a Tree Safely This Old House  landscape contractor Roger Cook and chainsaw safety expert Tim Ard cut down a dead tree.  Look up into the tree to ensure there aren't any obstacles, including overhead wires or other trees, which would prevent the tree from falling to the ground . Identify a clear escape route that leads approximately 20 feet away from the tree. Determine which direction the tree is leaning and identify a target zone where the tree will fall. Start the chainsaw and make the initial top cut down into the tree. Make the second cut across the top cut to complete the open face notch. Cut into the backside of the tree directly behind, and slightly above the open face notch . Saw into the tree, leaving 1 inch of wood; don't saw completely through the tree trunk. As the tree starts to fall, stop sawing and pull out the chainsaw. Immediately move a safe distance from the tree along the escape route. Slide a plastic or wood wedge underneath the tr...

Trim Trees Over Your House

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Trim Trees Over Your House Trees that hang over your house are more difficult to trim because one slip could cause a lot of damage. Care must be taken to keep control of overhanging limbs being cut to avoid damage not only to your person but to your property. The proper equipment is a necessity. Cutting corners for can result in damaged roofs or broken windows. For very large trees, call in a professional tree trimmer that can bring in lifts and some seriously heavy duty equipment to handle tough jobs. Smaller trees are easier to handle. Set your ladder, making sure that the feet are on even ground, and tie it off to the tree, higher up to stabilize it and make sure it isn’t going anywhere. Put on safety equipment: boots, gloves, eye protection, ear protection, and hard hat, at the minimum. Cut the branch with the chainsaw, moving from branch tip in toward the tree in sections. Tie a rope off close to the tree, lower than the branch that you are cutting, if you are doing...

Safety from Trees

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Safety from Trees Begin by making a shallow notch (1/4 to 1/3 Dia. is bored out cutting back from the notch, leaving a good hinge and sufficient holding wood. the other side of the tree, ensuring that the two boring cuts meet properly, and leaving a strap of holding wood. and the tree falls, guided by the hinge. Cut an open-face notch on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want the tree to fall. Make your top cut first. Begin your top cut at any height on the tree above the ground, allowing enough room for the undercut. First cut should be downward at an angle of 70°. Felling  is the process of downing individual trees, an element of the task of logging. The person cutting the trees is a feller. Logging eTool - Making the Cuts - Felling Hinge. The hinge is the wood between the undercut (face cut/notch) and the back cut. The purpose of the hinge is to provide ...

Cutting Down Large Trees

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Cutting Down Large Trees In many ways, your chainsaw cutting technique will be determined by the diameter of the tree trunk. For larger trees whose diameter is greater than the length of the chainsaw bar, you will need to use a plunge cut. You will also need a breaking bar and a few felling wedges on hand. These are tree felling tools used to ensure trees fall in the right direction and will either prevent the tree from pinching the chainsaw blade while cutting or help you get your chainsaw un-stuck. ·          Pinpoint the exact direction in which you want the tree to fall. Find a landmark from your surroundings to use as a guide, and use the sights on the top of your chainsaw to line up the angle to the directional notch you plan to cut. ·          Since the tree trunk is wider than your chainsaw bar, you will need to cut the directional notch from two sides. Make a top cut into the trunk of the t...