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There inherent dangers in trying to DIY tree removal in Virginia Beach. Professionals go beyond the basics to remove trees safely and efficiently. Here’s a look at what’s involved in the process. Equipment With so many risks involved with tree removal, safety is the number one priority. This begins with personal protective equipment. What the arborist wears can go a long way to prevent accidental injury. - A hard hat is a necessity to protect the head from any tumbling limbs or in the unfortunate case of a fall.
- Workman’s gloves protect the arborist’s hands from cuts and puncture wounds when climbing or grabbing onto limbs. Gloves can prevent the wearer from poison ivy and poison oak. They also give the arborist a better grip when scaling the tree.
- Safety goggles or a face shield will protect the arborist’s eyes from flying wood chips while cutting with the chainsaw or using a wood chipper to dispose of the wood.
- Earplugs or earmuffs can prevent long-term hearing loss caused by loud tools and machinery.
- Steel-toe boots give the worker a sturdy, non-slip tread for climbing trees while also protecting the feet from any falling debris.
- There are specialty arborist pants that are required of all professionals. Even when following safe tree removal practices, there can be kickbacks from the chainsaw, and these pants protect the legs from any accidental chainsaw mishaps.
- Climbing spurs or spikes attach to the work boot and allow the climber to essentially dig into the tree, allowing a secure ascent. These spurs do cause damage to the tree though, so they should only be used on a tree that is slated for removal.
- A safety harness straps the arborist to the tree to prevent falls.
Developing a Plan The first thing a tree removal specialist will do at the job site is assess the tree and surrounding area to construct a plan of attack. The tree will be inspected for rot, weak or broken branches, and nests or hives. Some points of consideration for the surrounding area are: where powerlines are located, if there are buildings or any other structures nearby, if the tree is close to a street, and the slope of the land. Once all of these factors have been considered, the arborist will develop a plan to proceed. Felling the Tree Finally, the tree removal will begin. There are two core methods, depending on the size of the tree and the area where the tree is located. The first process, which is used with large trees or those in urban areas, involves climbing the tree, cutting branches with the ascent, and then descending the tree, cutting notches in the trunk, allowing it to fall piece by piece to the ground. In this way, the tree is removed in chunks. The second process, which can be used with smaller trees or where there is ample open space, involves felling the entire tree at once. This is accomplished by making what is known as a scarf: a triangular notch that is made with a top and bottom cut. There is a small section, known as the hinge, which is left uncut, and then a back cut, which serves to push the tree to fall in an intended direction. Tree removal is a complicated task that requires extensive know-how and training. While you may be tempted to try the task yourself to save some money, tree removal in Virginia Beach is a job best left to a professional. An experienced arborist will have the equipment and knowledge to perform this dangerous task with minimal risk.
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