5 Arborist Tree Cutting Techniques: How Do Arborists Cut Down Trees?

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Whether you’re a tree-lover or outdoor enthusiast, if you’re worried about having professionals take care of your lawn, don’t you be? In this article, I will answer the fascinating question: do arborists cut down trees, and if so, how do arborists cut down trees?

Further, we will also take a quick look at five famous arborist tree-cutting techniques. Whether you’re looking to remove a tree from your yard or just someone looking to learn different methods that arborists practice to cut down trees, this article is for you.

By the end of this read, you will have a better understanding of how vital arborist work is and the methods that they practice to cut down trees without putting anyone or anything at risk.  

Do Arborists Cut Down Trees?

Yes, an arborist is a professional who specializes in cutting down trees without compromising your safety. They are best if the tree is beside any electrical pole or property that is likely to be hindered while removing a tree.

Since arborists are trained to assess, maintain, clear, and manage a tree’s health, they will have all the necessary equipment and training to cut a tree safely. Depending upon the situation and the tree’s specific needs, the arborist may recommend different methods.

But make sure before you call an arborist, check whether removing a tree in your locality is legal. Some local states have different rules and regulations about tree removal and its practices.

However, suppose you want to remove a tree because it is dead, diseased, or poses a safety hazard to anyone and anything. In that case, I will advise you to consult an arborist directly.

In this time of occurrence, an arborist will use specialized tree-cutting techniques to safely remove the tree without damaging the surrounding environment and the landscape.

Remember that arborist do not just cut down trees for no reason; you should always ask for the price quote first. Be clear about what you want and why you wish it because arborists are primarily trained to preserve and protect trees.

Therefore the arborist may also recommend using techniques such as pruning, cabling, and bracing to maintain your tree’s health and safety rather than removing it altogether.

How Do Arborists Cut Down Trees?

I don’t need to tell you that cutting down a tree is a complex process, and you should always get a professional with specialized knowledge and equipment for the work. As I told you earlier, an arborist will first assess your tree correctly, and after that, he will help you decide and determine whether you should remove the tree or preserve it.

If you want to remove a particular tree from your property and no law prohibits you from doing that, try removing it yourself if it is small. However, if the tree is big, arborists will use tree-cutting techniques, which will also minimize the risk of damage that is likely to occur to the surrounding environment or property.

To control the direction of the falling tree, the arborist may require a rope or harness. Arborists will choose cutting techniques depending on various factors, including the tree’s size, location, condition, surrounding environment, and availability of tools.

Suppose your tree is located in an urban area or densely populated area. In that case, a controlled felling technique should be practiced to ensure safety. However, if your tree is located in a remote location, the arborist will use a conventional felling approach for quick results.

After knowing that Arborists do cut down trees, but only when it is necessary for your trees’ health and safety; since trees play a critical role in our environment, providing numerous benefits like controlling & reducing air pollution, providing shade, and supporting wildlife, you should try preserving the tree rather than crying to remove it.

Removing a treat can also be wrong, mainly if it attracts many pollinators that benefit the surrounding plants and vegetation. Being a responsible homeowner or gardener, your first goal should be to save and protect trees which will indirectly help you and us. Now let’s talk about five arborist tree-cutting methods that are common.

5 Arborist Tree Cutting Techniques

Below I am mentioning the five most common arborists’ tree-cutting techniques:

  1. One of the most simple, traditional, and straightforward methods of tree cutting is conventional felling. Here arborists need to cut the tree at its base using a chainsaw and let it fall to the ground under its weight. This method is widely used and famous for taking down a medium to a large tree.
  2. Another popular method arborists use to cut down trees is Controlled felling, which is very similar to conventional felling. In this method, the arborist will use ropes, harnesses, and pulleys to control the tree and guide it to fall in a specific direction. This technique is usually preferred when your tree is too large or very close to residential buildings or private property. 
  3. If your property tree is exceptionally tall, an arborist will use a method of section felling. In this method, the arborist will cut down a tree in pieces using a chainsaw by making cuts in the tree’s trunks and branches. Therefore if your land/property trees are too tall to be cut down in one fell swoop, the arborist may recommend this method with the price quote. In this method, arborists will work many hours and even days as section felling is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Your arborist also recommends this type of tree-cutting method for trees that pose a risk to people or property.
  4. If you want to remove a tree because of a specific disease branch or dead foliage, you should consider preserving the tree first. In this case, the arborist usually climbs the tree to access the tree’s canopy to determine what specific branches and foliage should be cut down for that tree’s health, safety, and preservation. The arborist recommends this method when it is almost impossible to access your tree from the ground.
  5. Lastly, an arborist will also recommend removing a tree that has fallen due to bad weather conditions like storms, high wind, or drought. If your tree is heavily affected due to climatic conditions, the arborist will recommend you preserve it rather than remove it altogether. Here, the arborist will reduce the size of the affected tree by cutting off its branch’s tips and lowering its density to have the light and moisture penetrate better.

You should know that each of these techniques has its advantages and disadvantages. Some methods, like conventional felling, are section felling is straightforward & relatively simple but can also pose risk concerns to people and property.

This is mainly when the tree’s direction is not controlled when falling. On the other hand, controlled felling is more controlled and safer, but you’ll need the necessary equipment and a higher skill level.

FAQ

What equipment do arborists need to cut down trees?

Arborists use specialized tools to cut down trees, including chainsaws, ropes, harnesses, ladders, and climbing gear. The exact mechanism required will depend on the type of tree, its location, and the cutting technique used.

How do arborists determine which cutting technique to use?

Firstly, an Arborist will consider several factors in cutting techniques, like the tree’s size & species, location, instance to other trees, power lines, or buildings. Tree condition is another factor that an arborist will consider to determine a technique that is efficient and safe for everyone and everything.

What is the safest tree-cutting technique?

To pain point out the exact tree-cutting technique for you and your property. Since the safest tree-cutting approach will depend on the specific situation, it is better to leave it to Arborists to choose a method and equipment to minimize the risk of injury or damage.

Conclusion

An arborist will use various tools and techniques to cut down trees efficiently and safely. As I told you, the proper tree-cutting method will depend on several factors the tree’s size, location, surrounding obstacles, and overall health.

Some popular methods to cut down trees are conventional felling, sectional felling, and directional felling. With the right tools and techniques, a highly trained & skilled arborist will be able to cut down or take down a tree efficiently and safely.

I tried my best to give you all the information required on the question: how do arborists cut down trees, and what are the preferred arborist tree-cutting techniques? If you find the article helpful, then consider sharing it.

Your share will help many people learn about different ways to cut down a tree efficiently and safely without harming anything or anyone. Do check our other helpful guide on arborist consultation and work. Do check our other valuable articles. See you in the next post. Till then, take care and goodbye.