Trees can increase privacy, provide shade, and enhance the overall appearance and value of your property. That is, unless they are diseased, damaged, or dead. In such cases, a tree could put a dent in your property value and pose a serious safety threat. As such, it’s important to remove such trees as soon as possible. While you should always hire a professional to remove larger trees, you may be able to remove a smaller tree all on your own and save some money. That being said, here are some helpful tips on how to remove a small tree from your yard.
Soften the Soil
To make the removal process easier, you should soften the soil around the tree. To do so, simply saturate the soil with water using a garden hose. For optimum results, you should complete this process the day before you plan to remove the tree from your yard.
Gather Your Equipment
Since ripping the tree out of the ground with your bare hands isn’t an option, you’ll need to acquire some tools and equipment in order to get the job done. If the tree is smaller, you may be able to simply dig it out of the soil using a shovel and some elbow grease. Once the stump has been removed, you can then use an axe, root saw, and grub hoe to cut up and pull out the remaining roots.
For a less labor-intensive option, you could also rent a skid steer and a variety of different attachments. For example, a stump bucket attachment can easily remove the tree’s stump and a root rake grapple bucket can then go in and remove the roots. If the tree is small enough, you may even be able to use a tree-puller attachment to yank the tree right out of the ground.
Don Protective Gear and Clothing
Regardless of what removal method you use, it is important to wear proper safety gear. To avoid getting injured, you should always wear gloves, a helmet, and goggles. In addition, you should also put on full-coverage clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toed shoes—preferably a pair that has a steel-toe.
Clear the Area Around the Tree
Another safety precaution to take when removing a small tree from your yard is to clear the area around the tree. It is difficult to predict exactly where a tree will fall. As such, you should make sure that there is an ample amount of empty space around the tree before cutting it down. In other words, remove any outdoor furniture or other items and make sure that any people or pets are kept at a safe distance of at least twice the tree’s height.
