If you have a palm tree, one of the things that you might need to do is to have the tree removed. There are several ways that you can do this. Below are three methods that you can use for removing a palm tree and the steps that are involved.
HAVING A COMPANY REMOVE IT
SNAP A PIC OF THE PALM TREE
A few types of varieties of palms are thought to be valuable, and it’s possible you can make some money by uprooting the tree rather than destroying it. some of the companies are going to remove your tree, buy the tree and then it will be relocated. You are going to have to get a picture of it so you’ll be able to decide what kind of tree it is.
The palm tree type is determined by a few factors – leaves, the shape of the trunk, height and various other features. Be certain they’re visible in the picture.
Two of the most common kinds are Queen Palm and Mexican Fan, so they’re not thought to be valuable.
Kentia Palm and Chilean Wine Palms might be valuable.
RESEARCH THE TREE
Look online and see if you can figure out what species your tree is. You should search online for photo guides of different varieties of palm trees, then compare the picture you took to the online pictures to decide the type of tree that you have. Then you can decide how the tree should be removed.
If you aren’t sure, nurseries that specialize in palm trees or companies that remove palm trees may be able to help with identifying the tree.
CHECK THE TREE’S LOCATION
Be sure the palm’s in a location that’s accessible. A removable service will need a lot of room for them to work. Make sure the area’s clear of furniture, debris, and vehicles. You also want to look and see if there are any power lines close to the tree that it might fall on when it’s being removed. If it’s in a smaller area, like in a yard that’s surrounded by a fence, it’s possible that it’s going to cost the service a lot to remove it, so they may not buy it.
Removing palms that are close to power lines or buildings also is dangerous, so you should hire a service that is professional. If the tree is in a tight space it’s going to be difficult to remove, so the company is going to charge more to remove it.
CHECK THE LAWS
One thing that you want to do is consult the regulations about removing taller trees. There may be laws against removing trees that are tall. This is mainly due to safety because dealing with especially large trees can pose a danger to yourself or other people. If you have a really tall palm tree, you want to have someone who is professional to remove it.
An example is that if you live in California, it’s possible that you won’t be able to cut down a palm tree that’s more than 12 feet tall yourself. A tall tree will often require a lot more tools and workers to cut, so the company will likely charge more.
Contact a removal service that’s reputable. After you’ve decided what you want to do with the palm tree, you’ll have to find a company that’s willing to do the job. Talk about the options that you have with the companies that service your area. Before you choose the company, you should always look for the name of the company on the Internet to find out their credentials. You also want to read customers’ reviews.
If you are going to sell the palm, contact a company that does tree relocation or a nursery to dig your tree up without causing it harm. If you are simply cutting it down, call a service that removes trees.
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REMOVING A PALM TO BE TRANSPLANTED
FIND OUT IF IT’S VALUABLE
Before you dig up your palm tree, research your tree. It’s a good idea to take its picture and search for it online. This will help you with figuring out if you have a valuable tree. Some of the varieties of palms are considered to be valuable by planting companies and growers, and it’s possible they’ll want to buy your tree.
If you have a valuable tree, or you want the tree to be moved without causing it harm, dig your tree up rather than cutting the tree down. A palm tree nursery or a tree removal company can help with identifying the value of the tree and its specifics.
ASSESS THE TREE
Figure out how the tree should be falling. Stand in the spot where you’d like your palm to fall. The spot should be away from other trees, power lines and buildings. Detect the lean by taking a look along its trunk up to its branches. View it at other types of angles if needed for figuring out its lean, along with spotting any damage signs which could alter the tree’s trajectory.
Check out the regulations in your area before starting to ensure that you’re following all of the tree removal laws.
Plan to bring your tree down the way that it leans. If that’s not possible, dig out around 24 inches out of the soil around the tree’s roots the way that you’d like your tree to go when it falls.
Ensure the fronds of the tree aren’t tangled in the power lines or other things that are going to fall when the tree falls. If there are obstacles, it’s best to bring in a professional to help.
ANCHOR YOUR TREE
Use a rope to anchor your palm tree. This will anchor it to the grass and it’s needed in case there’s a topple and damage is caused, particularly if you have a large tree. Around Anchor the palm tree to the ground with a rope. This is needed in case the tree topples and causes damage, especially if the tree is large. About a third of the way going up your tree, wrap 4 strong rope pieces around the tree’s trunk. Each rope should be stretched a minimum of 2 feet from your tree. Plant metal stakes for each rope’s end and tightly tie your rope to your stakes.
Each of the ropes should travel the same distance from your tree. Make sure each of the ropes is tightly tied.
Another way that you can secure your tree is to stand some wooden boards against your tree. Nail one end of each of the boards to your tree around one-third of the distance up its trunk, then the other end should be staked into the ground.
If your tree starts falling, clear your area immediately. Go to a spot that’s out of the range of the tree.
CHECK THE ROOTS
Now you want to create a circle. This is going to go around your tree’s base. Measure the width of the tree so that you can estimate how big your root ball is. You should expect that your tree’s root ball is going to be around two times in width as the tree is, and this can be as much as 24 inches around. This can be marked by making the circle around your tree using spray chalk.
If you have a taller tree, the roots are going to spread out. If the tree is taller than 16 feet, the root ball may be bigger than 24 inches. If you’re planning to replant or transfer the tree, it’s a good idea to make your circle 30 inches or even bigger so that you don’t damage larger roots.
DIGGING
You want to dig in from your circle’s edge. Dig around your circle’s edge, and move your dirt until you’re able to see its root balls’ bottom. There is a lot of string, small roots that won’t spread quite as far compared with other trees. After you’ve found the roots’ ends, start moving towards the trunk until you’re exposing the root ball’s top.
Even though palms will need the majority of their roots so that they can be successfully replanted, a little damage to the roots isn’t going to kill it. You can also rent a crane to dig beneath its root ball so that the tree isn’t harmed.
DEALING WITH ROOTS
Sever stubborn or long roots using your shovel. A palm is able to survive a certain amount of damage to its roots. It’s possible to prune the larger roots that are going beyond the ball. Use something like a saw, hoe or shovel for cutting through them. Place its blade on roots close to the ball, then press down so that it’s severed.
If you’re able to expose your root ball’s bottom successfully, it won’t be necessary to sever any of the roots.
DIGGING UP THE TREE
Dig under the ball in order to free your tree. Continue to dig around your tree until you’re able to see the ball’s bottom. It will be necessary to get the shovel beneath the ball so that you’re able to wedge your tree free. After the ball’s exposed, you can move your tree.
If you’re unable to reach the bottom of your root ball, cut the long roots. If your tree starts falling, quickly get out of its way just in case your supports fail.
BRINGING THE TREE DOWN
Lower your tree down. Your tree is able to be lowered after its roots have been exposed. Get some people to help you, since a palm tree is very heaven. Loosen your ropes on one of the ends, and then lower your tree slowly. Don’t stand under your tree where it’s going to fall.
If you haven’t cut many of its roots or you haven’t sawed off the trunk’s top, your tree will be able to be planted again somewhere else. You just have to have a hole that’s deep enough so that it can cover its root ball.
If you have a large tree, it will be necessary to use a crane for moving it once it’s down. Once it’s been replanted, you will have to provide aftercare, like regularly watering it, so that it will take root.
CUTTING YOUR PALM TREE DOWN
FIND OUT IT’S WORTH
You want to take a picture of it and then search for the tree online to see if it’s valuable. There are some trees that are common and that will cost more money to plant somewhere else than they would if you just remove them. If you aren’t sure what kind of palm you have, it’s good to consult an expert.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Wear a facemask and earmuffs. If you use your chainsaw improperly, it can be dangerous. You should protect your hearing by wearing ear muffs that reduce noise and put on a good hard hat that has a face mask that you can flip up so that wooden shards that are flying don’t go into your face or eyes.
You also want to wear sturdy boots, gloves, and long sleeves and pants.
PROTECT YOURSELF UP HIGH
If you have to climb the tree, use a harness. If you are going to trim the tree so that its weight is reduced, it will be necessary to climb it. A hydraulic lift or harness will be necessary for trees that are around 12 feet tall or higher. Attach your harness to your tree or something else that’s stable, such as a close building.
It’s possible to purchase the harness on the internet or at home improvement stores. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s a good idea to hire someone to do it.
FIGURE OUT THE TRAJECTORY OF THE TREE
Evaluate the way that your tree’s going to fall. Stand a distance from it and then look up its trunk to discern its lean. Chances are good that it’s going to fall in that direction. Be sure your tree’s clear of the power lines. You also want to make sure it’s not going to fall on vehicles or other items.
Be sure that you’re following local tree removal regulations and get in contact with a service if it’s close to things such as power lines.
If you’re unable to fall the tree the way it’s leaning, it will be necessary to make a notch that’s deeper the way that you’re wanting it to fall. Cut around one third of the way into the trunk of the tree. If your tree has holes or cracks, it might fall in the direction of those damaged spots. Make sure that you know about the spots and ensure you’re working around those spots.
CLEAR YOUR AREA
Make sure the area’s cleared before you cut your tree. You also want to ensure that there’s no one in the area before starting to work on your tree. A palm tree is really heavy and even its fronds can cause damage when they fall. Pets and children should be kept far away until your tree’s down.
You should know what’s around you. Make sure there’s an escape plan if the tree begins splintering, falling towards you or cracking.
REMOVING THE FRONDS
If you have a shorter tree, you’ll be able to remove its fronds with a ladder. Position your ladder beside the branch you’re cutting on so it won’t fall upon you. If this isn’t possible, hydraulic lifts or nearby structures can help you get above your fronds.
When you’re trimming your fronds, stand above them or next to them. Don’t stand beneath them. Ask someone to help you with watching the tree and keeping an eye out for it to start to splinter or fall in the opposite direction. The person who is holding the ladder for you might be able to do this for you. Hydraulic lifts can be rented from home improvement stores.
PRUNE THE FRONDS
You can trim your fronds using your pruning saw. Use your saw to cut through your fronds one by one. Cut each of them really close to the trunk of the tree. It’s possible to use your chainsaw, too, but fronds often are tough meaning that your blades are going to wear out quickly. You should change the blade when it’s not cutting cleanly through your tree’s branches.
Allow the branches that you have cut to fall. Ensure there’s no one beneath your tree while you’re working. If you’re unable to cut your fronds, it’s possible to cut the entire tree down. But keep in mind that the fronds are going to make your tree a lot heavier as well as affect its trajectory. The trajectory also will be affected by the wind, particularly if your tree still has fronds.
CUTTING DOWN YOUR TREE
Create a notch at the base of the tree. Use the right technique for cutting so that the tree’s trajectory is controlled. Create your triangular cut at the side where the tree should fall. In order to make this cut, use your chainsaw to diagonally slice down around one quarter of the tree’s diameter and then pull your saw from the trunk.
This cut should be made at your chest or waist level so that you don’t have a huge stump left over once the tree’s down.
If you don’t want to completely take the tree down, use your chainsaw to cut your tree from its top. Cut around 12 inches off at each time and keep going until you only have a stump.
FINISH CUTTING DOWN TREE
Cut through your tree from its opposite side. Use your chainsaw to cut right through your tree. Saw through your tree until you’ve reached the notch’s tip. Move quickly away from your tree when the cracking starts. Chances are that your tree’s going to fall in the direction of your notch cut.
It’s possible you’ll need to replace your blade more than once so that you’re able to cut through your tree completely.
REMOVE THE STUMP
One of the best ways that you can remove your stump is to get a grinder. Rent one of the power stump grinders for taking out the palm trees that are remaining. You’re going to have to go down through your stump and remove it one piece at a time. This will take quite a bit of efforts. You will need patience and just slowly whittle down your stump.
You’ll also have to dig the dirt around your stump so that the section that’s left is exposed. To make this easier, it’s a good idea to use stump killer made of potassium nitrate.
These are the three ways that you can remove a palm tree. Think about what you want to do with your tree and what kind of tree you have, then you can choose the right method for you.
