HOW TO REMOVE A TREE THE BLACKHAWK WAY
Here at Blackhawk, we use three different methods of tree removal. When our certified arborists are called to a property, they make sure to inspect the tree and surrounding area to best determine which method to use.
FELLING THE WHOLE TREE
This is the simplest procedure for getting a tree onto the ground. Our arborists will begin by estimating the tree’s height and surveying the surrounding area to determine if there is enough room to safely fell the tree. Then the cutter will further examine the tree to determine what kind of notch to use and where to put it. At this point, a rope will be tied to the top of the tree and a wedge cut into the side so that our crew can guide the fall of the tree in the desired direction.
CUTTING & LOWERING SECTIONS WHILE CLIMBING
More popular in urban environments, this tree removal process is used to remove trees that have grown too close to buildings or other structures like power lines and utility poles. The key to carrying out this type of tree removal is finding a central point for our climber to set up their rigging from. From there the climber will cut and lower any limbs with assistance from the ground crew, who utilize ropes to guide the limbs safely to the ground once they have been cut free from the trunk.
CRANE REMOVAL
This process starts with talking to the property owner to find a space for our crane to set up in that is both large and level enough to accommodate our equipment. Once the crane has been set up and our crew is in position, the crane cable is lowered to our climber who is standing by at the tree’s base. After they’re safely fastened into their harness they are lifted to the top of the tree, where they will attach the crane’s cable. The crane operator will then apply tension, allowing the climber to repel down the cable until they reach the predetermined cutting zone. Once they are safety tied in, the climber will then make the cut while the crane operator lifts the cut section and swings it to the nearby landing area. After the section has been set down in the landing area, the ground crew will disconnect the cable and the process is started all over again.
BACK ON THE GROUND
You’ve seen what all it takes to get a tree on the ground, but that’s only part of the battle. Once a tree has been felled it still needs to be properly cut up and removed from your property, which is where our ground crew comes into the equation. Any branches or limbs that are small enough will be run through our wood chipper, while any left-over wood that is large enough is cut into appropriate lengths and then taken to local lumber yards and paper mills to be turned into usable products. Once the tree has been removed our crew will make sure to rake and blow away any remaining sawdust or woodchips, leaving behind a clean and pristine looking yard.
TYPES OF TREES THAT NEED REMOVAL
Dead Trees – Dead trees pose a significant risk to the safety of you, your family, and your property. The longer a dead tree sits without any attention, the more unstable the tree becomes. Leaving a dead tree untreated for too long makes the tree harder to climb and may increase the cost of removal. Signs that you have a dead tree include: large limbs dropping unprovoked from the tree, big pieces of bark being stripped from the trunk, and the tree having an absence of leaves during times when there should be leaves present.
Dying Trees
The sooner you can remove any trees on your property that are dying, the better. A dying tree is easier to remove than a completely dead tree and makes the tree removal process simpler and less expensive. Signs that one of your trees is dying include: leaves turning brown out of season, patches of bare branches, and falling limbs.
Structurally Unsound Trees
If you see unusually large vertical or lateral cracks/splits in the trunk your best best is getting our certified arborists out to inspect the tree in question. Things like decaying roots or diseases that cause unusual growth patterns can cause a tree to grow in a way that isn’t structurally stable. Large cavities in the trunk of the tree left over from previous pruning wounds may also pose an issue.
Overcrowded Trees
Most trees tend to develop better when they’re not competing with other trees for resources and space. If you’ve got an overcrowded area you’re worried about, we’ll send our arborist out to take a look and see what trees can be pruned or removed in order to help maximize the development of other surrounding trees.
Trees for Landscaping
We know that sometimes landscaping plans call for a tree to be removed to make room for construction or other vegetation. If this is the case, we’ll work closely with you and the landscape designers to make sure we meet all of your wants and needs.