Even though cutting down trees is considered bad for the environment, it is inevitable since it is one of the most essential resources on the planet.
Whether you are cutting down trees to be warm in winter, for a fire in the middle of the forest, to tell scary stories around the camp-fire while eating s’mores, or other less important things such as creating paper, you need to know how to properly cut down a tree and make sure you have the right equipment.
Here are some of the most essential tree removal tools:
1. Chainsaw
Chainsaws are a primary tool when it comes to removing trees; they are considered to be one of the most efficient, powerful and effective machines there are for cutting down trees.
There are two kinds of chainsaws; a petrol-powered chainsaw and an electric-powered chainsaw. They both powerful, but the petrol powered one will always be more powerful and they have different features.
Most people favour electric-powered chainsaws over the petrol-powered one because it’s healthier for the environment, but they are not as easy to use as petrol-powered chainsaws and you have to have an electric outlet, which could be a problem.
Unless, of course, you are going for cordless electric then you just have to make sure that the battery is charged. Again, this can be a bit of an inconvenience and it also means you don’t get much run-time to finish the job.
Of course, you don’t always need a chainsaw to cut wood.
2. Crosscut Saws
Crosscut saws depend on the diameter of the tree that you are going to be cutting.
They are mostly used if you are going to cut down a tree with a wide diameter, so in that case you need a partner to cut down this tree with you.
Most importantly, you need another person to cut down this tree with you because crosscut saws have two handles and you need someone else to hold the other end.
They’re a bit more of a traditional way of doing things but are very good for the environment and will give you a really good workout in the process!
3. Axe
Every tree expert knows the value of having a sharp axe with him while cutting down a tree. A sharp axe is essential and just as important as a chainsaw.
Axes are one of the oldest and most useful tools for cutting down trees, mostly because of how easy it is to use and move them around.
Axes don’t cost as much as other fancy tools, and they are not as noisy as chainsaws. There are also different types of axes to choose from, so you are not limited to one type and you can easily pick another type if you are uncomfortable with using a specific type.
A pick-axe is mostly used to pry the thick roots that are deeply placed into the soil, while a double-sided axe is used to cut down trees more efficiently.
Another great feature offered by axes is that you don’t have to buy a new axe if the blade isn’t as sharp as it once was, all you have to do is sharpen it with a long mill file, and it will be as good as new.
4. Loppers
They are like scissors, but for branches. Loppers are mainly used for cutting dead or overgrown branches; they are very sturdy and will easily cut those branches, so be careful while using them.
5. Stump Grinders
Congrats! You have finally managed to cut down the tree, except now you are left with the stump sticking out of the ground.
Now you need a special tool for this part, make sure you purchase a stump grinder; this tool will greatly help in the removal procedure of the stump.
Nearly all tree service companies use this tool because it is necessary to remove the stump. This tool has rotating teeth that will help out a lot in the removal of the stump along with its roots.
But we’re not limited to those tools listed above, there are other tools which will definitely help you too, including…
1. Rope
Sometimes you’ll need a rope to pull down specific parts of the tree; there are cases where the tree is too tall and you need a rope to help you out with pulling it down.
2. Ladder
Using a ladder is also crucial when cutting down a tree, since there are varying heights you will need to get up to. Just be careful that everything is secure, especially the tree, before climbing up.
And let’s not forget about safety equipment…
It is vital that you buy safety equipment before you go out and cut down a tree; safety equipment is just as essential as a chainsaw to cut down the tree.
Your whole body is vulnerable to severe injuries when you’re cutting working, due to the sharp tools that you will be using.
A lot of things can go wrong without the right safety equipment; you could easily harm yourself, even if you are using an axe, which is not as deadly as using a chainsaw, but still is dangerous if you are not wearing the specific cut-proof trousers for this procedure.
Your legs, eyes, ears, hands and face are very vulnerable and could easily get severely harmed without the right protective gear.
Safety equipment includes everything from specific gloves and trousers to hearing protection headset, helmet, a first aid kit, safety glasses and fall and rescue suspenders.
1. Fall and rescue
This lift device should be sturdy enough to support your body weight while climbing, well padded, and have comfortable suspenders.
2. First-aid kit
It’s better to keep a first-aid kit just in case anything happened; a classic first aid kit contains a variety of plasters and bandages in different shapes and sizes, wipes, tweezers, scissors, skin rash cream, purified water for cleansing cuts, etc.
It’s also recommended that someone be first aid trained to understand how to do things properly.
3. Gloves
Ideally the gloves should be made of leather and a waterproof material; it should also protect you from cutting yourself, snow and wet conditions.
4. Hearing protection
Powered chainsaws are very loud and in the long run could be damaging for your ears, so it is better if you acquire hearing protection before you use a chainsaw, besides it’s also quite annoying and can leave a ringing in your ears.
5. Helmets
A protective helmet is super important; it will protect your neck, ears and obviously face.
6. Protective clothing
Protective clothing includes: chainsaw trousers, boots, suspenders, gloves and safety glasses.
7. Safety glasses
Your eyes are very vulnerable, especially if you decide on cutting up a tree after felling it. Unfortunately, your eyes could easily get hurt or scratched from all three parts that you will be cutting, so don’t forget your safety glasses.
To summaries what you need…
Before heading out to the wilderness to cut down a tree to gather enough wood for warmth or whatever the reason is, it is essential that you make sure you have the right equipment.
Essential items include a chainsaw, sharp axe, stump grinder, lopper and possibly a crosscut saw.
You also need to make sure you have the proper equipment for safety like a first aid kit, fall and rescue suspenders and safety attire that includes: a helmet, gloves, hearing protection headset, safety glasses and chainsaw trousers.
Good luck with it!