If you have a small tree in your yard that you wish to remove, you can accomplish this task all on your own if you are well-prepared and properly equipped. It’s not a complex or complicated project, but it is generally very time-consuming and requires some good old-fashioned manual labor. Continue reading to learn the easiest and most reliable way to remove a small tree, as well as, who to call for professional tree removal services in your neighborhood.
Removing Small Trees
Again, removing small trees is not a difficult or challenging job, but it is a demanding one. You can certainly expect to spend most of your time and effort digging up all the tree roots. Choose a day when the temperature is not too high and drink plenty of water, so to prevent heat-related illnesses like dehydration. You might have an easier time choosing a day that follows a few rainy days. This way, the ground is softer and easier to penetrate. Your back will be thanking you for this later! Also, be sure to gather all the necessary tools and equipment needed to make the job possible, as well as, a bit easier. This includes a sharp spade, large metal shovel, gloves, plastic tarp (or burlap), protective eye goggles, tree twine, hose and water hookup (in case the ground is too dry and solid), and a hand saw. Not all of these item are mandatory, but they do make the digging and handling process easier.
Here’s How to Remove a Small Tree:
1. If there have been no rainy days, wet the ground using a hose to soften the soil. Do this one day in advance, as well as, the same day of the project.
2. Assess the diameter of the tree’s root ball in order to dig a wide enough circumference around the tree for easier removal. Do this by measuring the diameter of the tree trunk, and then multiplying that number by a number between 9 and 12, depending on the age of the tree. Use a higher number for older trees. So if the trunk was 3 inches in diameter, dig a circumference that is at least 27 to 36 inches wide. For an idea of proper depth, multiply the tree trunk diameter by 6. In this case, you would need to dig 18 inches into the ground to be able to pull out the tree and root ball.
3. Use tree twine to tie up and hold back the lower sections of branches so they are not in your way when you are digging up tree.
4. Use the spade to cut into the ground along the circumference you measured earlier. Simply place the sharp thin side of the blade directly on top of the soil, then use your foot and body weight to press it into the ground. You don’t have to remove any soil yet, you just need to create the divisions in the soil.
5. Use either the spade or shovel and dig out the excess soil to expose the root ball. And then remove all the excess soil surrounding the root ball to expose the tree roots.
6. Using the spade again, push the blade securely into the ground beneath the root ball, push in with your foot, tilt the shovel, and lift the root ball from the soil. This will almost look like a teeter-totter motion.
7. Now use the spade to cut through small tree roots, and a handsaw for larger roots.
8. Remove the tree from the hole and place onto the tarp or burlap, and drag it to an appropriate disposal site!