Sometimes when we arrive at a property, a homeowner or business owner points to a tangled mess of trees, or a tree that is precariously leaned on a power line or building. Most of the time, we recommend to get a professional to deal with these situations. However, if the tree is small enough and the coast is clear, it is possible to remove a tree leaning on another tree (or other structure) safely.
To safely remove a tree leaning on another tree, power line, or house, assess potential hazards, wear protective gear, and use a chainsaw to make strategic cuts, taking care to control the tree's fall direction. Consider consulting professionals for complex scenarios and prioritize safety throughout the removal process.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the reasons trees lean, discuss when the project is safe to do on your own (versus calling a professional tree removal service), and provide some basic instructions for how to get the job done properly.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t advise you of the inherent dangers of removing trees on your own. This is especially true for leaning trees, as leaning can be a sign that a tree is about to fall. Our professional tree removal crews have been doing this job for (combined) decades, and they have to strategize the cuts and take proper safety measures.
If you’re not confident that you can get the job done safely, do not attempt it. Falling trees are extremely dangerous.
Our rule of thumb is that if you have to climb a ladder to remove sections of the tree, do not attempt it yourself. Additionally, if the tree is dead or brittle, we recommend not trying it yourself, as brittle branches pose a very high risk of serious injury if they fall.
Our other rule of thumb is that if you are unsure of whether you can do the job safely, call a professional tree service. It’s possible that the tree service can advise you over the phone, but they can also sometimes come to your property to help you make the decision and provide you with a quote so that you know what your options are.
We all know that power lines are extremely dangerous - they conduct electricity at a massive rate. A rule of thumb about power lines:
Lastly, if you are dealing with power lines, make sure that you never have to get closer than 10-20 feet from the power line at any point during the removal. Additionally, if the tree is in contact with power lines, ensure that the power lines aren't about to break or that they aren't leaning themselves. Damaging power lines can cause power outages or electric lines to fail.
Since you’ll ideally be only removing small trees on your own, this likely shouldn’t be a problem. If you're unable to remove the tree without disturbing the powerlines or getting too close, we recommend getting the utility company involved.
We have to say it: don’t mess with power lines.
As we’ve covered in other posts on our site, trees lean for a variety of reasons. Tree lean often stems from environmental conditions and the natural growth patterns of trees.
Soil erosion or subsidence can weaken a tree's root system, leading to instability and leaning. In some cases, trees may lean towards structures or power lines in their quest for sunlight, prompting them to grow in unusual angles.
Additionally, unfavorable weather events such as strong winds, storm damage, or heavy snowfall can cause trees to lean as their branches and trunks bear the brunt of these forces.
Urban development and landscaping decisions can also play a role, as trees may be forced to adapt to confined spaces, resulting in leaning or overreaching toward neighboring trees or structures.
Lastly, there is the case of the hung tree, or a tree which has actually fallen or cracked, but gotten hung up on another tree or a building in the process of falling.
Whatever the case, we recommend you remove trees when they reach a lean of 15 degrees or more from horizontal. At this point, the leaning tree can be dangerous and cause damage to your property or worse.
If you’ve assessed that the situation is safe and that you’re planning to cut down a tree yourself, you’ll now have to move on to the planning phase. So, how do you actually remove the leaning tree?
There are four steps to follow when removing a tree leaning on another tree, power line, or building:
We’ll state it quickly again, but safety is the most important thing. Before attempting any removal, prioritize safety. Identify potential hazards, such as power lines, structural damage, or unstable ground. If the situation seems too risky, it's advisable to seek professional tree care assistance.
Next, you need to evaluate the lean. Determine the direction in which the tree is leaning. This assessment will help you plan the removal process and choose the appropriate equipment.
We recommend investing in a high-quality chainsaw with a sharp blade to get this job done – this is no time for sub-par tools. Ensure it is properly lubricated and fueled before use.
You’ll also need pulling equipment, such as ropes and a truck, to guide the tree’s fall after the appropriate cuts have been made.
Lastly, you’ll need basic safety gear. Wear protective gear, including a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy boots.
At this point you may be wondering if you’ll need a ladder. Earlier in the post we mentioned that if the tree is tall enough that you need a ladder to remove sections of it, you should likely just have a professional do the job for you.
So, for a simple tree removal such as this, you shouldn’t be needing a ladder, harnesses, or any climbing equipment.
Based on your assessment, determine the safest direction for the tree to fall. Clear the area of any obstacles, making sure that the clear area is at least the height of the tree, plus a few feet.
Next, you’ll need to make a notch cut. Create a notch cut on the side facing the desired fall direction. This cut should be horizontal and extend approximately one-third into the tree's diameter.
Lastly, complete a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the bottom of the notch cut. This will guide the tree in the intended direction.
Use the pulling system you’ve devised to guide the tree’s fall. Pulling the tree in the direction you want will help you guide the tree's descent and prevent it from falling unpredictably.
You’ll also need to monitor the tree’s fall as it happens. As the tree begins to fall, keep a safe distance and closely observe its trajectory. Be prepared to move quickly in case of unexpected shifts.
Once the tree is down, dispose of the fallen tree and any other debris safely. Using your chainsaw, cut the trunk and the tree's branches into manageable pieces for disposal or repurposing. Dispose of debris in accordance with local regulations.
Inspect surrounding structures. Check for any damage to nearby structures or landscaping caused during the removal process. Address any issues promptly.
Removing a tree leaning on another tree requires careful planning, the right tools, and a commitment to safety. We would encourage you not to try a DIY tree removal that is too difficult just because the cost of removing the tree is too high. If in doubt, consulting with a professional tree removal service is always a wise decision.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and secure removal process while minimizing risks to yourself and your surroundings. Remember, safety is paramount, and a well-executed plan is the key to a successful tree removal.
Thank you for considering Leaf and Limb for all of your tree care needs. We look forward to working with you and helping to create a beautiful, healthy landscape for your home or business.
