Signs Your Tree Needs To Be Felled
Determining whether or not your tree has to be cut down might be difficult. However, there are several warning signals that you may watch out for that may point to the necessity to remove the tree. First of all, be on the lookout for any dead branches, fungus, holes, rot, or damaged bark since these might be signs that your tree is ill and has to be removed. It may also be a clue that your tree is having problems if it has already lost a lot of leaves or needles. Leaning trunks or an uneven look are further warning signs.
When in doubt, it's always advisable to get the help of a qualified arborist or tree feller who can evaluate the state of your tree and offer advice on the best course of action. Fungi must be taken into consideration while discussing tree diseases. A fungal illness has most likely been caught by your favourite tree if you detect mushrooms sprouting at the base of the tree. Other indications of this include wilting and dropping leaves or needles, depressions in the wood, scabs on fruits, bleeding cankers, stunted development, and small pimple-like formations that produce spores. If your tree exhibits any of these symptoms, it's time to accept the truth that your tree is diseased and needs professional services.
What Not To Do When Felling A Tree
When attempting to chop down a tree by yourself, it's crucial to take the necessary measures because tree felling can be dangerous. First off, never try to cut the ground; instead, always fell trees using a chainsaw. Secondly, avoid cutting in the kickback zone, which is where cutting too forcefully will most likely cause the saw's bar to kick back. Thirdly, remember to check the chain tension. This is crucial since a chain that is not adequately tensioned might cause an accident. Last but not least, remain a safe distance from the falling tree and never lean on the tree while it is being chopped down.
Nobody wants to bury their chainsaw in the earth; to avoid falling into the mud, rocks, and dirt, don't cut too close to the ground. In just one second of dirt digging, the cutters may be worn out; since dirt increases the deterioration of the chain links and dulls the cutters, the chain stretches. Moreover, dirt harms the bar tip sprocket. To prevent unintentionally falling into the earth, always lift a log off the ground far enough to give yourself space. The life of your chain saw is vastly increased by cutting with a sharp blade. This is so that a sharp blade can drag itself into the wood, as opposed to a dull blade that needs a lot of downward pressure. The clutch, sprocket, drive links and bar all deteriorate under that strain; it's time to stop and sharpen the blade when it starts producing sawdust rather than chips. When the chain wraps around the tip of the saw in the kickback zone, it causes the depth gauge on the cutter to read lower than it should in regard to the tooth. When the saw takes on more than it can handle, the chain is stopped or slows down. The result is a force that drives the bar backwards. In other words, it causes the chain to be strained and move backwards.
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Get a QuoteWhat Are The Laws On Tree Felling?
It's crucial to be informed of the applicable rules and regulations before cutting down a tree; these will differ based on the location. Before cutting down a tree, you will often require permission from the local council. Planning permission may also be required in many locations; for instance, in England, Scotland, and Wales, you need to apply if you wish to cut down a tree whose trunk diameter is greater than 7.5 cm. Additionally, if you want to cut down trees that are subject to conservation laws or that are situated in a national park, you could need a felling licence.
Even on your own property, cutting down a tree without authorization is illegal and might result in a hefty punishment. If your neighbour won't trim the branches that are overhanging your garden, you may do it, but only on your side of the property line. As they are technically their property, ask your neighbour whether they will allow you to dispose of the branches. As long as you don't enter the other person's property, you are allowed to cut down your neighbour's tree. As long as entering the neighbour's garden or property is not necessary, it's also acceptable to climb into the tree to complete the task. You can fell trees that aren't under a Tree Preservation Order.
Do I Need Permission To Fell A Tree?
It's crucial to keep in mind that you could need permission to cut down the tree even if you own your house or the property where it's located. You will need to get permission before falling a tree if it is covered by a conservation law or is situated in a National Park. Similar to this, some trees could be covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) from the neighbourhood council, requiring authorization before you are permitted to cut it down. You should speak with your local council if you are unclear if you need permission to cut down your tree since they may provide you guidance on the subject. Unless a tree has been recognised as needing preservation by a Tree Preservation Order or a Conservation Area, a homeowner does not require authorization to take down a tree that is only in their garden.
If you are renting a home and want to cut down trees on the grounds of the rental property, you must first get your landlord's approval before starting any work. If a tree in your garden or on your land is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you will need permission to fell it. If this is the case, you must acquire permission from your local government, otherwise you can be given a fine.
Do You Need A Licence To Fell Trees?
Depending on the size of the tree and the precise site location, you may be required to have a falling licence before proceeding with the felling. Everyone participating in tree falling, including those who own, lease, or manage the property, must get a felling licence when one is required. The conditions for needing a permit vary by jurisdiction, but in general, trees with a trunk diameter of more than 15cm will require one.
Furthermore, when falling trees near public highways, trains, or water courses, felling permission is frequently necessary to avoid major harm and contamination. If you are unsure, contact your local authorities, who will be able to offer you information and advice on whether you need a licence. A falling licence is required if you want to fell more than 5m³ of timber in a calendar quarter. You can only harvest 2m³ of wood every calendar quarter if you intend to sell it. Both wild trees and hedge trees fall under this category. Unless they are certain that one of the exemptions applies, such as felling trees where there is a risk of serious harm and urgent work is needed to eliminate the risk, everyone involved in tree felling, including the owner, agent, timber merchant, or contractor, must make sure that a licence has been issued before any felling takes place. If there is no licence or sufficient authorization, or if the wrong trees are cut down, anybody involved can be prosecuted.
A licence must be valid for a minimum of five years. It is illegal to chop down, uproot, or wilfully destroy any trees that are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), are located in a Conservation Area, or are more than 5 cubic metres in volume, whether they are a single large tree or a cluster of smaller ones, without authorization. The Forestry Commission, which is in charge of safeguarding and developing sustainable woodland, grants a tree-felling licence. A licence should be requested three months beforehand.
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