Methods for Clearing Trees

Controlled Burn

The controlled burn method is commonly used for clearing land for new tree growth. This is the most dangerous method of clearing trees and should be left to professionals. Controlled burns are achieved when a fire is set to the area and maintained until the trees are burned to the ground. Once the fires are extinguished, the land can be cleared with heavy construction equipment such as an excavator. Tree stumps, burned debris and rocks are among the items that may need to be removed after the burn.

The cut and grind method involves cutting down the trees and leaving the stumps in the ground. The trees are often moved to a processing center such as a lumber mill. The stumps can be pulled out of the ground with a piece of heavy construction machinery, such as a track hoe, or they can be ground into mulching material. The grinding method of tree stump removal is commonly done with heavy machines using a large flywheel equipped with cutting teeth; this method is referred to as mechanical routing.

The pushover method involves the use of heavy construction equipment such as a bulldozer. The trees are pushed over with the roots still intact and are then shipped to lumber mills or mulch processing centers. This method allows the tree and stump to be removed in one step. The trees are moved using a skidder; skidders have large jaws that grab the trees and drag them along the ground to the deck to be picked up and loaded onto trucks. This tree removal method may be preferred because the entire tree can be used; the trunk can be used for lumber, while the branches and roots may be ground into mulch.

In some cases, you may only need one or two trees cleared from the landscape. If you have experience with tree cutters, you may be able to remove the trees yourself as long as you follow strict safety precautions. Clear out a workspace around the tree, and try to choose a direction for the tree to fall that is close to the tree's natural lean. Plan ahead before cutting to designate a safety area that allows you to move at least 40 feet from the tree as it falls. Cut two notches in the tree; the first cut should be halfway through the tree, and the second cut should be at a 45-degree angle to meet the first cut. Tie a rope to the upper part of the tree to use as a guide to fell the tree. A second person can pull the rope to encourage the tree to fall in a particular direction.