Removing a small dead tree reclaims valuable yard space and saves money. For safe do-it-yourself removal, a small tree is defined as one with a trunk diameter typically less than 8 to 10 inches at chest height, manageable with common tools. This project requires careful planning to ensure the tree comes down safely and predictably. The process involves a thorough safety assessment, controlled felling of the trunk, and managing the remaining stump and debris cleanup.
Determining if the Tree is Safe for DIY Removal
Before starting, evaluate the tree’s condition and surroundings to confirm the project is suitable for a non-professional. Homeowners should only remove dead trees no taller than 15 feet with a trunk diameter under 8 to 10 inches at the base. Trees showing significant decay or advanced rot require extreme caution, as the wood may not hold together during felling.
The proximity of the tree to structures and utilities is the most important pre-felling check. If the tree is leaning toward or is within its height distance of any building or valuable asset, professional assistance is necessary. Maintain a strict minimum approach distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines. Mandatory safety gear, including a sturdy helmet, eye protection, and heavy work gloves, must be worn before beginning work.
Step-by-Step Felling Techniques
The goal of felling is to use a controlled cut to guide the tree to the ground in a predetermined direction. Begin by clearing a safe retreat path away from the planned fall zone, ensuring it is clear of obstructions. The first major cut is the directional notch, or face cut, made on the side of the trunk facing the desired direction of fall. This notch is formed by a horizontal cut and an angled cut that meet to remove a wedge of wood.
For a small tree, the directional notch should penetrate approximately one-third of the trunk’s diameter, creating a V-shape that focuses the tree’s collapse. The notch depth dictates the size of the hinge wood, which is the uncut section on the opposite side of the trunk. Once the notch is complete, the felling cut, or back cut, is made opposite the notch, slightly above the horizontal plane of the notch’s base.
The felling cut is made straight into the trunk, stopping just before the notch to leave the hinge wood intact. This hinge wood, typically 10% of the trunk’s diameter, acts as a temporary pivot that steers the tree as it falls. Once the hinge cracks and the tree starts to fall, quickly move along the designated escape path away from the trunk. Felling a small dead tree can be accomplished with a sharp handsaw, a robust pruning saw, or a small electric chainsaw.
Strategies for Stump and Root Removal
After the tree is safely on the ground, the remaining stump and root system must be addressed. For a small dead tree with a stump diameter less than 10 inches, manual removal is often the most direct method, although it requires significant physical effort. This involves digging a trench around the stump to expose the lateral roots, which can then be severed using a saw or loppers. Leveraging the remaining trunk or a pry bar can help rock the stump loose and allow for the cutting of the deeper taproot.
For homeowners who prefer a less strenuous approach, chemical or natural decomposition methods offer an alternative, though they are much slower. This method involves drilling several deep, wide holes into the top of the stump, reaching 8 to 12 inches into the wood. The holes are then filled with a commercial stump remover containing potassium nitrate or a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
The nitrogen-rich compound accelerates the natural decay process by feeding the wood-rotting fungi and bacteria that break down the lignin and cellulose. While a chemical remover may soften the stump enough for breakdown within four to six weeks, a purely natural fertilizer application can take a year or more for the stump to fully decompose. Keeping the stump consistently moist and covered with a tarp helps maintain conditions for fungal growth.
Cleanup and Wood Disposal
The final stage of the project involves processing the fallen tree and clearing the area of debris. The main trunk can be cut into manageable sections using a saw, and the wood can be stacked to dry for use as firewood. This process, known as seasoning, allows the wood’s moisture content to drop, making it an efficient heat source.
Smaller branches and brush should be separated from the logs and can be processed in several ways. If a wood chipper is available, the branches can be turned into wood chips for use as mulch in garden beds, which helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. For municipal yard waste collection, stack the branches with the thicker ends facing one direction, making the material easier for crews to handle. Offering the cut logs for free to neighbors is a common method for quick removal.