How to Remove a Large Tree Limb

Dead or damaged tree limbs should be removed as soon as possible. A dead limb can fall and severely damage your roof--or kill or injure a person. The larger the tree limb, the more planning you'll need to do to remove it safely. The goal is to get the limb to fall where you want it to.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chainsaw or pole saw
• Sturdy Rope
• Ladder
• Block and tackle
• Safety glasses
• Hardhat
• Work gloves

1. Remove any smaller branches from the limb by using a pole saw. This will make the larger branch easier to control.

2. Tie a hangman’s noose in one end of a sturdy rope. Secure the rope around the limb by slipping the opposite, loose end of the rope through the noose. You can use a ladder to reach the limb if it is low enough on the tree; otherwise, you may have to toss the noose a number of times before it goes around the correct branch.

3. Decide where you want the limb to land on the ground. Take the free end of the rope and tie it to a tree or other sturdy pole using the block and tackle, and put tension on the limb to guide it to where you want it to fall.

4. Use the chain saw or pole saw to cut a quarter of the way through the limb near to where it branches out from the tree. Tighten the tension on the block and tackle.

5. Finish the cut on the limb. The tension caused by the rope should pull the cut limb out of the way and cause it to fall in the area you have selected.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use the pole saw or chainsaw to remove the limb one small chunk at a time. Depending on the size of the limb, this can be a much safer way of performing the task.
• Always wear safety glasses and a hard hat when working with any type of saw and trees.
• When doing any type of tree work, it is always best to have a second person around in case of an accident. Just make sure the other person knows the plan for felling the limb or tree.