How to Safely Remove a Tree Limb From a House

Safely removing a tree limb from a house is a project that should be approached seriously and carefully. It is very easy to cause further damage to your home, or worse, to yourself and your helpers. If you take your time and are patient with your project of removing the tree limb, then you and your house should be just fine.

Things You'll Need

• Strong rope
• Heavy ball
• Chain saw
• Safety gear

Instructions

1. Attach your heavy ball to a long piece of strong rope. This is called your throwing ball and will make it much easier to get your ropes wrapped around the right places. Throw your ball through the limb that you are planning to remove, and make sure the weight will be pulling the limb away from the house. Have a helper securely pull back on the limb, away from the house.

2. Climb up the tree with your chain saw, while your helper continues to hold the rope and pull the limb toward the direction you want it to fall.

3. Cut about 1/4 of the way through the limb, while your partner continues to pull. If the limb is being stressed in that direction, continue your cut until the limb breaks and falls to the ground in the direction you had planned.

4. Cut any other limbs or twigs that could potentially damage your house in the future while you are up there. Once you are finished, clean up the area around the tree and house, and safely put away your chain saw and other tools.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are absolutely positive that the tree limb is going to fall in the direction you want before you cut the entire way through. If the limb is fairly small and light, this should not be a problem. Larger limbs, however, can be unpredictable. Test all of your equipment before you begin cutting. Make sure your ropes are strong and your chain saw is sharp, has fuel and runs correctly. Testing your chain saw on another piece of wood is a good idea, just to be safe.

Resources

• Read about fallen trees and insurance policies.
• Study more advice on removing trees.