Property owners choose to remove trees and buildings from their property for many reasons. Maybe you’re interested in tearing down your old dilapidated garage so you can build a newer model in its place. Or maybe you’ve recently noticed that the old sycamore tree in your front yard is badly rotten and threatening to topple over on your house. Whether your needs are urgent or a matter of personal preference or aesthetics, it is vital to take the proper steps to ensure your construction demolition or tree removal project is completed as efficiently and safely as possible.
Construction Demolition
Whether you’re tearing down a three-story house or a small shed, the first aspect of demolition preparation is always the same: prepare the site. If there are utilities such as water, gas, or electricity entering the building, be sure to contact the proper authorities to shut them off before the demolition date. All potentially hazardous items, such as flammable materials, must be removed from the premises, and owners must be absolutely certain that asbestos is not present within the building. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not asbestos is present in the building scheduled for demolition services, be sure to contact a professional for asbestos testing and, if necessary, removal services before the demolition takes place. demolition.
Social preparation is also important, especially if you are in a high-traffic area. Make sure neighbors and others who may be near the site know what is going on so everyone can be aware of the potential danger and plan to avoid the facility. If you are in a rural region, this step may not be relevant, but in cities where there is considerably more congestion, written notices or verbal warnings may be in your best interest. It is also important to have an escape plan in place so that you and everyone else present can get to a safe place should the need arise. There should also be a first aid kit on site as a precaution.
Once you have fully prepped the area, you can begin the actual work. Be sure to use the proper tools for the type of job; if the structure is small, such as a tree house, pool, or deck, you may only need a mallet. Larger structures may require backhoes. The best way to approach your project will differ depending on the type of structure in question and whether or not there are obstacles that need to be protected from the effects of collapse. If you don’t have prior experience doing or planning a demolition, it may be a good idea to have a professional handle the project or have a knowledgeable person sign off on your demolition plan before you begin. From removing non-load bearing walls to ensuring a controlled collapse, it is important to make informed and thoughtful decisions to ensure success. The thought you put into planning your demolition will directly affect your overall safety, the amount of time it takes to complete the project, and the magnitude of your future cleanup efforts.
If you don’t have the time or energy to remove demolition debris from your property after the structure has been torn down, consider the services of a professional scrap hauling crew or dumpster rental service. With just a phone call, you can remove your concrete, wood chips, and other unwanted trash, leaving you with a clean yard free from safety hazards.
tree removal
Initial preparation for tree removal is similar to demolition of a building. It is vital to scan the area for obstacles such as other trees or utility lines, and to communicate with your neighbors to ensure that your intentions to remove a tree near a property line do not cause disputes or inspire legal action. As with a building demolition, it is also important to have an escape plan.
The exact approach to removing a tree and stump can differ depending on the slope of the ground, the size of the tree, etc. Generally, it is best to fell a tree in the direction that it naturally leans. Using a chainsaw for larger trees and a handsaw for smaller ones, cut a V-shaped notch in the side of the tree that matches the direction you want it to fall. This is sometimes called an undercut, guide groove, or aiming groove, and its depth should be about a quarter of the diameter of the tree. Next, make a similar notch on the opposite side of the tree, two inches above the undercut; this second step is known as back cutting. These cuts should sufficiently weaken the tree to allow it to fall. Be sure to steer clear as falling trees can be unpredictable. Once the tree is on the ground, remove branches from the bottom up, starting on the opposite side from where you’re standing (to protect yourself from the chainsaw and any unexpected movement the tree may make as a result of being felled). ).
Many people like to use tree branches and trunks for firewood, but others simply want to remove debris from their lawn as soon as possible. For prompt pickup of your debris, down to the last twig, call your local trash collection service. They will have the means and manpower to restore your yard to its full beauty and remove all safety risks that may be associated with debris.
Whether you choose to call in a professional or take on the demolition project yourself, it’s best to be fully informed about best practices and safety measures so you can feel completely comfortable with the changes being made to your property.
