Many plant enthusiasts certainly surf the internet for tips to help them cut down trees or shrubs. This is a conundrum for many novice gardeners, as well as the more advanced ones. We would like to discuss tree and shrub cutting, and answer the most important questions related to the issue.
Tree cutting – a tip how to start
It is of key importance to check the condition of the trees and shrubs in our garden. The assessment will probably be based not only on a purely technical review of the plants to pinpoint the diseased or broken ones for cutting, but also on your sense of aesthetics – when, for instance, you notice that some of the elements of your garden do not fit in with the rest or you no longer like them. This is covered by the preliminary assessment. For a detailed assessment, it is a good idea to hire a dendrology professional who will take a closer look at your trees and shrubs, assess soil conditions and suggest the best place for each shrub.
Legal advice on tree cutting
Not many people may be aware of this, but not all trees or shrubs can be removed at your discretion. This is to draw your attention to regulations on cutting trees, namely what trees may be cut, where and when.
Tree cutting – advice on “what may be cut”
The Polish law permits cutting shrubs no older than 10 years, shrubs from areas of ornamental vegetation and trees whose circumference at the height of the trunk of 5 cm does not exceed 35 cm, which applies to poplars, ash-leaf maple, silver maple, willows and horse chestnut. The circumference of other tree species should not exceed 25 cm.
If you are not sure of the plant species that you want to cut down or if it is difficult to measure the age of the plant, you should hire a professional to carry out a detailed expert survey. A dendrologist is an expert that you might be looking for.
Tips on where and when to cut down trees and shrubs
Another issue is the spot where the tree or shrub grows. As you can see, many aspects of life are governed by law – even things like rearranging a garden or yard. There are places where a tree cutting permit will not be necessary. For shrubs, they are areas that serve an ornamental function or the perimeter of your garden or yard. A cutting permit is required for shrubs with an area of more than 25 m² and located in the road strip of a public road.
What also matters is the best timing of the cutting. Many home gardeners and lumberjacks don’t even think about it, since any time of year usually works for total cutting; however, the assumption is that you don’t scare birds, destroy their habitat or that of other protected animal species, you don’t destroy plants, insects or fungi found on or around the trees and shrubs being removed.
Tree cutting – a tip on what to look out for in the tree cutting team.
Hiring a professional tree cutting team involves costs, but at the same time you can be sure that they will do their job reliably and effectively. It is important to get along well with the team, agree on any deadlines and order the service without unnecessary pressure or quibbles. Once things are settled, make a check on the team’s preparedness for work.
Therefore, before starting work, make sure that the team members follow health and safety regulations, that is, wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles when cutting a tree or bush and that they handle their tools properly. Remember that when you are around the people doing work, you must also take care of your own safety.
