Tree stumps pose a serious threat to your property. In addition to creating a tripping hazard, decaying stumps also have the potential to impact other plants in your yard. Learn how professionals safely remove stumps from residential properties.
Protective Equipment
Whenever tree specialists remove a stump, they wear personal protective equipment. This gear includes safety goggles and face shields, along with hard hats, work gloves, and proper shoes. These forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) ensure that arborists are protected from injury caused by the stump and the machinery that they’re using.
Securing the Work Area
Next, tree specialists remove all hazards from the work area around the tree stump. They’ll move any debris around the stump that could become a projectile. If they find wildlife inside the stump, they will also contact a local service to remove them safely. Since debris will fly around the work area, homeowners should keep their pets and family at least 75 feet from it.
Locating Underground Utility Lines
Before they attempt to remove the stump, the tree specialists contact local utility providers to mark the location of underground utility lines or pipes. When removing the stump, they’ll be careful and avoid digging into these areas. Arborists will follow controlled excavation practices, including hand-digging. They can also use stump grinders, which are best for shallow depths.
Equipment Inspection
Professional arborists inspect equipment before they grind the stump. They’ll make sure that there aren’t any loose parts and that the grinder’s teeth are sharp enough. They’ll ensure they have adequate fuel and oil for their equipment.
Following Safe Operating Practices
The workers follow safe operating practices when removing a stump, including remaining at the controls. They’ll start grinding with shallow passes to prevent engine stalls. They’ll keep the grinder at a 3 to 5 o’clock position. Next, they’ll position the grinder uphill when grinding the slope. They make sure they turn off the machine when clearing debris and never place their hands or feet near it.
Preventing Additional Hazards
Tree specialists install protective barriers or screens to prevent flying debris from hitting windows or nearby cars. The stump’s location determines what is in its path and could become damaged during stump removal. Protective barriers can include portable mesh panels and pop-up barricades. Heavy-duty or plywood mats can protect the soil and prevent compaction. They may also use orange mesh fencing to block access to the work area.
Tree removal services are necessary to improve the aesthetics and safety of your residential property. The aftermath could include several stumps that should also be removed. Removing the stumps prevents accidents and injuries, and pests won’t have a convenient place to reproduce. Hiring tree specialists ensures that the stump is removed safely because they follow these safety tips. If you live in San Carlos, CA or a surrounding area and need stump grinding services, make your first call to West Coast Tree Care Inc.
