Removing Trees In Confined Spaces

Trees in tight spaces, small yards or hard-to-reach locations can make for a dangerous and difficult removal. Although it requires special care and is certainly not a DIY job, the Tree Service Rochester NY team has extensive experience to tackle such tricky tree removals with ease! We want to provide our clients peace of mind by letting them know what goes into removing trees from confined areas and what type of equipment is needed. With skillful hands at work using specialized machinery, you can trust that we will safely remove your tree within the confines of any space – no matter how narrow!
What Is A Confined Space?

Areas where it’s hard to squeeze in equipment and crews are known as tight spaces. It is critical for workers using heavy machinery to maintain adequate distance from the site, particularly when there is a risk of inadvertent damage being inflicted on the property.
Common tight spaces where we remove trees include:
Small, urban backyards with close proximity to power lines. Narrow spaces between buildings may not allow for necessary equipment and caution must always be taken when handling tree removal near high-voltage cables. Careful planning is essential for any job that requires cutting trees too close to these sources of electricity (read more about it here).
When Should You Remove A Tree From A Confined Space?
If a tree is located in an area that makes it difficult to maintain, then you may need to consider cutting it down. Various factors like the health and growth patterns of the tree can be determiners as to whether or not this action should be taken.
By removing a dead or dying tree as soon as possible, you can protect your property from potential damage and save time and money. Additionally, these trees become unsafe for climbing crews due to their precarious state. Don’t take the chance of waiting too long; act promptly in order to avoid further issues!
Friction with trees can be detrimental to nearby buildings – the branches may cause harm to sidings and windows during strong winds, while the bark erodes away over time, forming wounds that are susceptible to disease and insect infestation.
Establish a strong foundation – Planting the wrong species in the wrong place can cause costly destruction to your house and its infrastructure. To prevent this, make sure you plant trees at least 15 feet away from your abode for smaller plants, but if it will grow larger than 60 feet tall then position it farther away. Taking these simple steps now can save you from major issues down the line!
Don’t let trees stand in your way! If you have branches and trunks growing close to entryways, driveways or walkways, visitors as well as emergency vehicles are likely going to struggle. While you may know the ins and out of these obstacles, it’s essential that everyone has a secure path which is easily accessible. Furthermore, if there are trees blocking the way into your backyard – particularly with equipment like lawn mowers present – then they can make navigating more difficult than need be. Ensure that those who enter always feel safe by offering them an effortless route!
If you observe that your tree has shifted from its upright position to a lean, be sure to contact an expert as soon as possible. Unexpected tilting of trees can indicate either the presence of a disease or potential instability in the roots. Investigate sooner rather than later for optimal safety and security!
Tragically, ailing or dead trees can have escalating consequences if situated near property and people. This is because the decaying tree offers no warning before dropping branches in any direction or simply toppling over without notice. To guarantee safety, hazard trees need to be identified and removed as soon as possible.
If you’re planning to plant a tree, be sure to give it enough space! Providing your tree with ample room for growth will:
- To let your tree flourish, don’t trim it too often. This way its branches will stay away from exterior walls and utility connections. Moreover, even trees with intrusive roots can be kept from going into the foundation when you take these steps!
Why Removing Trees From Confined Spaces Is Dangerous And Difficult
Tree removal can be hazardous under any circumstances, yet having to chop down a tree situated between buildings, in an enclosed area or limited space adds another element of difficulty. Here are the reasons why this type of tree felling consumes more time and money than other types of arboreal extraction work.
- Working in tight spaces or near a structure can often be problematic and put your safety as well as others at risk. Even for experienced arborists, it is difficult to navigate the area without damaging a roof, wall, or window when equipment and crews are limited. Additionally, tighter areas can limit which tree-cutting techniques may be used with precision and accuracy.
- When attempting to remove a tree in a hard-to-reach spot, an arborist often has to work with utility companies. Tree branches that are too close to power lines and removal equipment can lead electric shock risks, plus just one branch falling unexpectedly could cause massive power outages for thousands of people. Therefore it is essential for utmost caution when dealing with these situations.
In the presence of limited space, it can be difficult to trim branches without causing damage. To avoid any harm, both climbers and ground crew must take extra precaution when lowering sections of tree limbs toward a safe spot below. - Before beginning to remove tree parts, a crew has to take into consideration where all of the cut branches and trunk sections will go. In tight spaces, they may take advantage of speedlines in order to quickly move these pieces away from them; however, if this isn’t an available option then each branch must be divided into smaller components which can then be taken out by hand.
DID YOU KNOW? Unlike zip lines, speedlines are a practical way to transport tree branches from the top of the tree down to ground. Branches are connected together in sections and then attached to a rope sling before being sent along the tensioned line that is secured between two points: one at the base of the tree, and another on terra firma below.
How To Remove A Tree In A Confined Space
When it comes to removing a tree from an enclosed area, there are usually three techniques used. The best option for you will depend on some criteria, such as:
The success of a tree trimming or removal job depends on numerous factors, such as the size and shape of the space in which it stands, any structures nearby that may obstruct access to it, power lines near its canopy that can impede proper functioning of heavy equipment like bucket trucks when removing it, and even if there’s an open area adjacent to where the arboreal is located.
Option 1: Remove The Tree In Parts and Sections
When you have to remove a tree in a tight space, it’s impossible to cut the trunk down at its base. Instead, it must be taken apart piece by piece – with the help of an experienced climber! First they’ll trim away any branches and then saw off sections starting from the top. A speedline or ropes are used depending on how tall the tree is. As each section is removed, your professional arborist/climber follows along until every last bit has been cleared away safely and efficiently!
Although this may seem like a straightforward task, it is definitely not a DIY endeavor. If attempted by an amateur, there is danger of serious injury or fatality that could easily arise from any number of potential disasters. Leave the job to expert professionals who understand all the risks involved!
Option 2: Use a Crane to Remove the Tree
This technique is the most efficient and secure route as it minimizes the number of cuts that need to be made. To remove a tree with a crane, one has to attach cables onto its trunk which will then be lifted out by said crane, carefully swinging around until reaching an open area where it can be cut into parts – depending on the size of the tree this may take several sections.
Option 3: Let the Tree Fall
Contrary to popular belief, removing a city tree is not as effortless as cutting it down and watching it fall. This isn’t something that can be done on your own – despite what cartoons or home videos may try to portray – felling trees requires skill and experience which should always be left up to the professionals.
To fell a tree, an arborist begins by creating two precise cuts at angles of 60 and 90 degrees. This notch created allows them to then make a third horizontal cut on the alternative side of the trunk, forming what is known as the hinge – which determines how it will ultimately fall. The hinge portion consists solely of uncut wood and works as a controlling mechanism during this process.
To ensure a safe and controlled fall, the arborist may use metal wedges – similar to doorstops – driven into the third cut of the tree in order to widen it. This causes an inclination towards one side which will direct its descent. Additionally, tensioned ropes can be used by crew members standing at a distance from the tree for pulling purposes; this slows down its movement so that when reaching its predetermined destination, or ‘fall zone’, it cracks and splinters along with its pre-created hinge line.
Not All Tree Service Companies May Not Be Able to Remove Trees In Tight Spaces
A tree service company may be reluctant to take on trees that are located in tight or restricted areas for the following reasons:
If a company doesn’t have the expertise and training to work in tight spaces, or the necessary specialized equipment for such an undertaking, then it’s not capable of accomplishing this type of project safety.
Equipment Required For Confined Space Tree Removal
To make quick work of trees in tight spots, Tree Service Rochester NY has all the necessary equipment.
- Our crane is the paramount piece of machinery for taking out trees from tight spaces. With in-house ownership, we can guarantee that all crew members are well acquainted with it and its operation. In addition, a certified operator will be at the helm when removing trees to maintain everyone’s safety.
- A bucket lift and a bucket truck are two great tools for tree removal, but sometimes the job requires one or the other. A bucket lift is an adjustable hydraulic boom that allows operators to precisely guide it vertically and horizontally in order to access trees. A Bucket Truck offers similar convenience with its attachable boom, except this tool can take on larger assignments due to its extra stability from being affixed onto a truck bed. However, narrow spaces may not permit us from utilizing the latter when eliminating trees since there needs to be sufficient room nearby for parking and stabilizing purposes.
- To transform the branches that are cut off during tree removal into mulch, they go through a chipper. If this freshly-made mulch is not used on location, it will be loaded onto a truck for transportation to its destination. On the other hand, if there is limited space at the job site, sections of logs from removed trees can instead be laid out and tied down in the flatbed of a log truck.
Getting Everything Ready For Tree Removal In A Confined Space
Before you enlist the help of a tree service, make sure that they possess the proper skillsets, experience, and tools to complete the task with precision.
To ensure your safety and that of those around you, plan tree removal in advance. Clear the area near the tree of all items including vehicles before commencing work to avoid any damage from breaking branches or falling debris.
Need Assistance?
Are you in need of tree removal services? Contact us at (585) 326-8188 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to receive a quote today! We’ll take care of your trees, no matter what size and space they occupy.