The weeping willow (Salix spp.) is a lovely specimen tree, gracefully drooping its limpid boughs toward the ground in a distinctive weeping pose. This fast-growing tree can expand into a menacing giant in residential gardens, however. The weeping willow grows to a height 45 to 70 feet, rapidly outgrowing most gardens and towering over other plants. It's water-loving root system may invade underground water supply and septic systems. The tree is also host to a plethora of diseases and parasites. Removing a young, moderately sized willow tree is not difficult, but if your tree is brittle, surrounded by buildings or has a diameter larger than 6 inches, hire a professional tree removal company.
Survey the tree and the surrounding area. Determine the shape of the tree and which side is heavier, called the "lean." When you cut the tree, it is likely to topple toward its lean. Move any objects out of the way of the radius of the height of the tree, including vehicles, boats, children's play sets and portable outbuildings, if possible. If the tree stands near utility lines or poles, hire a professional company to remove it.
Create two escape paths at approximately 45 degrees away from each other in the opposite direction of the expected fall zone of the tree. Clear all impediments within these paths, including tools, fallen limbs and ladders. Use the escape path to flee the area should the tree fall in an unexpected direction.
Wear safety gear to protect yourself from flying twigs and branches. Ensure that anyone helping you is wearing safety gear, as well.
Cut down smaller limbs and branches with a bow saw or chain saw. To prevent injury when operating a chain saw, never hold the saw above your shoulders. Keep the chain saw at or near arm's length, and never cut branches above your head.
Remove larger branches by tying a rope to the branch and looping it over a larger branch higher within the tree canopy. Have an assistant hold the rope while you saw the branch. Once cut, have your assistant carefully lower the branch to the ground. Remove as many branches as you can as this method reduces the tree's overall weight and gives you more control over the tree when it falls.
Tie the rope to the uppermost section of the tree that you can reach, approximately two-thirds of the total height of the tree. Toss the loose end of the rope to your assistant on the ground.
Remove the ladder and all tools from the fall zone of the tree. Have your assistant hold the rope several feet outside of the fall zone in the direction of the tree's lean. When you cut through the trunk, your assistant will guide the tree into its fall zone.
Stand on the opposite side of the tree's lean. Cut through the trunk with the chain saw approximately 2 feet up from the ground, making a slightly angled cut that slants toward the lean. While you cut, your assistant should hold the rope taut but not pull the rope. Once the tree begins to topple, have your assistant guide the tree with a consistent, gentle tug on the rope. If he yanks too hard, the bottom cut of the tree will jump off its stump and the crown may fall outside the fall zone. As the tree falls, turn off your saw, and walk down your escape path.
Remove smaller branches from the crown of the fallen tree. Cut the trunk of the tree into manageable sections depending on the diameter of the tree, and your use or disposal of the wood.
Go back to the stump and saw off the remaining trunk as close to the ground as possible.
Rent a stump-puller to extract the willow stump from the ground, or brush an herbicide over the stump. For a small willow tree, dig a circle approximately 8 inches from the stump and extricate it with your shovel. The willow tree will regrow if you do not completely remove it from the ground. If suckers appear later, snip them off and brush them with herbicide.
Things You Will Need
- Hard hat
- Safety goggle
- Work gloves
- Bow saw
- Nylon or cotton rope
- Chain saw
- Paint brush
- Before you begin the tree removal, check your homeowner's insurance policy to determine if it covers medical expenses and accidental property damage should the tree removal go awry. If you hire a professional arborist to remove a portion or the entire tree, read the contract carefully to ensure he is covered by insurance and workman's compensation.
- Your municipality may require you to obtain a building permit or other temporary permit to remove your tree, particularly if your property is in a dense residential or historic district. Consult your local building codes department for information on removing trees in your area.
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