How to Remove a Dangerous Tree

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and arborist Matt Foti remove a badly decayed tree.

by Roger Cook and Matt Foti

Skill

Hardbest left to a pro

Cost

$200 to $600, for pro removal, depending on the tree size and location

Estimated Time

2 to 4 hours, depending on the tree size and location

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and arborist Matt Foti take down a badly decayed tree.

Tree removal

Poke a stiff wire into the tree trunk to determine the extent of the decay.
Remove lower branches using a chainsaw.
Tie rope to larger limbs, cut then them free and slowly lower them to the ground.
Cut down the tree trunk in sections.
Use chainsaw to trim stump flush with ground.

Tools:

Chainsaw