- 1). Move any lawn decorations, furniture, automobiles, boats and anything else that is under or near the tree. Look up into the tree to spot dead branches, or any branches that pose a safety hazard or are infested with wood-destroying insects or birds such as termites and woodpeckers. Make a note of where each branch is located.
- 2). Position a ladder indirectly under one of the branches you are going to cut down from the tree. Do not place the ladder directly under the branch or it may fall on you. Choose the appropriate tool: Use a chainsaw for large branches and a pruning saw for small branches. Put on eye protection, gloves and a helmet.
- 3). Cut the branch at the joint where it meets the trunk or a larger branch. You want to cut at the nearest "healthy" joint. Cutting only the tip of a dead or insect-infested branch will only cause more of the branch to become damaged or wither. Cut from the bottom side of the branch upward, going about halfway. Then, complete the cut from the top side downward.
- 4). Have the spotter direct you to other branches and steady the ladder. The spotter can also hand you saws up and down the ladder. The spotter should alert you to any nearby power or phone lines.
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