How the Pros Remove a Tree: Step-by-Step with Millar Tree Care

Tree removal is one of those things that might look straightforward from the ground—but in reality, it’s a highly technical process that demands training, precision, and a serious commitment to safety.

For homeowners, property managers, commercial properties, and municipalities, knowing what goes into safe and efficient tree removal builds trust that the job will be done right the first time.

At Millar Tree Care (MTC), our certified arborists approach every removal with professionalism, extensive training, and years of on-the-job expertise. We don’t just “cut down trees”—we follow a careful sequence of inspection, planning, rigging, cutting, and cleanup designed to protect both people and property.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what really happens when the pros remove a tree, here’s an inside look at the nine essential steps we take to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Tree Inspection

Before a single saw is started, our arborists carry out a thorough inspection of the tree. This includes checking for cracks, decay, fungal growth, cavities, and signs of disease. We also examine the root system for stability and note any lean in the trunk.

The inspection helps us understand how the tree will respond to cutting and where its weak points are. Safety starts here—removing a compromised tree without a proper inspection can put people, property, and even surrounding vegetation at risk.

Step 2: Determine a Removal Plan

No two trees are the same. Depending on the tree’s height, trunk size, location, and surroundings, our arborists decide the best way to bring it down.

There are several options:

• Climb and Drop: The arborist climbs the tree and allows cut pieces to fall freely if the area below is clear.

• Rigging and Roping: If there are obstacles like houses, sheds, or gardens, branches and trunk sections are tied off and lowered slowly to the ground crew.

• Mechanical Assistance: In some cases, a crane or bucket truck may be the safest choice.

Tree climbing remains the preferred option whenever possible, since it provides control and flexibility. But the right plan is always dictated by safety and site conditions.

Step 3: Site Preparation

Once a plan is in place, the crew prepares the work area. This step often goes unnoticed by clients, but it’s critical for safety and efficiency.

Preparation includes:

• Clearing or covering vulnerable landscape features like patio furniture, gardens, or potted plants.

• Setting up safety perimeters so no one accidentally enters the drop zone.

• Mapping out the haul route—the path where cut pieces will be carried or moved after they hit the ground.

A well-prepared site ensures minimal disruption to property and maximum protection for everyone involved.

Step 4: Safety Gear

Tree removal is dangerous work. That’s why our arborists gear up with specialized protective equipment before climbing a single foot off the ground.

Standard gear includes:

• Chainsaw-resistant pants (nylon fibers jam the saw chain if it contacts fabric)

• Hard hats and helmets

• Saddles and full-body harnesses

• Climbing spurs and lanyards

• Gloves and protective eyewear

This equipment keeps our arborists safe while working with powerful saws, heavy limbs, and unpredictable conditions.

Step 5: Tree Climbing and Harnessing

With gear in place, the arborist begins the climb. Using climbing spurs, ropes, and harness systems, they ascend the trunk carefully while keeping multiple points of contact for safety.

Typically, two harness systems are used simultaneously:

1.       A lanyard system wrapped around the trunk.

2.       A work-positioning system attached to the arborist’s harness.

Tools like chainsaws are clipped securely to belts with lines to prevent drops. Every move upward is deliberate, ensuring the arborist is always secured and stable.

Step 6: Controlled Dismantling

Once positioned, the arborist begins cutting branches. Depending on the surroundings, these may either be:

• Dropped directly to the ground crew if the area is clear.

• Rigged and lowered on ropes if obstacles are present.

This climb–cut–secure–repeat cycle continues as the arborist works higher up, carefully dismantling the tree piece by piece. Ground crews play a vital role here, clearing fallen sections quickly to keep the area safe and organized.

Step 7: Leaving Branches for Stability

Here’s an often-overlooked technique: arborists deliberately leave certain branches uncut until later in the process. Why? Because those branches provide stability.

If all branches are removed too soon, the trunk may sway or wobble unpredictably, creating a hazard for the climber. Leaving some branches until the very end ensures the trunk remains balanced until it’s ready to be cut down in sections.

Step 8: Trunk Removal and Descent

Once the arborist has reached the top, they typically cut a notch into the trunk and remove the upper portion. From there, they descend while cutting the remaining trunk into manageable sections.

These trunk pieces may be dropped, rigged, or lifted mechanically depending on site conditions. By the time the arborist reaches the ground, only the stump and root system remain.

Step 9: Cleanup and Hauling

Tree removal doesn’t end with the last cut. Millar Tree Care crews finish with a full cleanup of the site. This includes:

• Removing large trunk sections, brush, and branches.

• Grinding the stump if requested.

• Hauling debris away or cutting firewood as the client prefers.

Cleanup is what turns a technical removal into a complete service. When we leave a site, we want the property to be safe, tidy, and ready for its next chapter.

Why This Process Matters

Tree removal isn’t a DIY weekend project. It’s a complex, multi-step operation that requires certified training, specialized equipment, and years of experience. At MTC, we take pride in following this proven process on every project, no matter how big or small.

Whether it’s a hazardous tree threatening a home, a large-scale municipal project, or routine property management, our clients trust us because we treat every job with the same attention to detail and safety-first approach.

Call the Pros Who Do It Right

Whether you’re a homeowner worried about a leaning tree, a property manager maintaining safety standards, or a municipality tackling a large-scale project, Millar Tree Care has the expertise to get it done right.

Tree removal isn’t just about taking a tree down — it’s about protecting property, ensuring safety, and doing the job with professionalism from start to finish.

Ready to schedule your tree removal? Call (250) 809-5779 or visit millartreecare.com/contact today to connect with our team.