How do you get rid of a large tree?
How do you get rid of a large tree?
Unless you have a large open area, you probably don’t have much space to plant another tree if the one you have is just too big. Luckily, there are some ways to get rid of a large tree while still keeping it around and using it for something. If you live in an urban or suburban area, the biggest problem with getting rid of your tree might be that they aren’t permitted by city code. Homeowners associations might also put restrictions on removing trees or other natural features within their guidelines. If that’s the case with where you live, check for smaller trees around the property and see if there’s anything that can be removed without hurting the integrity of your home’s exterior. If space isn’t an issue, read on to learn more about how to get rid of a large tree.
Cut It Down
If you have the space for a new tree and you aren’t concerned about preserving the existing tree’s aesthetic, cutting it down is an option. Make sure to check for city codes before doing so so you don’t get fined for cutting down a protected tree. If you do have the space for a new tree, cutting down the old one will free up some room for the new one to grow and give the roots some room to spread out. However, be aware that the roots of a large tree will likely extend well beyond the base of the tree, so if you cut it down you’ll have to be careful about not damaging your foundation or nearby pipes.
Turn it Into Mulch Or Compost
If you don’t want to cut down the tree but you need the space, you can turn it into mulch or compost. This is especially helpful if you have a large tree that you don’t want to cut down. In order to turn your tree into compost, you’ll have to cut it into pieces small enough to rot down. To make mulch, you’ll want to shred the pieces even smaller. If you do this, you’ll have to be patient. It takes a long time for tree roots to break down, so you won’t have usable mulch for a few months and you won’t have compost for a year or more.
Build a Pergola Or Arbor
If you have an old tree with a lot of character, you can turn it into a beautiful pergola. The process for building a pergola is similar to building a gazebo or a covered patio. You’ll want to choose a sturdy base and a sturdy frame before attaching a covering. Pergolas are great for shade and as decoration, but they don’t always function as pergolas are intended to. You can place a bench underneath a pergola and create a beautiful patio or you can use it to grow vines or other plants. Pergolas or arbors are excellent ways to preserve a beloved tree. If you want to get rid of the tree but keep the pergola, you can plant a smaller tree nearby.
Install A Rain Catchment System
If you have a large tree, consider harvesting the rainwater that falls from its leaves. Rainwater harvesting involves setting up a system that collects the rain from a roof or awning and funnels it into a storage container. When it rains, you can collect that water and use it for various chores around the home. You can water your plants, wash your car, or even fill a small pond. When you have a large tree, you can use the leaves to catch the rainwater. You can create a simple rain collection system that runs from the leaves to a storage container. You’ll want to check this regularly to make sure it doesn’t clog or overflow.
Harvest The Wood
If you have a large tree on your property, you might be able to get some lumber from it. Before you do this, you’ll need to have it cut down and removed from your property. You don’t want someone to get hurt on the sawdust that would come from chopping it down. Once the tree is down, you can use the wood for various projects around the house. If the tree is too large for you to cut, you can hire a company to do it for you. If you want to get rid of the tree but keep the lumber, you can hire a company to do it for you.
Install A Sprinkler System
If you want to keep the tree but you need to get rid of the leaves, you can use them to create a DIY sprinkler system. One way to do this is to place a tarp or a large plastic bag over the leaves and then put a heavy weight on top of that to keep it in place. You can then run a hose from the end of the tree trunk to your home’s sprinkler system. When the leaves get waterlogged and fall, the water will flow through the hose and into the rest of your sprinkler system. Sprinkler systems like this are a great way to get rid of leaves that clog your gutters, but you’ll have to do it every year.
Conclusion
If you have a large tree on your property, it can be a beautiful addition to your landscape. However, large trees can also be an eyesore or even pose a safety hazard. If you have a large tree, you can get rid of it or keep it around by using one of these methods. Cut it down, turn it into mulch or compost, build a pergola or arbor, harvest the wood, or install a sprinkler system. Whatever method you choose, make sure to keep the roots away from your foundation to prevent damage.









