Every winter I get phone calls from friends asking me how to cut down a high branch. The first thing they say is, "We are off the ladder, and there is a tree right over our heads that we can't reach." They then explain that when it gets close to their feet, it starts to lean towards them, and it is so high that they don't have much of a choice but to fall. It is very scary watching someone else get hurt by a tree branch. How do you know if it is too high? Here are some tips that may help.
It's always a good idea to get a professional to inspect your trees. Some people might think that inspecting your own branches is a waste of time, but this is not true. A certified arborist will know exactly how to tell if something is dangerous. If there is more than one branch off of the ladder that is leaning towards you, and you are afraid of heights, then there could be a problem with your tree. This is especially true if the branches are older or are near the edge.
If the tree is very old, or is leaning very far over the ground, then you can climb down and grab one of the smaller branches. This will take care of the problem immediately, as it will prevent more damage from occurring. You just need to remember that climbing down and grabbing a branch is very dangerous, as you could easily take a fall. If you can do without climbing down and are not near any high places, then you can try grabbing the nearest low branches. However, if you are not able to find any low branches, then you should get out a ladder, and climb down.
Another way of knowing how to cut down a high branch is to look at the root system. Some trees have a shallow root system, which is why they grow upwards. They will grow upwards and out of the tree, so you need to identify the roots before you can do anything. If you find one that is growing sideways, then you should probably remove it, as this is usually a sign that the tree is suffering from stress and will affect the growth.
If you find a branch that is sticking out, then you need to find the root. This is often easier to do if you have a hand held gander. The best way of finding the root is by bending down and looking at the top of the tree from above. The branches that stick out tend to break off, so you should take a look at them carefully. Once you have located the root, you will then need to get rid of it. There are many methods in which you can do this, but some of them are easier than others.
Many people are surprised when they learn how to cut down a high branch. The fact is, it is often not quite as hard as it looks. Once you have identified the problem, you will then know what to do to make sure that it does not grow back. The more you know about branches, the less work they will require to remain standing.