Tree Care SOP Example

Tree Removal — Sectional Takedown

Systematic removal of a large deciduous tree near structures using sectional climbing, rigging, and controlled lowering.

1. Pre-climb hazard assessment & ANSI Z133 briefingConduct a full walk-around of the tree before any equipment is set up. Identify and document: dead or hanging branches (widow makers) overhead, cavity locations that may indicate hollow wood, co-dominant stems or included bark unions under stress, ground condition (slopes, underground utilities), and all structure and obstruction clearances within the drop zone. Brief all crew on the plan: climber assignment, ground crew positions, chipper operator zone, escape routes, and the hand signal or radio protocol for stopping work. All crew must wear a hard hat, safety glasses, cut-resistant chaps (groundsmen), and hearing protection when the chipper runs.
2. Establish drop zone & protect structuresDesignate a clear drop zone for rigged pieces and a separate zone for the chipper feed. Set out barrier cones or rope barriers to keep the public and non-crew personnel out of the drop zone — minimum 2x the height of the work zone. If the house or other structure is within the rigging distance, place plywood pads or moving blankets on any surface that could be struck by a lowered piece. Identify and confirm the anchor point for the rigging block — typically a high, strong crotch on a sound lateral limb.
3. Climber ascent & rigging setupClimber sets their climbing line using a throw line to the target anchor crotch — minimum 2/3 of the tree height. Ascend using a doubled rope technique (DRT) or moving rope system (MRS) per ANSI Z133. Once in the crown, the climber sets the rigging block in the highest safe crotch that provides a good mechanical advantage for controlling lowered pieces. Thread the rigging line through the block. The groundsman at the redirect takes up the tail — the other groundsman manages the log as it descends. Never rig to a dead or included-bark crotch.
4. Systematic limb removal — top downBegin removing limbs from the top of the crown downward — smaller terminal growth first, then progressively larger lateral limbs. For each rigged cut: the climber ties off the limb with a running bowline, signals the groundsman to take tension, makes the cut, and the ground crew lowers the piece under control to the ground. For brush and small limbs that can be dropped into an open zone without rigging, the climber calls clear before dropping. Never drop material without a confirmed clear zone on the ground. The chipper operator processes each piece immediately to keep the work area clear.
5. Trunk sectioningOnce all limbs are cleared, the climber works down the trunk in sections from the top. Each trunk section is scored, rigged if near the structure, and cut cleanly. The climber must move their climbing anchor below each planned cut before making it — never cut above your anchor. Trunk sections near the structure are rigged and lowered; sections with clear drop zones may be notched and back-cut to fall in the designated drop zone under controlled conditions. Ground crew rolls logs immediately out of the work zone to the log pile.
6. Stump cut, cleanup & site closeoutMake the final stump cut as low as practically possible — typically 6" above grade or lower if the stump is to be ground. Confirm with the customer whether they want the stump at grade, flush, or ground below grade. Remove all log rounds, brush, and chips from the work zone. Blow sawdust and wood debris off hard surfaces. Perform a final magnetic sweep if near a lawn or landscape bed. Restore any ground cover or barrier plants disturbed during setup. Photograph the completed work: stump, log pile, and cleared site before leaving. Confirm the grinding appointment date with the customer if stump grinding is a separate service.