Initial Lower Branch Removal Pass

What happens here

Once safely elevated in the aerial lift, the arborist selects the lowest branches slated for removal. Using a chainsaw, these branches are cut. For smaller branches, a single cut suffice, but for larger limbs, the 'three-cut method' (undercut, top cut, final removal cut) is often employed to prevent bark stripping. The arborist ensures that the branch will fall into a pre-cleared drop zone, away from the equipment and ground crew. The ground crew promptly moves in to clear the newly fallen branches from the immediate work area, either by hand or using tools like pruning hooks, creating space for subsequent falling debris.

Goal: The arborist begins the canopy lifting process by carefully removing the lowest branches of the tree using a chainsaw, ensuring a clear drop zone. Ground crew immediately starts gathering the fallen branches.