Best Practices for Removing Trees with an Excavator

[MikePhua]

Excavator Setup and Tree Size Considerations
Removing trees with an excavator is a task that blends brute force with precision. Machines like the CAT 320LC or similar long-carriage models are commonly used for this purpose due to their reach, stability, and hydraulic power. When dealing with trees ranging from 18 to 36 inches in diameter, the operator must assess species, root structure, soil conditions, and available space before initiating removal.
Terminology Note

• Thumb Attachment: A hydraulic or manual clamp that works with the bucket to grip objects.
  
• Boom Down Pressure: The force applied by lowering the boom to increase leverage.
  
• Track Power: Using the excavator’s drive system to push forward and add momentum.
  
• Widow Maker: A dead or broken limb that may fall unpredictably during tree removal.
  

Initial Approach and Safety Precautions
Before engaging a tree, operators should inspect for rot, dead limbs, and lean direction. Rotten trunks may snap unexpectedly, sending debris toward the cab. Dead tops can shear off and fall backward even when the tree is pushed away. Always wear protective gear and maintain a safe distance.
Recommended steps:

• Push gently to test resistance and root flexibility.
  
• Rock the tree back and forth to loosen the root ball.
  
• Avoid disturbing roots on the side opposite the fall direction to prevent spring-back.
  
• Use the bucket teeth to bite into the trunk for directional control.
  
• Apply boom down pressure cautiously to avoid lifting the tracks.
  

Species-Specific Behavior
Different tree species respond uniquely to excavation:

• Pine: Easy to tip in wet soil due to shallow roots; difficult in dry conditions due to deep taproots.
  
• Oak: White oak tends to fall easier than red oak; mountain oak has horizontal roots and is more cooperative.
  
• Sweet Gum and Hickory: Notoriously stubborn; often shear off above the stump, requiring deep root excavation.
  
• Poplar: Generally easy to remove due to lateral root spread.
  

In Tennessee, an operator noted that sweet gum trees required trenching several feet around the stump before they would yield. In Pennsylvania, a contractor used a CAT 307 with a custom thumb to clear hemlock in swampy terrain, hauling sand to stabilize the machine before tipping trees.
Whole Tree vs. Branch Removal Strategy
Operators often debate whether to strip branches before pushing the trunk. In most cases, keeping the tree intact is preferable:

• Branch weight aids in tipping.
  
• Whole trees are easier to transport to burn piles or landings.
  
• Breaking branches overhead increases risk of falling debris.
  

If burning is prohibited, trees should be moved whole to a central location, then segmented for landfill loading. A hydraulic thumb simplifies this process, allowing the operator to grip and guide the tree during removal and cleanup.
Advanced Techniques and Thumb Use
Using the space between the bucket and thumb, especially with hydraulic thumbs, allows for controlled tipping and placement. Smaller trees can be plucked directly from the ground using this method. For larger trees, the operator may walk the machine forward using track power while applying boom pressure.
Tips for thumb-assisted removal:

• Grip the tree in the crotch between bucket and thumb.
  
• Use boom articulation to steer the fall direction.
  
• Avoid over-penetrating the trunk with teeth to prevent machine imbalance.
  

Conclusion
Taking out trees with an excavator requires a blend of mechanical understanding, species awareness, and safety discipline. By adjusting technique based on tree type, soil condition, and equipment configuration, operators can remove trees efficiently and safely. Whether clearing land for development or managing forest edges, the excavator remains one of the most versatile tools for controlled tree removal.