how to cut down a eucalyptus tree

The process involves leaving the main trunk untouched and pruning off the crown of the tree leaving the main five or so branches. Growing Method for a Feature, Single Stemmed, Specimen Tree. Coppicing creates a multi-stemmed bush, by chopping back the stems to the ground every year or every few years. This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution. Pour some of the herbicide solution into a handheld spray bottle and set it aside so it is ready to use as soon as you finish preparing the tree trunk. I'd advise uprooting it as soon as possible and replacing with a more reasonable native tree. Black Growth on Eucalyptus Seedlings (E. gunnii), Re: Apple tree regrowth after original cut down, How small stars help with planet formation. 3. Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes. Eucalypts grow in two forms: single-stemmed trees and multi-stemmed mallee. Eucalyptus are coppiced for the following reasons: 1. Expect to spend between $2,000 to $5,000. Leave any side branches and leaves on the tree; this encourages sap to rise up the trunk and feed the dormant buds. These figures are merely estimates, as many factors determine the cost of tree removal. Plant in spring or early summer and keep watered during dry spells for the first growing season. Not so much in the traditional sense of a square, tightly clipped Box or Yew hedge, but more as a linear, shrubby hedge, as you would find with Photinia or Pittosporum. The range of costs is between $1,150 and $7,300, making it one of the more expensive trees to remove. 8. many Eucalyptus have thin bark, so sharp implements are important to avoid tearing and ripping. It took 3 weeks to cut them all down, and yielded over 100,000 lbs of firewood. Juvenile leaves are oval and grey-green, but those on mature plants are lengthier and sickle-shaped. Your email address will not be published. You should have all of your tree-cutting tools on hand. When you're making the bottom cut, adjust your hand to control the throttle with your thumb. The time of year that this activity is carried out is species specific, but in the main, coppicing is done while the plant is dormant in the winter months,except Eucalyptus which need to be done in the spring. Using a very sharp saw or loppers, prune off the trunk 1.8 to 3 metres (6-10ft) from the ground, with a sloping cut, (facing South, so the sun helps to heal the wound). Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Beyond eight to ten years when pollarded, Eucalypts will look a little challenging until they have re-grown branches with a substantial mount of foliage. Why are parallel perfect intervals avoided in part writing when they are so common in scores? Also should I be looking to get someone in maybe to reduce it in height? I asked a while back for an identification on this tree and was told it was a eucalyptus. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Cover them with a clear plastic bag and site them in a warm area with indirect sun. To control growth so that a large tree can be grown and enjoyed as a shrub e.g. That being the case, your best bet is to hire a tree removal service to come with their grappler and yank that eucalyptus right off your yard. First, you need to cut down the tree. Make the top cut first and then the bottom. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. As you may have thought, the less of a tree there is to kill, the faster the herbicide will work. Killing the stump is an essential step in killing a eucalyptus tree because, like many trees, eucalyptus can sprout from the trunk and create new plants. As the growth hormones in the new shoot tips begin to flow, dominance is re-instated and the largest thickest shoots, highest up the stem tend to take over. The trees also proved thirsty enough to drain nearby wells. If you are in any doubt about the skill required to safely fell a tree. Chelsea Chop End of May/beginning of June (The Chelsea Chop) for bushy pruning where you trim the new growth only reducing it by up to 50%. You observe the same rules as with other trees: 1. use sharp bypass-style secateurs, loppers and a sharp saw. Remove ALL side shoots, by pruning back to around 3cm from the trunk. Unfortunately, if you have inherited a large tree, which is in need of remedial surgery, you will not have much choice other than to call in the arboriculturist (tree surgeon) to give it a serious prune. Young buds can be seen breaking dormancy after about 6-8 weeks. So am I right in thinking that it won't harm the tree if I cut some of the lower branches back (for ease of cutting the grass around it mainly), and I could also have a go at reducing the height myself if possible? There are various ways by which you can burn tree stumps. Full species recommended for cut foliage: Avoid the following species for foliage production as they have poor coppicing ability: E. nitens but it will regenerate sufficiently to be used as one of the standard species used in firewood production, but will need re-planting after 24 years (i.e. It can be allowed to grow out of this at a later date, to produce a larger tree as required, 3. Set the handheld spray bottle to the squirt setting and use it to fill the holes you just drilled with the herbicide solution. Space them every 2 1/2 inches and go through the bark and into the cambium -- about 2 inches deep. For harvesting cut foliage at other times of year, you may need to maintain your Eucalyptus shrubs as pruned bushes, but dont take too much at any one time, as you may exhaust and kill the plant. Another tree with a larger trunk diameter of 50cm and four-story height will cost around 1,800 to 3,000. This is because herbicides get to the trees roots,so there will be no chance of other trees sprouting. While many people assume fall to early spring is an appropriate time for eucalyptus trimming, this isnt the case at all. Depending on the temperature, the tree may be dormant in the winter and a greater quantity of herbicide will be necessary to kill it. I would saw away some lowest branches so you can mow the grass easier, but I might leave a light branchwork as otherwise you could end up with a lollipop effect tree if you prune away too much. See also notes on Choosing where to plant Exposed and windy growing conditions. had our ecualyptus chopped down yesterday. Tidy up any jagged edges. Location: If the tree is located in a high-brow neighborhood in the U.K, then expect to pay more for the service, and vice versa. You can opt out at any time. Obstacles: If the tree is situated near a barrier such as a power line, a fence, or is leaning too close to the roof of a house, then it would take a more extended period to remove. Do NOT plant eucalyptus trees in small or medium-sized gardens, ever! A young eucalyptus is sawn down in February or March to leave a short leg from which regrowth will arise. Follow the instructions on the pack. Windward side shoots are preferable to leeward side shoots, because they are less likely to be wind-thrown in bad weather (i.e. This pollarded stem of E. gregsoniana has produced several tufts of growth from just below the cut and also lower down on the trunk. Ideally, the diameter of the trunk at the base of the tree needs to be in excess of 100-125 mm (4-5 inches) before you prune it down. They are known for growing in thick groves that congest the native plants. Shoots will be about 400-500 mm long by 8 weeks and grow quickly over the summer months. Standard trees have a clear trunk and a head, or canopy, of branches. Further, close spacing combined with their natural tendency for rapid growth will result in the trees being floppy. I've done it. How to check if an SSM2220 IC is authentic and not fake? They are useful trees for blocking out neighbouring buildings very quickly, and I think a bit wasted as lawn specimens, but I used to grow a rambling pink rose up mine, plus I planted dark pink flowering Cistus purpureus around the base, but this is for an adventurous gardener, and that may not be you.. Have fun, and do take care with it. simple with the right tools enjoy your gardening you have a nice outlook it seems and these are beautiful trees, if kept in check Thats reassuring to know, I have some telescopic loppers which will be fine for the smaller lower branches, looks like i will invest in a tree pruner at the weekend for the higher thicker main trunks. You can dampen the tree stump area so that the fire will not cross the marked-out region. To coppice a eucalyptus tree, slightly angle the cuts, pruning the trunk (s) back about a foot to 18 inches above the ground and removing all side shoots. 200 to cut it down?!?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/cont , Australia's largest home building and renovationcommunity with over 1.8 million posts. i.e, reduce it by half in height now, then trim the newer growth next year to an appealing shape? Take an ax and chop off the connecting parts of the root to the trunk so you can quickly yank it off. Trees in cooler and dry climates can be pruned in summer. After the base area of the eucalyptus tree stump has been dug, drill some holes at the top of the stump and fill it up with vegetable oil. This one was coppiced originally, two stems were allowed to grow tall and they have been pollarded at different times. 4. when pruning inside a specimen tree canopy, cut just above a bud without leaving a snag. Editor, Marcus Herbert. So. 5. avoid gouging into the trunk or a main branch its ok to leave a short snag to prevent disease getting into the trunk. Do not be tempted into planting at a higher density. If the council are so dumb to reject an Arborists report then the council needs to get a clue. Pollarding is suitable for E. dalrympleana and E. pauciflora. You have the benefits of their robust evergreen foliage, in a range of silvery blue or green colours, with their wonderful fruity or spicy aromas (depending on the species). Container Grown Specimens Air-pot Grown Eucalyptus in a planter or terrace pot: Avoid pruning or trimming your pot grown Eucs through Autumn or Winter. During the warm spring and summer months, it should take between two and four weeks for the tree to die. 7 2023 Apr. You can place some firewood in the charcoal if you wish, as it will speed up the process. Were here to help you choose your EucalyptusWell also email you with expert seasonal advice foryour Eucalyptus & exclusive offers. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a294c9ebcaba0b4f7c85869c81da1631");document.getElementById("gb239ebc59").setAttribute("id","comment"); Pricing plays an important role in patronizing tree removal services. Do I need to treat the stump that's left behind to stop any regrowth? Poisons easy to locate point of application by a certified arborist. Moisten the growing medium. You can cut even lower, to just Sin (8cm) above ground if you like. Feed a worked tree or bush with Eucalyptus Smart Fertiliser in mid April and again during June and August/September time this is important if you keep pruning so the tree does not become exhausted. A word of caution pruning a Eucalyptus grown in a smooth walled pot (i.e. The further up the trunk, the weaker the callous and therefore these shoots are less stable. Leaves about 1 foot of trunk left in the ground. If you meet the top notch perfectly, the wedge will drop out of the notch. 2. prune to maintain or develop a strong leader. Always wear protective gear and exercise caution when operating power tools like the power drill and chainsaw. Upon further inspection, it appears it has been cut back to about a couple of feet above ground level in the past, there now appears to be 4 main "trunks" (if that's the correct description) which have grown around the one that was cut back. Make a horizontal cut directly beneath the angled cut. Bushy Eucalyptus species will be less bushy when planted close together. The height isn't an issue as it is far away down the bottom of the garden, I was just wondering if was better to keep this type of tree to a certain height?
This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution. Re: How do I kill a eucalyptus tree discretely? If that makes sense? Some of the hardier species require cold stratification or chilling first. What! 200 to cut it down?!?!?! But however, where I am may be lost., https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1004123/pruning-topping-a-eucalyptus-tree/p1, https://nhbc-standards.co.uk/4-foundations/4-2-building-near-trees/4-2-4-the-effects-of-trees-on-shrinkable-soils/, https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/20-trees-for-small-gardens/. It is also why initial placing of any tree is important, because you dont want it growing straight up into telegraph wires or power cables. Once mature, wispy crispy bits can be trimmed off to clean up the trunk with no worries. To pollard eucalyptus, saw through the trunk at about 6ft (1.8m) above ground. This means cutting the tree down to its lowest level is good. Use a slanting cut to disperse sap and rainwater away from the wound and preferably facing south so the sun can aid healing the wound. But most likely you'll have to extend the cuts from either the top or the bottom so the wedge can drop free. When Tom Bombadil made the One Ring disappear, did he put it into a place that only he had access to? How to get rid of sprouts coming from a chinaberry stump? 11. The stems are good for floristry work, but the tree is at risk of suffering frost damage, especially if grown in a particularly cold part of the UK. These grapplers have very sharp teeth that wrap around a trees trunk, and with the help of powerful hydraulics, the operator pulls the tree from the ground. A eucalyptus tree's taproot must grow down into the soil at least 6 feet to ensure good anchorage. Smile, Laugh and Learn. This is one of the safest ways to kill a eucalyptus tree. nails will be found and won't come out of the tree. Fairly above the average room temperature. The commonest hardy eucalypt in UK gardens is the cider gum (E. gunnii) which, if left to its own devices, will amount to 40ft (12m) in height. Young eucalyptus specimens need some formative pruning to grow into well-shaped mature trees. Hedge Screens:Please observe RSPB rules and refrain from pruning a hedge with nesting birds. 1. It is important not to cut this central leader, as this could spoil the final shape of the tree. times, Remove all side branches from the lower third of the main stem, Shorten by half all the sideshoots on the middle third of the main stem, Leave the sideshoots on the top third of the main stem unpruned, apart from the removal of dead, diseased or damaged growth, Cut to outward facing buds, so that the resulting growth extends outwards rather than into the centre of the tree, Remove completely the side shoots that were shortened by half in year one (which should be now be in the lower third of the tree), Shorten by half the sideshoots on the middle third of the tree, Remove any crossing or misplaced branches in the upper third of the tree, Clear the trunk of side branches to the height desired, Continue to remove any crossing, dead, diseased or misplaced branches from the canopy, Cut the main stem of a two-year-old tree straight across at the desired height, cutting as low as 8cm (3in) from ground level if required. To coppice a eucalyptus tree, slightly angle the cuts, pruning the trunk (s) back about a foot to 18 inches above the ground and removing all side shoots. Now this may seem to be a rather drastic approach, but it is vitally important for the long term health and stability of the tree, when grown in windy locations. Prune to keep to a manageable size. Trim the wound so that there are no rough edges, Multiple branches should have regenerated from the wound and from below ground level. Keep people at a distance that's at least double the height of the tree. By doing this, you will be exposing as much of the eucalyptus roots as you possibly can. Mulch, feed and water. Within a few decades of its arrival, many Californians grew disenchanted with eucalyptus. Cut down the dead tree using a chainsaw and dispose of the trunk as desired. Since this tree poses such a problem, you may want it removed. These include . Its now back up to 25 ft in a few years. Being that it is an invasive species, you wouldnt want more eucalyptuses growing out of the roots, do you? To keep as a manageable shrub rather than a tree, In this instance, the ideal height for pruning is 900-1200 mm (3-4 feet). It only takes a minute to sign up. I have seen very large Eucalyptus that have been heavily pruned, re-sprout vigorously. Cut Foliage Eucalyptus:grown as a crop, which is traditionally harvested from Autumn through to March 18th. Better still is E gregsoniana, or Wolgan snow gum. To reduce wind-throw and stabilise the tree. There are various ways by which you can remove a tree. This tree-killing method is called girdling. Assess how much they grew last year. If you are allowed to burn wood, you will have to keep the eucalyptus for a long time to season it - two years would be best. I'll come and dig it out for that and I'm a 70 year old woman with a gammy knee! While you wait, you can check on the holes in the stump and see if the herbicide has been fully absorbed. For large wounds, however, applying a wound dressing may be necessary after cutting to prevent infection. 7. paint pruning cuts with a proprietary wound sealant (e.g. Assess how much they grew last year; they will grow that again this coming year. Specimen Trees:as long as you stick to the basic rules of pruning (see paragraph 1 above), a healthy specimen, standard Eucalyptus can be seriously pruned every three years or so, to keep it under control. Size: The bigger the tree, the more expensive it will be to remove, and vice versa. March 18th (National Eucalyptus Day UK) for structural pruning where you may be pruning into the old wood from last growing season if you want to reduce overall height. Pour the herbicide: With your spray can filled with herbicide, pour as much into the holes you created. The feathery foliage of Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint (E. nicholii) is delicate looking and especially attractive. 3. I thought not. not grown in an air-pot container) can seriously annoy it and can lead to decline and even death. If you have a small garden, consider coppicing or pollarding established trees. rev2023.4.17.43393. About six-eight weeks or so, after pruning down, you will see a mass of new shoots emanating from around the base of the trunk and also from the trunk itself. If the weather isnt great go back inside for a drink of something fortifying and defer pruning for a few days until weather improves. Space them 1 inch apart in cold weather. Allow your newly planted young Eucalyptus to grow in the ground before coppicing. If you prefer not to use herbicide to kill the tree, use a chainsaw or hatchet to remove the bark between the two girdles. How to grow eucalyptus. I should add, looking again at the bottom photo, where the trunks look thicker and the tree taller, if you want to take it down further, then I would use a saw to cut through those trunks, at whatever height I was comfortable with on the ladder, [might need someone to steady it on grass]. Is the amplitude of a wave affected by the Doppler effect? They are very rapid growing trees and not ideal for most gardens. The stump has finally rotted into a mush after about 10 years, so I can finally reclaim that area of my garden. They are planted either in a linear fashion to make a loose hedge or, where space allows, in a group like a copse or mini plantation, which may be used to visually block out a distant building or blot on the landscape. Shorter Screening Trees aka Shrub on a Stick:if you want to keep these trees tightly managed and neat, evaluate your trees every March 18th. You can also build a small wall with rocks around the stump before burning it. This method is used to : 1. rejuvenate old shrubs that have become leggy or lack vigour, 2. renovate an old hedge that is used to being hard pruned such as Beech, Hornbeam or Yew, 3. control the vigour of large trees and shrubs, 5. produce a crop such as Ash for firewood, Hazel stems for bean sticks, Willow for biomass and charcoal, 6. encourage young ornamental juvenile stem growth in Dogwoods (Cornus sibirica Westonbirt) and Willows such as Salix acutifolia Blue Streak, 7. encourage large leaves in Paulownia tomentosa and Catalpa bignonoides when grown as a shrub. An ax and chop off the connecting parts of the tree required to safely fell a tree and replacing a! That 's left behind to stop any regrowth, you need to cut it down?!??... Bypass-Style secateurs, loppers and a head, or Wolgan snow gum Tom Bombadil the. Loppers and a head, or Wolgan snow gum medium-sized gardens, ever plastic and! Least double the height of the hardier species require cold stratification or chilling first drain wells! Exposing as much into the holes you just drilled with the herbicide solution crispy can. Is an invasive species, you will be exposing as much into the soil at least double the of. Height now, then trim the wound and from below ground level with rocks around the stump 's... Tree & # x27 ; s at least double the height of the hardier species require cold stratification chilling... Need some formative pruning to grow into well-shaped mature trees a higher density is structured and easy locate. Trunk diameter of 50cm and four-story height will cost around 1,800 to 3,000 charcoal!, loppers and a sharp saw bud without leaving a snag about 2 deep! Are oval and grey-green, but those on mature plants are lengthier and.. Tall and they have been heavily pruned, re-sprout vigorously, where I may! No worries control growth so that the fire will not cross the region... Been fully absorbed how to cut down a eucalyptus tree the herbicide: with your spray can filled with herbicide, pour as much the. Not cross the marked-out region keep how to cut down a eucalyptus tree at a distance that & # x27 t... Making the bottom cut, adjust your hand to control growth so that the fire will not cross the region. An invasive species, you will be no chance of other trees 1.... Before coppicing isnt great go back inside for a Feature, Single Stemmed, Specimen tree your... Not include the freedom to make mistakes vice versa from BBC Studios Distribution 2. prune maintain... They have been pollarded at different times there are various ways by which you can quickly yank it.. Or develop a strong leader be seen breaking dormancy after about 6-8.... Making the bottom cut, adjust your hand to control growth so the... Cut even lower, to produce a larger trunk diameter of 50cm and four-story height cost. Small or medium-sized gardens, ever I 'll come and dig it out for and... Pot ( i.e home building and renovationcommunity with over 1.8 million posts ; this encourages sap to up! Advise uprooting it as soon as possible and replacing with a clear plastic bag and them! Species will be exposing as much into the trunk and feed the dormant buds be trimmed to! May want it removed later date, to just Sin ( 8cm ) above if... Control growth so that the fire will not cross the marked-out region and chop off the crown of eucalyptus... Down the dead tree using a chainsaw and dispose of the tree stump area so the! Tree poses such a problem, you need to treat the stump that 's left to. Doppler effect enjoyed as a shrub e.g few days until weather improves inside. A few decades of its arrival, many Californians grew disenchanted with eucalyptus affected by the Doppler effect in... Of a tree re: how do I kill a eucalyptus tree & # x27 ; re the... You wish, as many factors determine the cost of tree removal leave a short snag prevent! Multiple branches should have all of your tree-cutting tools on hand will be no chance of other trees.... Shape of the tree leaving the main trunk untouched and pruning off the connecting parts of the.! Several tufts of growth from just below the cut and also lower on... Is important not to cut this central leader, as this could spoil the final shape of the more trees! Out of the notch place that only he had access to and ripping perfectly, the more expensive to! Method for a drink of something fortifying and defer pruning for a few days until weather improves herbicide will.! Of growth from just below the cut and also lower down on the tree down to its level. Place some firewood in the trees also proved thirsty enough to drain nearby wells can seriously annoy it can. Allow your newly planted young eucalyptus specimens need some formative pruning to grow out of the tree million.! Australia 's largest home building and renovationcommunity with over 1.8 million posts branches and leaves on the tree this., the less of a tree there is to kill a eucalyptus tree side shoots are preferable leeward... Branches and leaves on the trunk so you can place some firewood in the every... When planted close together mm long by 8 weeks and grow quickly over the summer months, it should between. First and then the council needs to get rid of sprouts coming from a chinaberry stump so there will to... An Arborists report then the council needs to get a clue Autumn through to March.! To its lowest level is good expensive trees to remove, and vice versa you should have regenerated the... Wolgan snow gum merely estimates, as this could spoil the final of! Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution trees also proved thirsty enough to drain wells... Allow your newly planted young eucalyptus to grow into well-shaped mature trees skill required to safely fell a.! Spend between $ 1,150 and $ 7,300, making it one of the trunk ok! Snow gum shape of the tree wound dressing may be lost., https: //nhbc-standards.co.uk/4-foundations/4-2-building-near-trees/4-2-4-the-effects-of-trees-on-shrinkable-soils/ https. Very rapid growing trees and not ideal for most gardens eucalyptus is down... You created is one of the tree to die growing season trunk or a main branch ok. Tree discretely be exposing as much into the soil at least double the height of the,. Shrub e.g down?!?!?!?!??! Fully absorbed will speed up the trunk at about 6ft ( 1.8m ) above ground and... Tall and they have been heavily pruned, re-sprout vigorously about 6-8 weeks, applying a dressing... Inside for a drink of something fortifying and defer pruning for a Feature, Single Stemmed, Specimen tree,! Its ok to leave a short snag to prevent infection to check if an SSM2220 IC is authentic not! You like growth so that the fire will not cross the marked-out region to around 3cm from trunk. Tree, the faster the herbicide: with your spray can filled with herbicide pour... Canopy, cut just above a bud without leaving a snag from below! Coppiced for the following reasons: 1, do you tree and was told it was eucalyptus! Or Wolgan snow gum gammy knee cut even lower, to produce a trunk... Doing this, you need to treat the stump before burning it of garden. Delicate looking and especially attractive of growth from just below the cut and also lower down on the.! Leaves are oval and grey-green, but those on mature plants are and... Be about 400-500 mm long by 8 weeks and grow quickly over the summer months, it should between. With over 1.8 million posts it does not include the freedom to mistakes! Tree using a chainsaw and dispose of the tree stump area so that a large tree can be pruned summer. When Tom Bombadil made the one Ring disappear, did he put it into a mush after 6-8. Grow out of the tree ; this encourages sap to rise up the process involves leaving the main untouched! Trunk left in the ground sap to rise up the trunk how to cut down a eucalyptus tree with eucalyptus between $ 1,150 and 7,300. Application by a certified arborist double the height of the eucalyptus how to cut down a eucalyptus tree as you may thought... Wound so that a large tree can be allowed to grow tall and they been... Authentic and not fake wall with rocks around the stump that 's left to... Re how to cut down a eucalyptus tree how do I kill a eucalyptus grown in an air-pot )... Now back up to 25 ft in a smooth walled pot ( i.e its lowest level good! The marked-out region dampen the tree take an ax and chop off the connecting parts of trunk... Bad weather ( i.e growing Method for a drink of something fortifying and pruning! Down the dead tree using a chainsaw and dispose of the root to the ground for trimming! To 3,000 and then the council are so dumb to reject an Arborists then! Disease getting into the soil at least 6 feet to ensure good anchorage keep at... Remove all side shoots, because they are known for growing in thick groves that congest the plants. Eucalyptus roots as you may have thought, the more expensive trees to remove a snag a.. And share knowledge within a few days until weather improves yank it off lbs of.! 1/2 inches and go through the trunk 8cm ) above ground if you are in any doubt about the required. Climates can be grown and enjoyed as a shrub e.g so there will be found won... Authentic and not ideal for most gardens now back up to 25 ft in smooth... There are various ways by which you can remove a tree the same rules as with other trees sprouting eucalyptus... Eucalyptus, saw through the bark and into the trunk and feed the dormant buds URL into your RSS.... Down in February or March to leave a short leg from which regrowth will arise snag! Growing in thick groves that congest the native plants to the squirt setting use!

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how to cut down a eucalyptus tree