While many individuals enjoy doing their own landscaping and yard maintenance, when it comes to tree trimming and tree pruning, it is best to let a professional complete this type of work. Tree trimming and tree pruning require the right equipment and knowledge to be performed properly and safely. Attempting to trim or prune a tree yourself can not only lead to injury to you or others; it can damage the tree and end up costing you more money than you saved by doing the work yourself.
Professional vs. DIY Tree Trimmer
You can remove small trees and plants without professional assistance, especially if you have good quality equipment. However, tree removal carries a lot of risks and can cause severe injuries. The danger increases if the tree is tall or wide. Professionals are trained and employ proven techniques to cut and remove them safely. Here’s a comparison between professional and DIY tree removal:
- Professionals know how to assess the tree and the site to understand the risks involved and create a plan.
- They have the latest cutting tools and equipment to make the job easier and quicker.
- Experts are less likely to sustain injuries because they use reliable safety equipment and proven techniques.
- Professionals work in teams to ensure there’s someone on the ground to assist in the cutting process.
- They know the best ways to dispose of the debris from the cutting.
- Arborists can transplant the trees instead of cutting them down if needed.
Common way’s individuals injure themselves while trying to trim or prune their own trees
Falling Branches
Injuries from falling branches can affect not only the person cutting the tree but anyone or anything that is below the tree. Branches can break and fall in unpredictable ways causing injury and damage to people and property.
Falling from Tree
Individuals who try to trim or prune trees themselves often lack the proper equipment or experience and do not take the time to secure themselves and can fall from the tree resulting in injury or death. Many trees are not healthy enough to climb, and professional tree services will use a bucket truck to reach the branches that require trimming. If you try to climb a tree and put weight on a rotten branch, you can easily fall.
Electrocution
Often trees grow tall and cover-up power lines, and if you try to trim or prune trees yourself, you could accidentally cut a power line resulting in electrocution. Professional tree services know where power lines are and what to look for, so it is best to hire an expert instead of risking your life.
Injury from Equipment and Tools
The tools and equipment required to trim and prune trees are incredibly sharp and powerful and can cause injury or even death. The most common tool used for tree maintenance is a chainsaw, and they are powerful and unpredictable tools in the hands of someone who is not used to working with them when cutting through branches chainsaws can become stuck or jerk in unpredictable ways resulting in devastating injuries.
In addition to the potential injury hazards that can occur when you try to trim or prune a tree yourself, you can also cause irreparable damage to the tree itself. Without the proper tools and equipment and the knowledge and experience to trim or prune trees correctly, you can damage trees in the following ways:
Dull Tools
If the tools you are using are old or dull, it will not only make the trimming process harder; it will cause damage to the tree, causing it to take longer to heal.
Dirty Tools
If you fail to clean and sanitize your tools properly, you can transfer dirt and disease from other plants, you have used the tools on to your trees, causing damage to the trees.
Cutting Branches, the Wrong Way
There is a proper way to trim tree branches, and if you do not trim them properly, not only will the tree lose its aesthetic appeal, it will also cause damage and weaken the new branches that grow. This weak growth leaves the tree susceptible to insects and diseases that can cause extensive damage making it a hazard to you and your property.
Over Pruning
Without the proper knowledge and experience, you can over prune your trees, causing them to look unsightly, it will take the tree longer to heal. As a rule of thumb, you should never prune more than 25% of the tree.
Flush Cutting
A common mistake that homeowners make when attempting to trim and prune trees themselves is they cut the branches flush against the trunk of the tree. Cutting branches in this way will not only cause an unattractive growth pattern; it will also leave the tree susceptible to fungus, disease, and pests.
Hiring a professional tree trimming service is always the best choice when it comes to maintaining the trees in your yard. Professional landscapers have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess, diagnose, and treat any problem you may be having with your trees and perform the proper maintenance. While it may be tempting to try this work yourself and save money, you may cause more damage to the trees or you resulting in unexpected costs. You cannot put a price on your health and well-being, and tree trimming, and pruning are dangerous, so always error on the side of caution and hire a professional. To find a trusted local tree trimmer visit Chainsaws.com.