The Dangers of DIY Tree Removal

Do it yourselfers find satisfaction in solving problems by figuring out things themselves. When it comes to pruning and removing trees, careful consideration should be made before cranking up the chainsaw. The scope of work might seem like a straightforward process, however, DIY-ing can result in property damage and in some cases personal injury.

At New Urban Forestry, we regularly encounter complex tree scenarios where our knowledge and experience are put to the test. Consequently, we are uniquely qualified to grasp the gravity of the situation and how to effectively address it. Understanding the risks involved can help homeowners make more wise decisions when dealing with problematic trees.

Tree Removal Is More Complex Than It Appears

From the ground, a tree may look simple to remove - cut the trunk, and it falls. In reality, every tree has a unique structure, weight distribution, and surrounding environment that must be carefully evaluated before any cuts are made.

Factors such as lean, decay, nearby structures and utility lines all influence the approach to removing a tree. Without proper training and planning, it’s extremely difficult to predict where a tree or large limb will fall.

Certified Arborists are highly skilled in employing techniques that minimize the risk of personal injury and impact to one's property. Learning removal techniques such as directional felling and rigging with ropes are part of the job and require years of experience to do so.

The Risk of Serious Injury

Trees and their parts can weigh thousands of pounds and heavy duty equipment is required in order to manage them effectively.  Complex machines such as cranes, aerial lifts, skid steers and chippers are required to process trees but before all of this happens it all needs to be cut with a chainsaw. Chainsaw-related incidents result in thousands of injuries every year. Also, it's uncommon that do-it-yourselfers have access to specialized equipment such as aerial lifts and consequently ladders are oftentimes used. Tree work, especially combined with ladders, significantly increases the risk of injury due to falls, unstable footing and unpredictable shifting of loads.

Common hazards associated with DIY tree removal include:

Chainsaw Injuries
Chainsaws require skill and experience to operate safely. Kickback, when the saw suddenly jerks upward toward the operator, is one of the most dangerous scenarios and can cause severe injuries.

Falling Trees and Limbs
Without the use of proper cutting techniques, branches and trees can fall unexpectedly and land on  the cutter. Gravity, weight and velocity come into play when a tree is cut and how it reacts can be difficult to predict without years of experience. Trees may twist, split, or fall in unintended directions.

Property Damage Is a Common Outcome

In neighborhoods throughout Athens and the surrounding areas, it’s common that trees are situated close to structures. Without the use of complex rigging systems, it is difficult to remove large branches or trunk sections without impacting property. Because of the intimate settings, a falling tree or its parts can easily strike homes, garages, cars or nearby landscaping features.

Power Lines and Trees

Another major concern with DIY tree removal is the presence of power lines. Trees growing near utility lines require professional certifications, complex procedures and training to manage safely. Contact with energized lines can lead to severe injury or worse, death by electrocution.

Not all Arborists are certified, trained and insured to work near powerlines. In the event of an outage, power companies can levy heavy fines. Tree companies can also be liable for the damage and repair to the utility infrastructure and the property of affected customers.  

The Value of Hiring a Professional Tree Service

Certified Arborists are trained to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, and the potential impact a tree can have to its surroundings. They are also the tip of the spear in the process of determining the implementation of tree care measures.

As we’ve established, do-it-yourselfing is not always the best approach to tackling a deceptively complex tree scenario. To help avoid a regretful occurrence, call New Urban Forestry today to set up an appointment with one of our Certified Arborists. In doing so, we can advise you on industry approved tree care recommendations. We care about you and your property and hope to hear from you when needs arise. As always, Athens is better with trees and trees are better with New Urban Forestry.