In this DIY world, it’s very easy to find how-to videos about almost any task you need to be done around the house or yard. This even includes how to cut down a tree. For that reason, you might be considering DIY tree removal.
If you’ve searched for information on how to remove a tree, you might feel like it’s something you can tackle on your own. But the truth is, even for relatively small to mid-sized trees, it can be quite dangerous.
There’s a tremendous amount of risk involved in tree removal. This is a service that we believe is truly best left to a professional tree removal service.
In this article, we’ll explain some of the risks and challenges associated with DIY tree removal and why it’s something you should consider leaving to the pros.
The Risks of DIY Tree Removal
There are quite a few risks associated with DIY tree removal. That’s because there are a lot of different ways that things could potentially go wrong.
You’re talking about a situation that involves being up high, using power equipment, and trying to bring down a large and heavy tree.
Every year there are accidents associated with tree removal, even among professional tree removal workers. This is a reason why it’s so important that you choose a tree removal service that takes tree removal safety incredibly seriously. We’ll get more into that later.
However, we want to talk about some ways that things can go wrong since homeowners do not always realize just how dangerous tree removal work can be.
Falls
Tree removal work involves being up high, off the ground. When a tree removal service is doing this the right way, they’re using a bucket truck or they are trained in tree climbing. Sometimes, it’s a combination.
However, often untrained homeowners attempt to trim or remove a tree from a ladder or a roof. Or sometimes they do attempt tree climbing. Without the proper equipment, training, and skill, this can lead to falls that could be fatal.
Equipment Accidents
Proper use of equipment is also imperative to tree removal safety. Whether using a chainsaw or some other type of equipment, these types of accidents can also be incredibly serious or even deadly.
The combination of using sharp and powerful equipment while also up high only intensifies the risk. You could slip and fall while the equipment is in operation, leading to a catastrophic result.
Tree Hazards
The tree you’re removing also lends itself to a dangerous situation. There is a proper way to remove a tree. When a tree is going to be removed, it is first assessed and a plan is formulated. This usually involves taking a tree down in pieces in as safe a manner as possible. It might include lowering sections at a time.
When homeowners attempt DIY tree removal, they might just drop large pieces or make cuts that can lead to the tree falling. Without experience and understanding, this can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
If a branch (or even worse, the entire tree) falls in a way you weren’t expecting, it could lead to property or structure damage. There have even been stories in the news of people on the ground being injured or killed by a DIY tree removal task gone wrong.
Choosing a Tree Removal Service that Prioritizes Tree Removal Safety
Given some of the ways that things can go wrong with tree removal work, it’s important that you choose a professional tree removal service that prioritizes safety.
Even though accidents are more likely to happen with untrained and inexperienced homeowners, that’s not to say that they can’t also happen with a professional. There are going to be companies that do a better job committing to tree removal safety than others.
By taking your time to research options, you’ll get a sense of what companies take safety seriously. As you talk to potential companies, don’t be afraid to ask outright about safety and training.
Tree removal safety also comes into play in terms of the equipment used. A company should not only be using the right equipment for the job but should be operating it properly. This is a key reason to avoid smaller and fly-by-night companies that might not be equipped with everything they need for a big job.
While we know that people are concerned with professional tree removal costs (after all, this isn’t a “cheap” service), there’s a reason why some companies might charge more than others. This is why we advise that you avoid shopping on price. Simply choosing the “least expensive option” isn’t the best way to make this decision.
Companies that invest more in things like equipment and training might cost a little bit more, but they’re also going to be your safer option.
You also want to make sure that you ask a tree removal service whether they have the necessary insurance coverage since accidents do happen.
It’s a big red flag if a company you’re considering does not have coverage. There is a lot of risk associated with this work and you do not want to be liable for an accident. It’s important to make sure your tree removal service has liability insurance.
Your Wise Choice in a Tree Removal Service in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern NH, and Southern Maine
Given the dangerous nature of this type of work, we would never recommend DIY tree removal. Even removing smaller trees comes with risks that are just not worth taking.
Of course, as we’ve stressed, in order to ensure this service is being done safely (and correctly), you have to make a wise choice in professionals.
When it comes to choosing tree removal services in Southern New Hampshire, Maine, and Northeastern MA, you have options. You’ll want to choose a tree care professional who has extensive training, experience, and skill so that you feel confident your tree will be removed safely and properly.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we work with a team of highly skilled Certified Arborists who can not only perform thorough inspections but will also ensure trees come down safely when they do need to be removed.
Need tree removal at your Southern NH, Maine, or Massachusetts home? Request your consultation and have your New England trees evaluated. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
