Trimming tree branches sounds like a relatively basic landscape task. But the truth is, there can be a number of safety hazards involved in this service. Knowing what to wear, what tools to use, and proper tree trimming techniques is all imperative to both your safety and your results!
In this article, we’ll dive into things you ought to know about tree trimming safety.
While smaller branches might be something that you can safely do on your own, we do advise that for any larger trees or limbs, you always turn to tree care professionals for their guidance and expertise.
Jump to:
Tree Trimming Safety Risks
How to Trim a Tree Safely
When to Turn to Professional Tree Trimming
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
Tree Trimming Safety Risks
There are a number of ways in which tree trimming can be risky. We never want to see anyone get hurt which is why we want to discuss some of these risks as well as how to trim a tree safely.
- Falls: One of the biggest risks is falling. Any time that you have to stand on a ladder or work from a height, you might put yourself at risk for falling. It’s important that you are using a safety harness and taking precautions if you are doing any work off of the ground.
- Falling branches: If you are attempting to trim or remove a branch that is diseased, dying, hanging, or struggling in some other way, it might be at a greater risk of detaching from the tree prematurely. The last thing that you want is for a falling limb to take you down with it…or strike anyone on the ground.
- Equipment accidents: Removing limbs from trees involves the use of equipment that could be dangerous if misused. Chainsaws and woodchippers, in particular, can pose risk.
- Electrocution: When working near an overhead power line, you must use extreme caution. Electrocution can occur by direct contact, indirect contact, or electrical arcing. There is a possibility that a worker can get electrocuted even if they have not directly touched the power line. Remember to not perform any tree work activity where branches are located within 10 feet of high-voltage power lines.
How to Trim a Tree Safely
There are safety precautions that need to be taken when trimming a tree. Here are five important things our arborists want you to keep in mind.
1) Proper Safety Gear
For one, you’ll want to make sure that you have all of the proper gear. This includes:
- Helmets and face shields: If you are climbing a height, you must wear a helmet and face shield to protect yourself from stray twigs, falling branches, flying debris, and any other accidents. A good helmet helps protect you from most impacts.
- Gloves: Use a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from cuts and poisonous plants.
- Earmuffs: Chainsaws and wood chippers operate at high decibels, so use earmuffs to protect your ears from the noise.
- Chainsaw protective pants and chaps: The pants and chaps provide you safety from various types of sharp objects and work especially well at stopping chainsaw blades.
- Work boots: The boots offer a better grip during the climb and added protection from an injury. Bonus points if you use steel-toe boots.
- Climbing equipment: Ensure that you have belts, ropes, lanyards, slings, and carabiners to keep you secured to a tree. Do not use a rope that is wet or has been stored in the sun as they are more likely to break or fray.
2) Check the Weather Forecast
You’ll also want to make sure that you check the weather forecast.
Any storm, wind, or icy weather can make the operating conditions dangerous. Do not climb a tree when there are heavy winds, or when a tree is wet or snow-covered. If a tree is not safe to climb, you can use an aerial device to trim the trees.
3) Perform a Hazard Assessment
You must perform a hazard assessment of the work area before you start the work. Before climbing a tree, inspect the tree's stability, tree trunk, and the condition of the limbs. Remember to tie to only strong branches that are unlikely to break off. If you are using a ladder, ensure that it is tied to a secure branch.
When using a chainsaw, you must be tied off to two anchor points for enhanced support. Pay attention while working on sloped surfaces. Keep chainsaws and other cutting tools away from lanyards, ropes, and harnesses.
4) Establish a Drop Zone
Before trimming a tree, you must establish a drop zone and a hazard zone. During the cutting and lowering of branches, clear communication should be maintained between the overhead and the ground crew. You can use a caution barrier tape to establish, mark, and manage the drop zone. Remember that poor judgment can result in a tree branch falling on a home, power line, or people.
5) Understand Proper Tree Trimming Techniques
There are also proper tree trimming techniques that should be followed not only to ensure safety but to ensure optimal results. For instance, it’s important to avoid cutting too close to the trunk as it can prevent wound healing. You also want to ensure that you are using the proper tools to make the best cut.
When to Turn to Professional Tree Trimming
Trimming some smaller branches on an ornamental tree might be a landscaping task that you can handle yourself. However, when it comes to larger trees and larger limbs, we do stress that professional tree trimming is the safest option.
It will also help ensure that it’s done right.
After all, when trees are not taken care of, they can actually become a liability. The last thing that you want is for your beloved trees to become a risk or pose problems. Any limb that is already hanging or diseased is also at a greater risk of becoming a hazard and it’s not something to mess around with.
When you hire a professional tree pruning service to care for your trees, you’re actually taking an important step in protecting your investment in your landscape. There are a lot of New England tree-pruning companies out there, so you’ll need to do your due diligence.
Your wise choice will go a long way in preserving your trees’ health and longevity.
Choosing Tree Care in Southern NH, Northeastern Massachusetts, and Southern Maine
Tree trimming safety is absolutely imperative for the safety of you, your family, and your property. At the end of the day, it will be your wise choice in a tree care professional that makes the biggest difference of all. That’s why you should also take time to research any companies that you’re considering by spending time on their website and even giving them a call to ask any remaining questions that you might have.
Ultimately, you want to find a company that has your best interest at heart and that you can build a long-term relationship with. Your property requires ongoing care and it’d be great to partner with a company that you truly trust.
At Seacoast Tree Care, we take the work that we do quite seriously. We started our business with the belief that we are tree’s guardians - here to care for and protect them whenever we can. We are committed to preserving trees in the New England area by performing vital services like tree pruning and trimming, the right way.
Ready for safer and healthier trees at your Southern NH, Maine, or Northeastern Massachusetts home? Request your consultation and get a free quote for tree pruning services. We service properties in and around Stratham, NH, Kittery, ME, and Haverhill, MA. By making a wise choice, you’ll know your trees are in good hands.
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