Put the chainsaw down! Whether or not you are excited about getting your tree removed. Removing that tree can become a lengthy and costly process if done incorrectly. Today, we will go over why tree trimming and removal are so dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals. Then, once you know why it is so tricky, we'll show you the safest, most cost-effective way to remove any tree.
How tall is that tree?
Homeowners tend to underestimate the size of their trees once they are already on the ladder. By the way, you should never use a ladder on your tree. But if that was your plan, I'm glad you are reading this.
It might look alright from down here, but most people need to get used to working 20-30 feet off the ground. Being up that high, especially precariously hanging from a rope or on a shaky ladder, causes people to panic and stop thinking clearly. Likewise, hanging 30 feet up in a tree while using power tools is not the time to get blurry-eyed. Effective tree trimming requires 100% focus at all times.
What tools are you going to be using?
Most people need to be trained to use the tools required to trim or remove a tree. Unfortunately, chainsaws, pole pruners, safety harnesses, ropes, and stump grinders are not part of the average toolbox. Cutting a tree takes intense coordination and skill with these tools. If you are uncomfortable using a chainsaw, please DO NOT attempt to use one while standing on a shaky ladder. Sharp tools at elevated height is a recipe for bodily injury or death.
What other trees or structures are near the tree?
Powerlines, sheds, pools, and homes are just a few examples of things to take note of before you decide to take down that tree, especially the property that belongs to your neighbor. Or else you may end up adding another costly repair to your list. Powerlines are often the most overlooked items on this list. Unfortunately, they can also be the most dangerous and cause the most damage. If your tree is near a power line, get it cut back before attempting any work. The power company may need to turn off the power line before work can be done. Where the tree will fall is one of the most important aspects of removing a tree. You need to learn how to secure the tree that is being removed safely to avoid damaging your home or other structures.
Are you sure that tree is healthy enough to trim safely?
Sometimes tree branches are visibly dead. A homeowner may quickly identify that deadwood and seek to remove it, but frequently, trees there are more than meets the eye. Many tree-trimming accidents occur because of branches fall that were not even part of the project. They didn't look injured or dead on the outside but were diseased and hollow inside. One cut can cause a reaction within the tree that the average person could not predict. Trained arborists thoroughly evaluate an entire tree before trimming or removal to anticipate potential issues. However, even with these precautions, unexpected events still occur.
Now we know why it is so dangerous to attempt tree removal alone. Here is the correct way to remove a tree while being as safe as possible:
CALL THE PROS!
Removing trees of any size is a challenging task. They weigh several tons, damage property, and injure/kill people if removed improperly. The only truly safe way to remove a tree, no matter the size, is to call a professional to handle the job. Here's why hiring a certified arborist is the best option from the ground up.
The Ground:
A trained arborist will know that you must contact the city to check for any utility lines or pipes near the tree. Take special care before you dig in your yard for any reason. It's not just possible but likely; you could strike a gas line, putting yourself and others in grave danger. Other things to consider are the quality and density of the soil and how deep the tree is embedded into the ground. The last thing you want is for that wind-damaged tree to fall the rest of the way over while trying to remove it yourself.
The roots' health, depth, and spread are also essential when removing a tree. Roots provide strength to the tree that keeps it upright during strong winds. If the tree's roots or base is damaged or rotted, removing the tree is much riskier. The tree will be much harder to predict as it falls, and branches that have become weak could fall from overhead.
While thinking about it, do you plan to keep the stump, grind it down below the earth, or do a complete rootball removal? These are questions that an arborist will be able to answer. It's best to plan these things before you start the job. With stump removal, you will most likely need specialized equipment that can be dangerous to operate. No matter who works on your trees, ensure they are licensed and insured before attempting this job. You want to avoid being liable in the event something happens.
Besides all the obvious physical dangers of tree and stump removal, other benefits hiring a professional provides that the average tree owner would not be able to do. For example, certain trees, like the Sissoo, will continue to spread their roots and sprout new shoots in search of sunlight. The best way to remove stumps like this is to use non-commercially available poisons in the stump before removal. This will soak into the stump several weeks before removal, so it has time to work deep into the roots, killing them before they sprout.
Up:
Depending on the type of tree you have and its location in your yard compared to other plants and structures. Its removal can be a tricky process. Especially if it has a large canopy, special equipment may be needed to remove it, such as cranes and man lifts. Suppose it is impossible to get large machinery like this close enough to the tree. In that case, you will need a team of certified tree climbers to scale the tree and remove it safely, branch by branch. This is a dangerous job and should never be attempted by an amateur. Ensure the people you hire for this job wear proper safety equipment like glasses, steel-toe boots, chaps, gloves, and a hard hat. It is also crucial that they are licensed and insured. You don't want to be liable for any accidents. There were 26 fatal and 19 serious injuries in 2016 just from tree climbers. Believe it or not, tree trimming is in the top 5 most dangerous jobs list.
To wrap this up, no matter the size of that tree you want to be removed, have an arborist look at the tree and your entire yard before you start digging. This is the only way to prevent damage to your trees, property, and the people living there.