You might be here because you’re considering trimming or eliminating portions of the overgrown tree in your yard. You might also be here because you want to do these tasks on your own.
Thankfully, we’re here to discuss tree expertise and safety and risk awareness. Before you prune or cut, you must first learn about the benefits and drawbacks of doing your own tree maintenance versus hiring a professional arborist.
Read on to discover everything you need to consider before pruning your own trees.
The Importance of Safety
It is possible to learn how to prune small or easily reached branches on shrubs or small trees. On the other hand, large trees and branches pose a greater danger of harm to both the tree and the pruner.
As trees mature, their crowns become inaccessible below ground, increasing the probability of an accident. Even if you know how to climb and handle power equipment, the risks may exceed the benefits.
When attempting tree removal or pruning, the most common causes of mortality are being struck by the tree or a falling branch. The second most prevalent cause of homeowner injuries or deaths is falling from a tree, which is usually caused by the use of a ladder instead of ropes and safety devices.
DIY Tree Pruning: What to Consider
Consider the following guidelines before undertaking your own tree maintenance:
1. Your Safety and Insurance
Large trees and tree limbs may cause damage to your and your neighbor’s property. Being a good neighbor means limiting the damage and disruption produced by your actions. Expect the contrary, even if you’re insured for damage to a neighbor’s property.
Certified arborists are trained to examine a tree’s structure and surroundings in order to minimize disruption. In the event of property damage, both you and your neighbor are protected.
2. Your Time
Tree trimming and removal take time. Pruning a large tree can be time-consuming if you work alone and cut branches in stages. When climbing and descending a tree, there is a risk of injury, which is exacerbated by fatigue and distraction.
Professional arborists work together to prune or remove a tree safely and efficiently.
3. Your Skill and Knowledge
Large-scale hand pruning of shrubs and young trees is separate from large-scale branch removal. Once a climber is in a tree, he or she cannot simply assess the task or the next cut. Evaluating your work from a tree is inefficient and time-consuming.
Arborists “read” trees before climbing them to determine how each pruning cut will turn out. Their training guarantees that they wear protective gear, understand how to navigate a tree’s summit, and can correctly wield heavy, strong tools while suspended by ropes.
4. Your Access to the Tree
Inaccessible and difficult-to-reach trees are more difficult to prune and cannot always be securely climbed. A tree service business with innovative equipment, such as a remote-controlled crane, can prune or remove trees that you cannot.
Sometimes do-it-yourselfers underestimate the size and weight of massive branches and trunk portions and the risk of damage connected with removing cut sections. A crane may be necessary to remove a tree from a limited area.
5. Your Tools
Large trees require specialized equipment for pruning or removal. A ladder cannot be safely climbed to the tree’s tallest limbs. The ladder will be unable to reach all of the branches and may topple or slip, forcing you to plummet.
You’ll also need a harness, ropes, carabiners, and ascenders. You will also need a pruning saw, a lightweight yet powerful chainsaw, and pruning shears. There is also additional safety equipment, such as a hardhat, hearing and eye protection, and apparatus to prevent falling from the tree. You’ll also need a radio headset if you’re working with a team.
Arborists have the necessary equipment and have been appropriately trained in its use. Starting a chainsaw 60 feet up in a tree is difficult.
Conclusion
Even with all these considerations, know that tree pruning is a task that is best handled by professionals. While DIY is often perceived as fun and cheap, a task like this may be dangerous to unskilled individuals. You must carefully examine your tree situation and seek the advice of a professional before making any changes on your own.
Are you looking for a certified arborist in St. Augustine, FL? Ancient City Arbor is here to handle all your tree needs and concerns. Call us today to book an appointment!