What Are The Dangers Of Do-It-Yourself Tree Removal?

Did you know that removing trees is among the most dangerous jobs in the world? Despite appearances, tree removal is a complex procedure that calls for knowledge of tree physics and biology, experience with advanced removal techniques, and familiarity with potentially dangerous weapons like chainsaws. 

Homeowners who attempt to remove trees on their run have the danger of causing damage to their property and suffering personal injuries if falling branches or the tree itself topples in the incorrect direction. 

This blog discusses the risks associated with tree removal, the safety protocols followed in Australia while felling trees, and why you may wish to hire an arborist instead of attempting a tree removal on your own.

The Risks Of Do-It-Yourself Tree Removal

Removing a tree might not be a particularly difficult chore; nevertheless, when you give it some thought, you'll realise it's pretty hard. The vast majority of homeowners need to be made aware of this fact, yet a sufficient amount of prior knowledge and expertise is required to complete the task in a manner that is both correct and safe.

To safely remove a tree on your own, you need to do more than smash the base of the trunk with an axe or chainsaw and watch it fall. A number of serious dangers must be considered before you attempt to cut down a tree on your own.

Gravity

You can't predict where a tree will land once it begins to fall. Even if you use ropes and precise cutting procedures, you can avoid misjudging the direction in which a tree limb or trunk will fall when you attempt to remove it on your own. 

Removing a tree alone's not a good idea if it's too close to your house or a power line. If a tree on your property topples over and causes damage to your house, your homeowner's insurance policy cannot pay for the repairs. The area could go dark, or you could get electrocuted if the tree falls on a power line. 

Ladders

If you require a ladder to cut branches from your tree, it's too big to tackle on your own. For several reasons, climbing a ladder while holding a chainsaw is a terrible idea. The chainsaw may slip out of your hands, you could slip on the ladder, and you could gravely hurt yourself if you fell.

The incorrect use of a ladder or the positioning of a ladder on uneven terrain can also lead to dangerous situations. For instance, huge branches can over-leverage you if you need to be at the right height (the height of the ladder only reaches at least three feet past the branch). Once you cut the branch, it will ascend above the ladder, which could cause you to fall.

Trees can be cut down, but working from, or even just standing on, a ladder has risks. Both the chainsaw and the manual saw are only possible to use with solid footing. Holding this gear could cause you to lose your balance on a ladder.

The heights are a challenge for some people. Even if you have access to tall ladders, you still need to be careful if you're not on the most stable ground. Only trim or remove a tree with a sufficient ladder. 

Decaying Wood

A tree already dead or dying may become unstable due to internal degradation. Find a qualified arborist to remove your tree as soon as possible if you suspect it has begun to rot, should the structure suddenly topple over on you. Because removing a decaying tree takes knowledge of both tree biology and tree physics, it is strongly advised that you seek the assistance of a professional arborist in order to complete this task. 

When trees are cut down, the results may be unpredictable due to dead or rotting wood areas in the tree. And if you aren't aware of this degradation, you won't have an accurate idea of where the tree will land when it falls, nor will you know where its centre of gravity is located. It typically takes arborists years of experience before they can accurately assess the level of decay present in a tree.

Human Error

During a do-it-yourself tree removal project, poor decision-making, a lack of skill, and even simple mistakes can result in expensive damage and catastrophic injury. As a result of a lack of training and experience, inexperienced tree cutters pose a greater risk of injury to themselves and others than certified arborists.

Electric Shock

To avoid power outages caused by sagging branches, several utilities prune trees. Branches that cause the most trouble tend to be located close to electricity lines. If your trees have fallen on a power line, your utility may temporarily shut off service to help you, but it doesn't imply they'll come to prune your trees. 

Power wires are frequently encroached upon by towering trees. Branches on your land that could bring down the wires going to your home will not be trimmed by the electric utility company, even if they trim trees away from the lines that run alongside or in front of your property. If live wires fall, they may turn off the power, but they won't help clean up the mess. 

With the proper licencing and training, tree services can prevent power outages by cutting down branches that could fall on utility wires. They are well-versed in worker safety precautions and know how to cut down a tree without endangering anyone by cutting into live lines.

It is typical for you to be responsible for the removal of dead branches from trees on your own. If you come into contact with live electrical wires, either by a tree branch or your chainsaw, you run the risk of being electrocuted. This makes live wires extremely dangerous.

Incorrect Calculations

Performing precise calculations with regard to the height of the tree and the angles at which it is chopped is another essential component of tree removal. These will assist you in determining where the tree will actually fall and when it will do so. Inaccuracies in this regard can prove to be quite hazardous because the tree could be improperly cut and then fall in the wrong direction, causing damage to property and harm to individuals.

Falling Injury

Professionals who remove trees are trained to use safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, bucket trucks, and hardhats, and they know how to create a safety perimeter around the area where they are working. Trying to scale a ladder while holding a chainsaw is a terrible plan. Similarly, climbing a tree while carrying a chainsaw risks serious harm or death if you fall and land on the tool.

One of the greatest dangers of tree removal is the possibility of getting hurt in a fall. It is common practice to prune the tree's branches before attempting to cut it down. This necessitates getting up high in the tree and doing your work there. Extending from your centre of gravity or using heavy tools like a chainsaw to perform the activity enhances your danger of falling. 

Risky Chainsaw Handling

Using a chainsaw to safely fall a tree requires experience. Careful planning of the tree's cut angles, bar placement, and weight distribution are all required. The chainsaw must always be under your full command. If you don't, you might accidentally injure yourself.

Kickback, or when the saw suddenly jerks back towards the user, is one of the most dangerous aspects of utilising a chainsaw. In addition, the chainsaw's behaviour may become unexpected if the tree contains any metal, such as a bolt or nail.

Using a chainsaw incorrectly or without sufficient training can cause serious bodily harm or death. When a chainsaw strikes a solid object, such as a tree, it can recoil rapidly and strongly, potentially injuring the user.

Branch And Debris Danger

Trees may have loose branches that will break off and fall to the ground as the tree is cut down. People standing on the ground may sustain injuries or even damage their property and equipment if this risk is not controlled properly and loose branches and debris are allowed to accumulate. If the tree you are chopping down is already dead or on its way to dying, then this is an exceptionally serious risk for you to take. 

Incorrect Safety Equipment

When using a chainsaw, the operator must take precautions by donning protective clothing and equipment. Essential safety equipment includes a logger's helmet, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, face screen, and harnesses. It would be best if you also safeguarded your legs by wearing jeans designed to deflect chainsaws. If you don't have these, you're inviting serious harm upon yourself.

However, purchasing this equipment will be more expensive than having a professional remove the tree. Therefore, rather than spending money on tools and equipment, it is preferable to submit the task to professionals who will complete it most effectively.

Other Considerations

When you are making plans for the removal of a tree, you should also take into consideration the following:

Fines

Before you can remove a tree, you might be required to get a permit from your local municipality or obtain formal consent from a neighbour beforehand, especially if a portion of the tree is located on the neighbour's land. You must carry out these tasks before obtaining the necessary permits to avoid being subject to a monetary penalty.

Messy Cleanup

It would be best if you cut the tree down into manageable pieces before attempting to remove it. It may take several weeks to drag away every component of the tree if it is a large tree and you are removing it on your own. Therefore, work that was supposed to take only one day could turn into one that takes many days or weeks to clean up.

You will need to chop the tree into bits before you remove it from its location so that it can be moved more easily and the area can be cleaned up more quickly. If the tree is particularly large and you are cutting it down by hand, it may take you several months to remove every last piece of debris left behind by the tree.

However, this job may be finished in one or two days by professionals who remove trees. This indicates that employing tree removers with experience helps you to reduce the costs associated with tree removal.

Property Damage

DIY tree removal comes with a significant financial risk in the form of property damage. If you cannot estimate where the tree will fall accurately, it could land on your vehicle, your house, or your neighbour's property. The damage to the property will most certainly result in significant out-of-pocket payments as well as a rise in insurance rates.

Safety Procedures For Tree Removal

Is Council Approval Required?

In Australia, some specific norms and regulations must be followed while removing down trees. You may need permission from the local council before felling or pruning any trees on your property. Before taking any action, you should always consult with a qualified arborist or your municipal government. 

A qualified arborist will be able to advise you on the permits that are required from your local municipality. 

Do You Have The Right Tools For Tree Removal?

Arborists are required to wear protective gear from head to toe while they are cutting down a tree. This gear includes a helmet, earmuffs, a face screen, safety glasses, and protective clothing. A tree may be cut down and disposed of safely by a professional tree service only if they are trained in properly using several pieces of equipment, including cranes, chainsaws, wood chippers and ropes. Homeowners who try to do their work without the proper training and tools run the risk of putting themselves in undue danger.

Do You Understand Safety Procedures For Tree Removal?

Training from a professional is necessary for the safe removal of trees. We develop a personalised tree safety management strategy for each tree removal work that Arbour Operations completes. To guarantee that the process of tree removal is carried out in the most risk-free manner possible, we are well-versed in the planning and preparation required to determine the exact angle and location of the cut, taking into account the height of the tree as well as the weight distribution of the foliage. 

Conclusion

Tree removal is a complex and dangerous task that requires knowledge of tree physics and biology, advanced removal techniques, and familiarity with potentially dangerous weapons like chainsaws. Homeowners who attempt to remove trees on their own face risks such as causing property damage and personal injuries if the tree topples in the wrong direction.

To safely remove a tree, homeowners need to consider several risks. Gravity is a significant concern, especially if the tree is too close to a house or a power line. Climbing a ladder while holding a chainsaw is not recommended due to potential slips, slips, and potential falls. Additionally, working from or standing on a ladder can be dangerous, as it requires solid footing and can cause balance issues.

Decaying wood can become unstable due to internal degradation, and it is crucial to seek the assistance of a professional arborist if the tree is suspected to be rotting. Inexperienced tree cutters pose a greater risk of injury due to poor decision-making, lack of skill, and simple mistakes.

In conclusion, tree removal is a complex and dangerous task that requires proper knowledge, safety protocols, and the expertise of a professional arborist.

Tree removal is a crucial process that involves careful planning, precision, and safety measures. It is essential to avoid electric shock, incorrect calculations, falling injuries, and the risk of falling on live electrical wires. Tree services, with proper licensing and training, can prevent power outages by cutting down branches that could fall on utility wires. However, it is common for individuals to remove dead branches on their own, which can lead to electrocution.

Professionals are trained to use safety equipment and create a safety perimeter around the area where they work. Falling injuries are a significant risk, especially when pruning trees or using heavy tools like chainsaws. Chainsaw handling is also crucial, with careful planning of cut angles, bar placement, and weight distribution. Kickbacks and unexpected behavior from the chainsaw can cause serious bodily harm or death.

Loose branches and debris can cause injuries or damage to property and equipment if not controlled properly. If the tree is already dead or on its way to dying, this is a serious risk. When removing a tree, it is essential to wear protective clothing and equipment, such as a logger's helmet, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, face screen, and harnesses. However, purchasing these equipment can be more expensive than hiring a professional. When planning tree removal, consider factors such as permits, messy cleanup, and potential property damage. A qualified arborist or municipal government can advise on necessary permits and safety procedures.

Professional tree services must have the right tools, including cranes, chainsaws, wood chippers, and ropes, to ensure safe tree removal. Homeowners who attempt to do their work without proper training and tools risk putting themselves in undue danger. Training from a professional is necessary for the safe removal of trees. Arbour Operations develops a personalized tree safety management strategy for each tree removal work, ensuring the process is carried out risk-free. They are well-versed in planning and preparation to determine the exact angle and location of the cut, taking into account the height of the tree and the weight distribution of the foliage.

Content Summary

• Removing trees ranks among the world's most perilous jobs.
• Tree removal requires knowledge of tree physics and biology.
• The procedure also demands experience with advanced removal techniques.
• Homeowners risk property damage when attempting tree removal.
• There's a personal injury risk if trees or branches fall incorrectly.
• Safe tree removal involves more than merely cutting the trunk.
• Gravity can make predicting a tree's fall direction challenging.
• Misjudging where a tree falls can lead to severe consequences.
• Trees near homes or power lines pose significant risks.
• Incorrect tree removal could result in denied insurance claims.
• If a tree hits a power line, electrocution is a potential danger.
• Using ladders for tree removal amplifies risks.
• Climbing a ladder holding a chainsaw is particularly hazardous.
• Ladder misplacement can result in falls or injury.
• Trees with decaying wood are unpredictable and riskier to remove.
• Arborists are best suited for removing decaying trees.
• Decaying trees require understanding tree biology and physics.
• Human error can cause extensive damage and severe injuries.
• Inexperienced tree cutters face higher injury risks than professionals.
• Sagging branches can lead to power outages.
• Branches near power lines are often the homeowner's responsibility.
• Arborists with the right training can prevent power outages.
• Coming into contact with live wires risks electrocution.
• Precise calculations are crucial for safe tree removal.
• Incorrect calculations can result in property damage or injuries.
• Professionals use safety equipment like ropes, harnesses, and hardhats.
• Falling while holding a chainsaw can result in death.
• Chainsaw kickback is a common and dangerous occurrence.
• The chainsaw's reaction to metal objects can be unpredictable.
• Falling branches and debris can cause injuries or property damage.
• Essential safety equipment includes a logger's helmet, gloves, and safety glasses.
• DIY safety equipment can cost more than hiring a professional.
• Local permits might be needed for tree removal.
• DIY tree removal can turn into a prolonged cleanup process.
• Professionals can complete tree removal tasks more efficiently.
• DIY tree removal can result in significant property damage.
• Australia has specific norms for tree removal.
• Council approval might be necessary before tree removal.
• Arborists wear protective gear from head to toe.
• Proper equipment includes cranes, chainsaws, wood chippers, and ropes.
• DIY tree removal can place homeowners in unnecessary danger.
• Proper training is essential for safe tree removal.
• Each tree removal job requires a personalised safety strategy.
• Proper planning is crucial to determine the tree's fall angle.
• The weight distribution of the foliage affects the tree's fall.
• There's an emphasis on the importance of hiring a qualified arborist.
• Arborists can guide homeowners regarding local permits.
• Safety procedures ensure the risk-free removal of trees.
• DIY tree removals lack the systematic approach of professionals.
• The article encourages consulting experts over taking DIY risks.