Thinking about DIY tree removal?

You might want to think again. Despite the seeming ease with which professional arborists bring down trees there are still around 80 deaths per year in the field.

That's not taking into account injuries either.

If you're thinking of taking the easy route then read on and see why you should be using a professional before you start revving up a rented chainsaw.

Decaying Wood

Decay in trees isn't always visible from the outside. Even professionals occasionally get a nasty surprise when they aren't careful.

Hitting a decaying limb or trunk section with a chainsaw can result in loss of balance, the sudden dropping of the limb, and often results in massive injury to the tools' operator.

It's not just a matter of knowing the decay is there. Arborists have the experience and know-how to know how to bring down decayed limbs by understanding the biological functioning of the tree.

Education and safety go hand in hand, and lacking either can result in injury or death.

Handling Tools and PPE

Cutting up firewood from felled trees is something a lot of us have done. You might think that this experience with a chainsaw is enough to get things done, you've chopped wood so what's the harm of a bit of DIY tree cutting.

It's still experience, but it's not the right experience.

Do you have chainsaw chaps? An ANSI-rated face mask? Heavy, cut-resistant gloves? A proper climbing harness?

All of these pieces of PPE are necessary for even experienced professionals. Handling chainsaws while roped off to a tree is a totally different experience than cutting up a felled log.

Of course, you could try a ladder... if you want to end up on the news. Cutting from a ladder or overhang simply isn't safe.

Then you have cases where people simply didn't know what they were doing. Just touching a powerline with a pole saw or other tool can result in electrocution. And it happens all the time.

Most amateurs simply don't have the tool experience and protective equipment required to make the task safer.

Falling Limbs Can Result in Death

Felling limbs is an exacting science. And even then a small mistake can cause a limb to come crashing down dangerously close to the professional crew who is performing the tree removal.

Wet wood is very heavy and many people underestimate just how much damage can be done by a seemingly small limb.

More than that, most people don't know how to make sure that the limb has a reasonable chance of falling in the intended direction. There's a reason so many safety measures have to be taken into account when you're removing a big tree.

The larger the tree, the more problems you're likely to run into. At bigger heights, you may even run the risk of serious property damage.

Gravity is a harsh mistress and most people lack the knowledge to make sure that it doesn't become a serious problem. Over 20 feet or so you'll even have to take the wind into account.

Are you ready to take your life and property into your own hands like that?

Significant Injuries Are a Serious Possibility

Pretty much every injury associated with tree removal by an amateur is going to require a hospital visit. It's not like some DIY projects where the worst you'll risk is a few small cuts and maybe some stitches.

If the chainsaw kicks back and you don't have the proper PPE or handling skills, you're looking at an ER visit. Hopefully.

If a limb falls and hits you or the person who you were able to rope into helping you then you may be looking at an ambulance ride. It's not going to just leave a bruise, any limb over 4" wide poses a serious blunt trauma and crushing injury threat.

If you tied your harness wrong you'll be looking at a serious fall... with all of your tools and gear on as well. That alone should be enough to give most people pause.

There really are no "small" mistakes when you're removing a tree. Every mistake might be your last.

Property Damage Happens Too

While many people assume they can keep themselves safe by studying procedures... what they often don't account for is the property damage that can happen.

If you fell the last segment of a trunk and it falls on a fence, house, or vehicle you're in trouble. Chances are insurance won't cover your mistake either, leaving you footing a huge bill for what felt like a minor job.

While it still happens with sloppy professionals, as long as you hired someone who was insured you won't be on the hook for it.

As noted above: falling trees can be remarkably unpredictable, it takes a careful study of the trees entire structure and an understanding of gravity that only comes from experience.

It's not as much of a risk to you as injury, but the internet is full of "hilarious" videos where someone has made costly mistakes.

DIY Tree Removal is Dangerous, Hire a Professional

DIY tree removal has too many risks to be recommended. You may injure yourself or helpers, damage property, and if things go badly someone can end up permanently crippled or dead.

That's where professionals come in.

If you're in the vicinity of Northern Virginia, we can help.

Why not contact us today and see what we can do about getting that pesky tree removed for you?