Dangers of DIY Tree Care

Learn the Dangers of DIY Tree Care from Your Local Edmonton Arborists 

Between the sharp tools, standing on tall extension ladders for prolonged periods of time, and in the summer, staying out in hot weather for an extended period of time, the risk of injury with DIY tree care runs rampant. Though humans tend to like to do things their way, when it comes to tree maintenance and tree pruning jobs, DIY tree care attempts won’t cut it—literally. Though it may seem silly and a bit over the top, the dangers of DIY tree care are not something to be overlooked. Serious precautions are required, and employing the help of a tree care professional will save you from costly safety risks. Learn the dangers of DIY tree care with our local Edmonton arborists

At Trusty Tree Services, we are dedicated to ensuring your tree health is secure year-round while your personal health and safety are also secure. Professional arborists are available to you when your tall trees are too hard to prune, insect infestations cover your tree branches, or dead limbs are hanging so low you’re whacking your head on them each time you get into your car. You can always turn to our arborists for guidance on tree removal, tree pruning, and tree treatments when your trees are unhealthy. 

At Trusty Tree Services, we understand that the allure of DIY tree care is tempting, especially when you want to work on your tan or spend time outside on a warm weekend. However, without proper knowledge, tools, and experience, your fun DIY day could turn dangerous in an instant. Let our Edmonton arborists guide you through the dangers of DIY tree care before you go to town on that unruly evergreen tree. Your safety (and trees) will thank you! 

Risks Involved With DIY Tree Care: An Edmonton Guide

Improper Pruning Techniques

While it is tempting to utilize your chainsaw to handle that overgrown tree in your front yard, untrained individuals are prone to making mistakes in pruning. Pruning mistakes can occur from pruning at the wrong time of year, improper use of sharp tools, or even cutting the tree limbs in the wrong areas. Tree professionals know the rituals of tree pruning. From the time of year to the specialized equipment to even where to cut. Doing a simple hack job on mature trees, especially newly planted trees, can prevent them from becoming mature trees, which is always the goal when you first plant one.

Pruning shears and chainsaws are dangerous pieces of equipment with the potential to cause severe bodily injuries when not used properly. What could seem like a quick removal of dead branches with your “rusty, old” pruning shears could turn out to be dangerous in the end. As one of the leading causes of the risks associated with DIY tree care, to guarantee your personal safety and healthy growth for your tree species, take the time to reach out to our professional arborists for professional tree pruning. Our team will ensure that your trees (and you) will remain in optimal condition all year. 

Ladder Insecurity 

Anytime you’re joining a labour workforce, there is an extensive ladder safety course workers must complete in order to be able to work in that environment. From step ladders to extension ladders, they all have something in common: detrimental physical danger when not used properly. Larger branches may require more effort to effectively remove, and a bit of weight from your body may be required. It is a sad but true fact that hundreds of people die yearly from ladder insecurity. Hence, the reason it requires proper training and experience are required before they’re utilized in a professional setting. As the second risk associated with DIY tree care, just because you may have been a gymnast in high school does not mean you can withstand tall ladder heights for extended periods of time.  

Not in Possession of PPE

When you’re working on a ladder, PPE is required. PPE stands for “personal protective equipment.” Safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests, protective gloves, and earplugs or muffs when using a chainsaw are essential. Most times when people attempt DIY tree care, they’re in shorts, a T-shirt, Crocs, personal sunglasses, and an Edmonton Oilers cap. This does not classify as PPE, to say the least. PPE is required on all job sites, and just because this job site is in your front yard does not mean that it isn’t an active work site with potential dangers involved. 

Power Lines 

Trees that are growing tall run the risk of interfering with utility lines and power lines. If you’re attempting DIY tree care near a power line, it is all too easy to accidentally electrocute yourself. Trimming tall trees requires a lift and harness that our professionals will utilize when you hire them for tree trimming or tree removal. You should never be naive to the thought that you can safely handle these hazardous situations on your own. The likelihood of injury is too high.

Don’t Risk Your Safety on DIY Tree Care—Contact Trusty Tree Services Today

DIY also stands for “Danger Inexperience Yields,” at least in our books. Now that you know the dangers of DIY tree care, make an informed decision this season and reach out to Trusty Tree Services for professional tree care. Our local Edmonton arborists will keep your trees healthy without compromising your safety. Contact us today at 780-860-5500 to schedule essential tree services.