If you are worried that a tree on your property could become a hazard, or wish to make some more room in your yard, don't attempt to remove the tree yourself. That is, unless you are an arborist. From 2009 to 2015, 580 people died whilst attempting to remove or prune a tree, according to figures released by the Tree Care Industry Association.
Working with trees is so dangerous that even experienced tree maintenance workers are at risk of serious injury or even death. Between 1992 and 2007, 1,285 workers died while trying to perform tree maintenance, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No matter how urgent your need, or how tight your budget, it isn't worth risking your life to perform job that should be done by a professional.
Consider the following dangers before making a decision regarding DIY tree removal.
Ladders are more Deadly than You Think
When working with a tall tree, you will likely need to rely on your ladder to provide a stable footing while you cut away branches in the upper canopy. Working with ladders, especially at height, can put your life in danger. A report released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that over 90,000 people require emergency room treatment due to ladder-related injuries each year.
You May be Hit by Falling Debris
Falling branches can pull other branches and debris with them as they drop, and if you are standing on a ladder, you may not be able to get out of the way in time. Likewise, your property may also be damaged by unexpected debris.
Controlling a Tree's Fall is Difficult
Trying to control the direction a large tree falls in without the necessary tools, e.g. a crane or safety gear such as a harness, hard hat and climbing spurs, would be a challenge for even the most experienced arborist.
If your tree is so tall that you need a ladder in order to remove the branches first, you should entrust the job to an arborist.
Using Chainsaw's at Height is Dangerous
Even in the hands of an experienced person, a chainsaw becomes a potential hazard when used whilst balancing on a ladder or branch. If the ladder falls or a branch breaks, you could be seriously hurt.
Arborists are equipped with chainsaw protection such as nylon pants which are designed to catch and jam the blade of a chainsaw should it fall.
Arborists are Trained and Come with the Right Equipment
Although professional tree removal is not cheap, it does ensure that the job is done right, as well as safely. If you have a tree that you would like removed, call a tree removal company. Not only will they cut your tree down, but they'll help you to get rid of the resulting debris afterwards so that you can put the newly opened space to immediate use.
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