Why DIY Tree Cutting Is a Bad Idea- Benefits of Hiring Professional Arborists

If you’re a homeowner, you might be wondering why hiring a local tree cutting service is worth it. After all, why not just do it yourself and save some money? But before you hop online and start googling “tree cutting services near me,” hang up your saw and have a moment with us.

DIY tree cutting can be far more hazardous than you might imagine. Without the right training, equipment, and experience, you run the risk of personal injury, damage to your property, and harm to the tree itself. To be safe, always leave tree cutting to the professionals.

We’re here to lay bare the risks of DIY methods — and to show you why Martin’s Tree Service is the go-to choice for all your arborist needs.

Why Is DIY Tree Cutting Dangerous?

Maybe you’re a hands-on, do-it-yourself kind of homeowner who likes to take care of household problems. Perhaps you’re looking to save a few bucks on arbour care. Or maybe you’re just a nature lover with a chainsaw and a hearty spirit of adventure. No matter why you’re contemplating DIY tree cutting, here’s a word of advice: don’t.

As a homeowner, you may be tempted to tackle tree cutting on your own. After all, DIY and home improvement shows make it seem easy, right? However, those TV shows don’t depict the real dangers involved in the task. The risks vastly outweigh the rewards, and there are crucial factors to consider.

Physical Harm

First and foremost, DIY tree cutting can result in physical harm – sometimes fatal. The typical homeowner isn’t trained in proper cutting techniques, and mishandling a chainsaw or losing control of a falling branch can have devastating consequences. That’s not to mention the possibility of falling off a ladder or being struck by a falling tree.

Moreover, it’s important to recognize that tree cutting involves a great deal of skill and precision – which if lacking, could lead to serious injuries. For instance, incorrectly estimating it’s fall path might result in it collapsing in an unwanted direction, causing severe physical harm. Furthermore, some trees may carry diseases or be homes to dangerous insects, unknowingly putting yourself at risk.

Additionally, another overlooked risk of DIY cutting is exhaustion. Cutting down a tree requires endurance and strength, especially for larger ones, leading to fatigue. Tiredness can increase the likelihood of mistakes and physical harm.

Property Damage

Second, if a tree or large limb falls the wrong way, it could damage your home, your car, or your neighbour’s property. Professional cutting services have the training and equipment to minimize this risk. But if you attempt it yourself, your home insurance may not cover the costs.

Digging deeper into the matter of property damage, consider this common scenario. Perhaps the tree that needs cutting is located dangerously close to power lines or it hangs over your home.

Also, consider the financial aspect. Any damage that might occur during DIY cutting might not be covered under your home insurance. Yes, you read that right. Your insurance provider may refuse to cover damages caused by your attempt to cut down a tree without professional help, simply calling it a “negligent act.” So, the few bucks you thought you were saving by not hiring a professional service can quickly turn into a major expense due to uninsured damage to your home or vehicle.

Potential Legal Problems

If a tree you’re trying to cut down falls and injures someone or damages property, you might be held responsible. Imagine this scenario: You’ve decided to roll up your sleeves one sunny afternoon and tackle that bothersome tree that’s been casting an unwelcome shade on your garden.

Engrossed in what seems like a simple DIY task, you fail to realize that the tree is older and larger than your initial assessment. And just as you make that last decisive cut, it begins to fall, but not in the direction you intended. It lands on your neighbour’s fence, causing major damage. Suddenly, what was meant to be a cost-effective DIY tree cutting project has escalated into a costly lawsuit.

Even worse yet is if the tree in question is protected by local laws or legislation that you may not be aware of. Certain species of a certain age may be considered valuable for environmental or historical reasons. If you unknowingly cut down such a tree without the necessary permits, it can lead to severe legal penalties, including hefty fines that considerably outweigh the cost of hiring professional services.

Insufficient Knowledge and Equipment

Tree cutting isn’t as straightforward as one might think. Each tree and situation is unique, requiring a different set of skills and equipment. You need to possess a thorough understanding of tree biology, diseases, soil conditions, and the best cutting techniques. Not only this, but it is also crucial to know the correct cutting methods suitable for each situation. A wrong cut can result in it falling unpredictably, leading to potential dangers.

Moreover, professional tree cutting services have access to commercial-grade equipment and safety measures that average homeowners do not. Trusting this job to experts like Martin’s Tree Service allows for efficient and secure tree management.

Waste management

DIY tree cutting also begs the question – what will you do with the debris and waste?

When tackling tree cutting as a do-it-yourself project, you might not realize just how much debris results from such an undertaking. Sawdust, branches, twigs, leaves, and even remnants of trunks can accumulate very quickly. Managing such an amount of waste can be overwhelming, especially without proper tools or know-how. Plus, you might not be aware of the responsible environmental practices required to dispose of all this green waste.

Tree Health

And finally, it’s easy to underestimate the impact of a bad cut on the health of your trees. You could inadvertently introduce disease or create a wound that never heals properly, leading the tree to an early death.

When it comes to tree health, every cut counts. Unsuitable or incorrectly positioned cuts can expose the tree to myriad health issues. Similar to humans, trees, too have a ‘wound response.’ This means improperly performed tree cuts can lead to long-term damage, leaving the tree vulnerable to infections and diseases. As a homeowner, you might lack the knowledge of the proper techniques, like where and how to make precision cuts, which are essential to ensure ongoing health and longevity. Naturally, this can lead to irreversible damage or even result in the loss of your beloved trees.

What Are The Benefits Of Hiring Professional Arborists For Tree Cutting?

It’s quite tempting, isn’t it? You gaze out your window at that problematic tree and think, “Why not tackle this myself?” The idea of handling your own tree removal may appear cost-effective and straightforward, but the reality is far from that image. Here’s why you should consider hiring professional arborists for tree services near me.

Firstly, professional arborists come to the job with vast experience and knowledge. Every tree is unique, and each requires a specific approach when it comes to cutting. Arborists understand the various species and know the best ways to handle them. This expert knowledge is the difference between a neatly trimmed tree and one that’s irreparably damaged.

Safety and Efficiency

Undoubtedly, safety is one of the key reasons to hire a professional tree cutting service. Arborists have the required training to handle hazardous situations. They also have specialized equipment designed with safety in mind. This combination of skills and tools promises an efficient, injury-free experience, without the risks associated with DIY cutting.

No Cleanup Required

Tree cutting is a messy affair and cleaning up afterward can be quite the chore. However, with professional arborists at your disposal, you don’t have to worry about debris lying around your yard. They’ll ensure it’s left just as clean, if not cleaner, than before they started their work.

Insured Work

A vetted professional arborist is insured. That means in the unlikely event of an accident or property damage occurring during vegetation management, their insurance covers it. This provides you with peace of mind, as you won’t be held liable for any form of damage that may occur.

Opt for Professional Tree Cutting Services

When it comes to efficiency, Martin’s Tree Service is second to none. Not only do they perform careful tree cutting, but they also employ strategies that minimize property damage – a common concern for homeowners. Their services are comprehensive, from evaluating the current condition of the tree to compensating for its removal if necessary.

Attempting DIY tree cutting carries significant risks, from physical harm to legal troubles, and can negatively affect the health of your trees. Trusting in a local service like Martin’s Tree Service ensures the safety, efficiency, and cleanliness of the job. Request a quote today to learn more.