Do NOT try this at home! Tree Removal takes a professional!

Do NOT try this at home!  Tree Removal takes a professional!

Perhaps considered a cottage industry, tree removal and tree care companies are big business and especially qualified to provide a vital service. While caring for your trees by planting, pruning and maintenance may seem like a DIY activity – that’s not always the case. As trees grow, caring for them becomes riskier and can be hazardous when calculating the tree’s physics, biology, using power tools, cutting techniques and more. Individuals who attempt to lumberjack their way to caring for their trees may become injured by falling limbs, malfunctioning tools or by the tree itself. In fact, tree removal is considered one of the most dangerous property maintenance tasks anyone could perform. According to the U.S. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, there were 1,285 tree maintenance worker deaths between 1992 and 2007 – and these were licensed professionals.

Know the risks

While not obvious at first, some common tree removal risks include:

• Power lines – it should be obvious that working near any power lines is dangerous and you should always assume power lines are live and extreme caution should be taken when working nearby. Whether you or your tools hit the power line, you could not only knock out the power to your neighborhood – at best. At worst, you could be electrocuted.
• Equipment – OSHA requires tree service professionals to use proper equipment and protective gear. Technicians are also trained to use specialized equipment that include chain saws, ropes, cranes to service and maintain trees.
• Decay – dead or dying trees are weak. From the outside, the tree may appear whole – but upon further inspection, trees can be completely hollow – a shell of its former glory. If you think a tree is decaying, it’s worth calling a professional to help determine the best treatment or care plan.
• Gravity – you won’t win against gravity. Once a tree starts to weaken and ultimately fall, you have no control over where it lands. Get it wrong and you may be sorry!

Do your homework

Like anything else, it’s important to educate yourself going into any project. When it comes to tree care or tree service, make sure you know who you’re dealing with:

• Are they certified?
• Are they insured?
• Can they provide you with references?
• How long will the work take?
• Can they give you a detailed estimate?
• What kinds of equipment will they be using?
• How safe with their technicians be?

Don’t be a hero

Property owners shouldn’t attempt to go it alone when removing a tree – there are too many serious risks involved and increases the chance for more serious problems. If you have a tree that requires removal, unLIMBited Tree Service can help. We’re available 24/7 for all of your servicing needs. Protect yourself and your property and hire a professional!