Many folks assume that cutting down a tree is an easy DIY job. But nothing could be further from the truth. Tree trimming or removal is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
If you’ve noticed signs you need expert tree removal, don’t put yourself and others in danger by doing the job yourself. In some cases, injuries sustained from DIY tree removal jobs even lead to death!
Below is a look at some of the potential dangers associated with cutting down a tree on your own and why it is best to leave the job to a Savage, MN tree service.
Falling Trees
A falling tree is perhaps the most obvious danger associated with DIY tree removal. Contrary to what you many people think, a lot of care is needed to ensure a tree falls safely.
Felling a tree that too tall usually involves removal of large branches before the tree itself is cut down. If you’re not conversant with proper tree removal, the entire tree or sections of it may fall in the wrong direction.
Should a tree you’re cutting fall on you, nearby overhead power lines or your home, it may cause serious injuries to you and the people inside or around your home.
The best way to prevent injuries and property damage resulting from falling trees is to hire a professional tree service in Savage, MN.
Before they cut your tree, they’ll inspect it to determine whether it is healthy or rotten.
If the tree is perfectly healthy, then chances are minimal that it will fall in the incorrect direction. This, however, depends on the proper use of tools like felling wedges.
But if there are signs of tree rot, extra caution will need to be exercised to ensure the people or things below the tree aren’t crushed by a falling tree.
If the tree is located too close to overhead power lines, a tree removal professional will request your local power supply company to cut off the power. This will help to eliminate the risk of electrocution or other electrical hazards that may arise from exposure to electricity.
In addition to this, the professional will take all appropriate measures required to minimize potential damage to power lines. This includes ensuring the tree is cut into manageable chunks from top-bottom so it doesn’t fall on the power lines.
Falls from Height When Cutting Down a Tree
Any job that involves working in high places is a dangerous one. Cutting the top branches of a tree involves working at height, so it has a high risk of injury.
Many DIYers rely on regular ladders to reach the top sections of the tree that needs to be felled.
The problem with standard ladders is that they don’t mix with trees and saws. Even if someone is holding the ladder you’re working with, it is easy to fall off it when topping a tree.
The risk of falling from height is particularly greater when the sections you’re cutting fall off the tree. Both you and the ladder you’re using may be hit by falling objects, leading to serious injuries.
The injuries you can sustain from falling off a ladder can be minor to severe ranging from scratches to spraining breaking something.
The professionals providing tree cutting service usually invest in access equipment such as extended ladders and boom lifts, which are much less dangerous to use than standard ladders.
Aside from that, professionals normally use fall protection such as body arrest systems to ensure they don’t reach the ground should they fall from height.
Throw in heights and you’ll see why cutting down a tree is a high-risk job that should be left to the professionals.
Injury with Tools
Are you aware that the tools required for cutting down a tree can result in injuries or even death?
There are many different kinds of tools you can use to remove your tree. These include chainsaws, hacksaws, loppers, hand-held shears, and many more. These equipment come with sharp edges that can inflict injury when they come into contact with any part of your body.
The injuries inflicted by these tools can be anything from minor cuts to deep wounds. In worst case scenarios, these tools can result in amputation of body parts.
While advancements in medical practice have led to the availability of prosthetics, nothing can match the functionality of natural body parts.
Before you decide to trim a tree on your own, you should make sure you’re familiar with the proper use of the tools you intend to use for the job. Otherwise, you may inflict severe injuries on your body with the equipment.
Tree removal experts are trained and experienced in using various tools required for cutting down trees. They know all the proper safety procedures to be followed both before and during the job.
Pre-start checks may include inspecting the cutting equipment to ensure it is in good working shape to avoid possible injury.
On-the-job safety measures may include wearing the right personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety eyewear, chainsaw protective pants and chaps, and leather work gloves on the job.
These steps help to minimize equipment-related injury.
Projectiles
Another likely hazard associated with cutting down a tree is flying debris.
As the tree cutting equipment comes into contact with the tree, sawdust and small chips of wood will fly out in all directions. If these airborne particles hit your eye, they can cause eye injuries when they become airborne.
It is important to wear eye protection at all times during the job to minimize this safety risk.
A tree removal specialist is well-aware that projectiles can inflict serious injury to the eye, and will provide their crew with the right eye protection for your job.
Let a Savage, MN Tree Removal Specialist Cut Down That Unwanted Tree for You
If you’re going to fell a tree on your own, it is crucial that you take steps to prevent the above-highlighted dangers and many more associated with the job.
Or, you can avoid the hassle and dangers of cutting down a tree by hiring a Savage, MN tree service.
At Apple Valley Tree Service, we pride in helping homeowners and businesses in Savage. MN and other areas to safely get rid of unwanted trees.
Contact us for a callback or if you’d like to request a quote for your job.