Here’s why you shouldn’t cut down a tree yourself, especially if you're not trained.
Cutting down a tree yourself can be very dangerous, if you're not trained or experienced in tree felling. DIY tree removal carries significant risks of injury due to potential falls, electrical shock, falling limbs, and improper tool use. These risks can lead to serious injuries, including lacerations, amputations, and even death. In addition to personal injury, a property owner assumes additional risk and liability from damage to property, legal and insurance issues, environmental laws, damage done to utilities or other safety hazards.
While chainsaws are powerful, indispensable tools, and the backbone of the tree removal industry. They come with their own set of risks. Users without proper training or experience might not know the various techniques needed to handle a chainsaw properly which is the leading contributor to kickbacks, where the saw blade suddenly jerks back toward the user.
Did you know that approximately 36,000 people are injured every year by chainsaws in the US? These are often serious injuries, with medical costs reaching $350 million annually. The most common injuries include those to the legs and hands, often related to kickback.
Felling a tree: Misjudging the tree's fall direction can lead to it landing on you, another person, building, car, power lines, or other items you didn’t realize were in harm’s way. Trees Don’t Always Fall Predictably, even small trees can behave unpredictably due to; wind, tree lean, internal rot, weight distribution, branch entanglement, … What looks “simple” can turn into a costly disaster FAST.
When removing a tree, you’ll need to cut it into sections for easy cleanup and transport. Or if you intend to do the clean-up on site you may need multiple pieces of equipment; chippers, stump grinder, skid steer loader… If the tree is large and you’re removing it on your own, it could take weeks to haul away every piece of the tree. Meaning a one-day job could turn into many days and weeks spent on cleanup alone.
Hire a certified arborist or tree removal service: Professional arborists have the training, knowledge, and expertise to cut down trees safely and avoid these hazards. They are trained, insured, and equipped to handle the job safely.
With so many risks involved with tree removal, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Though you might think you’re saving money, DIY tree removal usually ends up costing you a lot more in time, money, and stress. The risk of injury alone isn’t worth it!
If you need Expert Tree Removal Services in Carroll County, Maryland or Southern Pennsyvania near Hanover, PA. Contact Ichabod’s Tree Service to schedule your FREE estimate.