DIY Tree Removal - Danger Ahead
By ProMatcher Staff
Trees are a wonderful part of our world from which we gain oxygen, wood, and shade, just to name a few things. They can also add beauty and value to your property. Unfortunately, trees, like anything else, must be maintained in order to stay healthy and safe. If not trimmed and taken care of, trees can injure or kill people and cost tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (or OSHA) reports that, on average, 100 people are killed each year by falling trees and tree branches. Tree owners can be held accountable for damage that results from falling trees. It is important that you make sure your trees are well-maintained and healthy.
The Pros:
We know there are plenty of reasons why you want to trim or remove your trees yourself.
1. You're hoping to save money. DIY might seem like the most budget-friendly option.
2. When you do it yourself, you have total control. You can trim exactly the parts of the tree you want and keep the parts you like.
3. There’s no need to take time off work or fit the contractor into your schedule. You’ll be on your own timeline.
4. It seems “easy enough”. There are videos on YouTube and articles all over the internet that make it look pretty simple.
5. It feels good to take care of your own things. The satisfaction of accomplishing it on your own.
The Cons:
Unfortunately, there’s a lot that can go wrong. You might want to think twice about doing it yourself. You can seriously injure yourself or others while trimming or removing a tree. Tree trimming and removal is extremely dangerous, even for professionals. According to the Tree Care Industry Association, loggers have a fatal accident rate that is 30 times any other industry.
You could fall off a ladder. On average, 500,000 people are treated for ladder fall injuries each year. About 300 people die as a result of falling off of a ladder.
You might not have the proper tools for the job. Tree care professionals are trained to use a variety of specialized saws, chain saws, ladders, ropes, and harnesses. Using a chain saw is always risky. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 36,000 people end up in the hospital for chainsaw-related injuries each year. Can you imagine trying to climb a tree with a chainsaw in tow?
Over time, pros have the opportunity to gain experience and hone their skills. They can properly identify exactly which parts of a tree need to be removed. They can also complete the work efficiently. DIY projects often drag on for days, weeks, or months. A pro can get the job done quickly and free up your time for other things you enjoy.
You could also inadvertently cause expensive damage to your home, your car, or other property because of a lack of experience. Pros are less likely to make a mistake that would lead to major damage. Additionally, pros may guarantee the work they do, meaning they would be responsible for any damage they might cause. Before you hire any contractor, it’s important to make sure that they are properly insured. Otherwise, you can be held liable for any accidents that happen on your property.
Hiring a pro doesn’t have to be expensive. Use ProMatcher’s Tree Services Cost Report to research average costs in your area!
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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