If you have a tree you want removed from your property, you might be tempted to save money by removing it yourself.
We’re here to tell you that’s likely not a great idea – mainly because the risks of DIY tree removals far outweigh the benefits.
What many homeowners don’t realise is that tree removal is a dangerous and highly specialised activity. And unless you have the right tools and expertise, you could end up hurting yourself and damaging your property. Not to mention spending much more money and time than you would have thought.
Here are the many risks and dangers of DIY tree removals:
1. Injuring yourself or others
By far, the biggest risk of DIY tree removals is hurting yourself or those around you.
Tree removals may look simple at first glance, but we can assure you that it’s a complicated and dangerous job.
Some of the most immediate threats to your health and well-being (and those around you) come from:
- Falling off a tree – Falling off a tree can seriously injure you (or others) even if your tree isn’t that tall. A bad fall can cause anything from a minor injury to a permanent disability, depending on how you fall and land.
- Tree debris – Tree removal requires the proper removal of tree limbs and branches before cutting down the tree. If you don’t know how to do this correctly – and how to prepare for it – then you could hurt yourself or others around you.
- Falling tree – Trees are big and heavy, and a hit from a falling tree can cause serious injury and disability easily. The most troublesome thing about cutting down trees is that it’s often difficult to dictate how it falls. Controlling the direction and manner of its fall requires expert knowledge, skill, and experience – something that most homeowners simply don’t have. Older trees can also be more brittle and unpredictable, making it more difficult to plan their fall.
- Misuse/mishandling of tools – Tree removals require special tools, machinery, and equipment that can hurt or injure anyone who doesn’t know how to use them properly. If you don’t know how to use these specialised tools correctly and safely, then you could end up hurting yourself or others.
2. Damaging your property
Even if you don’t hurt yourself with DIY tree removals, you still face the risk of damaging your property.
A small tree could easily cause serious damage to your property, whether it’s falling in the wrong place or hitting part of your home. Now imagine what a bigger tree can do.
It’s not unusual to hear stories of people’s vehicles or houses accidentally damaged by a fallen tree or tree branch. You’ll even find plenty of videos online of trees damaging cars and buildings from homeowners who didn’t do it correctly. It’s safe to say these accidents happen more than most people think.
3. Incomplete tree removals
Another big risk of DIY tree removals is that the entirety of your tree won’t be removed completely.
Many homeowners end up leaving tree stumps on their property, thinking they’ll be harmless. But leftover tree stumps also present a lot of problems, whether it’s creating trip hazards on your property or providing a home for pests and insects.
Some homeowners also don’t clean up their worksites properly, leaving behind branches, tree debris, and materials that could injure your family or attract new pests.
Is It Really Worth Removing a Tree Yourself?
When you consider these risks and combine them with the time, cost, and effort required for DIY tree removals, you’ll often find that it’s not worth it. So the next time you’re considering a DIY tree removal, think twice before continuing and make sure it’s truly worth all the work, money, and risk involved.
Tree removal is more complicated and difficult than most people realise, and it’s something often best left to professionals.
The great news is that professional tree removals can remove your tree quickly, affordably and safely. Get a free quote to learn more about your options.
