Are you taking care of your trees? Sure, there’s plenty you can handle on your own. But when it comes to certain tasks, things can get tricky—and even dangerous—without the proper training.
Maintaining your trees shouldn’t put you or your property at risk. In fact, there are several aspects of tree care that are best handled by certified arborists. Let’s take a look at some common DIY tree care risks and why hiring a professional often makes the most sense.
Tree Trimming Dangers
- Falling Branches Can Cause Serious Injury – Cutting large tree branches without the proper tools can result in falling limbs striking the person trimming, nearby structures, or bystanders.
- Improper Cuts Can Weaken the Tree – Without proper knowledge of tree biology, DIY tree trimming can lead to excessive pruning that makes the tree vulnerable to disease and structural failure.
- Climbing Without Proper Equipment Is Risky – Trying to work without safety gear, such as harnesses and ropes, increases the likelihood of falling.
- Sharp Tools Require Experience to Use Safely – Handling sharp tools like chainsaws and pole saws at awkward angles is extremely dangerous, especially for those without proper training.
- Certified Arborists Use Proper Techniques – Trained professionals know how to prune trees strategically to promote healthy growth without injuring themselves in the process.
Risks of DIY Tree Removals
- Falling Trees Can Be Fatal – Misjudging where a tree falls can lead to severe property damage and injury, making DIY tree removal a serious gamble.
- Decaying Wood Can Cause Unexpected Breakage – Trees with internal rot may collapse unpredictably, and decaying wood weakens a tree’s structure without visible signs.
- Tree Physics Makes Felling Unpredictable – Without knowledge of tree physics, it’s easy to lose control of the direction when trying to remove trees.
- Improper Tool Use Increases the Risk of Injury – Chainsaws, wedges, and rigging ropes require proper equipment, and improper tool use can result in severe accidents.
- Heavy Tree Sections Can Crush Property or People – Cutting large trees without specialized tools can result in massive logs rolling unexpectedly.
- Professional Tree Removal Services Are Safer – Tree removal experts utilize advanced tools and calculated techniques to remove trees safely, reducing the risk to people and residential and commercial properties.
Challenges of Tree Plantings and Relocations
- Poor Placement Can Lead to Long-Term Issues – Planting new trees too close to your home or other structures can cause root intrusion, foundation cracks, and raise the chances you’ll need a future tree removal.
- Soil Conditions and Drainage Are Crucial – A lack of understanding of tree biology can lead to poor tree health, resulting in costly removal later.
- Relocating Large Trees Requires Proper Tools – Attempting to transplant large trees without specialized tools increases the risk of shock and death.
- Seasonal Timing Affects Growth Success – Without knowledge of when to plant or relocate, DIY tree planting efforts may fail.
- Incorrect Depth or Mulching Can Suffocate the Tree – Improper tool use, such as applying mulch too close to the trunk, can promote rot and disease.
- Professional Arborists Ensure Healthy Growth – Certified arborists select the best location, use proper training for planting, and support maintaining trees long-term.
Tree Health Care Concerns
- Misdiagnosing Tree Diseases Can Kill Healthy Trees – Many tree diseases look similar, and using the wrong treatment can cause irreversible damage.
- Improper Use of Pesticides Can Harm More Than Help – Applying too much pesticide without proper knowledge can burn roots, introduce toxic runoff, and kill healthy trees.
- Pests and Fungi Require Specialized Treatment – Infestations and fungal infections often need professional tree service intervention.
- Root Damage May Go Unnoticed – Many tree health issues start underground, and without advanced tools, it’s difficult to diagnose them properly.
- Professional Arborists Offer Long-Term Tree Care – A complete tree removal isn’t always the only option—tree care experts use science-backed methods to treat diseases and strengthen trees before removal becomes necessary.
If You Want Your Trees Treated With the Respect They Deserve, Give Us a Call
At Arbor Image Tree Care, we’re here to help homeowners transform and maintain their treescape! Our certified arborists specialize in tree planting and healthcare in Oklahoma City, among other professional services that will make your yard look the best it can be.
To learn more about our business, our tree membership, and to schedule a service, get in touch today!