If a tree growing in your yard has low-hanging branches or outstretched limbs that block people’s views or get in the way of power lines, it’s time to remove them. Some homeowners prefer to do the trimming themselves, which may not be problematic for small branches accessible from the ground, but DIY tall tree trimming isn’t advisable.
Tree Care Inc. is one of the top tree services in Louisville, KY. We offer trimming and pruning services regardless of the size of the plants, so we know how to handle the tasks correctly. Before engaging in do-it-yourself tree care for a large plant, consider the following problems you could encounter.
Common Mistakes With Do-It-Yourself Pruning and Tall Tree Trimming
Despite the many tree-trimming tips available online, property owners make the same mistakes repeatedly. Trimming and pruning plants involves more than cutting off random branches, twigs, leaves, and limbs. Proper pruning techniques require strategic cuts to remove damaged branches, eliminate hazards, improve plant health, and enhance aesthetics.
The most common mistakes people make when trimming trees include:
- Reckless Pruning. Before making any cuts, you must know the purpose of the trim, whether the limb is healthy or damaged, and how the trim will affect the plant’s appearance.
- Cutting the Wrong Way. There is a right and a wrong way to cut a branch. If you lack the necessary experience or knowledge, you could unintentionally cause damage to the plant.
- Trimming at the Wrong Time. Did you know certain seasons are better for trimming trees than others? Although you can cut dead branches at any time, it’s best to remove live branches when plants are in active growing cycles.
Reasons Not To Trim Tall Trees Yourself
DIY tall tree trimming can cause serious problems for you, your plants, the property, and your finances. Here’s how:
Improper Cuts Can Damage the Plant’s Health
DIY tall tree trimming can be hazardous to the plant’s health due to a lack of skill and experience. Canopy damage is a serious issue with do-it-yourself pruning. The general rule is to prune 30% or less of a plant’s foliage yearly to avoid excessive cutting.
Every branch you remove leaves behind a wound that the plant must heal over time. If you don’t know the right techniques or fail to use specialized equipment specifically for cutting trees, you increase the risk of making more wounds than the plant can handle. If it spends most of its energy on healing itself, it won’t have enough to flourish after undergoing maintenance.
You also have to consider the trees’ current health. Professionals usually perform tree health assessments before removing branches to better understand what the plant needs to thrive. Pruning without knowing when, where, or how to make the cuts could accidentally worsen its condition.
The Safety Hazards Are Plentiful
Standing on the ground and removing branches with chainsaws or sheers can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. The high-powered equipment can cut through dense wood, which means it can cause serious injuries if you mishandle it.
Safety risks increase when you have to trim a tree from high off the ground. You could fall off a ladder or from a cherry picker if you’re not careful. It’s also possible to climb trees and mistake dead or weak branches for live ones, which could cause you to fall and injure yourself.
Using wood-cutting tools up high is also more difficult without adequate training and experience. It’s challenging to operate the pole saw or chainsaw while standing on a ladder. You could experience a dangerous mishap in the middle of your project or fail to accurately project where the cut branch will fall, resulting in property damage or possible injuries to people on the ground.
You Must Pay for Additional Equipment
DIY tall tree trimming is both dangerous and costly. Most property owners don’t have access to the tools necessary to scale tall trees or reach high-up branches to provide tree care.
For efficiency and safety, you’d need the following to complete this project yourself:
- A ladder tall enough to reach the problematic branches
- Sawing equipment like chainsaws, sheers, or pole saws
- Protective gear like a harness, helmet, work gloves, and steel-toed boots
- Tree-climbing tools if you don’t have a ladder
Unless you have these tools on hand, you’ll have to buy or rent them. The expenses could quickly add up depending on the scope of your project. However, professional tree care crews have everything they need to handle the job, including bucket trucks, sawing tools, and safety gear.
You Could Accidentally Put Your Property in Harms Way
Falling branch risks are high when you trim tall trees. It doesn’t matter if you encounter a weak branch that breaks off or if you cut one down yourself. Unless you know how trees fall from high heights, you risk their limbs falling onto your vehicle, home, or other structures.
The damage from a falling branch can be expensive. Unfortunately, insurance companies are unlikely to cover the repair costs if they’re due to negligence or inexperience.
You’ll Have To Dispose of the Cut Limbs and Leaves Yourself
If you successfully trim a tall tree without sustaining injuries or damaging your property, would you know what to do with the waste? When professionals cut branches, they have wood chippers or dumpsters on-premises to clean up the debris.
Protect Your Safety and Your Trees’ Health With Professional Pruning and Tree Trimming Services
When it comes to routine maintenance for massive trees, don’t take the do-it-yourself route. Instead, avoid unnecessary complications from DIY tall tree trimming and turn to our experts at Tree Care Inc. for comprehensive tree care services.
Our licensed, insured, and certified team has more than 30 years of experience providing tree trimming, pruning, and removal services throughout Louisville, Kentucky. We offer tailored solutions to meet any need while taking steps to safeguard the environment, our clients’ safety, and their property.
Ready to experience professional tree trimming benefits? Call Tree Care Inc. at (502) 326-3661 for an appointment today!
