Avoiding Common Tree Mistakes

Tree Trimming - Four Instances You Should Avoid DIY Trimming

30 March 2016 by Chiara Brun

If you like to take care of your own yard work, there might be an errant tree limb here and there that you can manage trimming on your own. It is important to know that there might be tree trimming needs that are outside of your scope. Here are four instances where you should probably put down the trimmers and call in a professional.

1. Trimming that will Involve Climbing or Ladders

Even if you think you can reach branches with the aid of a ladder, this might be more dangerous than you think. Trimmers will have additional safety equipment that will protect them if something goes wrong. Rather than taking the risk of hurting yourself, it is a good idea to bring in a professional tree trimmer to handle any climbing or trimming from a ladder.

2. If Trees Look Sick or Dying

It can be hard to know what's going on if a tree has changed rapidly or seems to have something wrong with it. This might be seen with the presence mold or mildew, or other parasitic plants or pests taking over. Sometimes trees can rot and die from the inside out and might be unsafe to trim on your own. It is a good idea to call in a tree specialist or trimmer to take a look and ultimately decide if a tree should be felled rather than just trimmed, which can be the case if a tree is diseased or dying.

3. Trees Close to Houses

If trees that need trimming are near your home or a neighbor's home, you might accidentally cause damages to structures with errant limbs. You might think you can guide limbs to fall where you need them, but sometimes it can be harder than you think to control cut limbs at the same time as you are trimming, especially without additional assistance. It is a good idea to call in a tree trimmer that will have the tools and equipment to ensure that limbs fall safely without damaging surrounding buildings.

4. Trees Near Power Lines

If your tree is near power lines, it isn't worth the risk of trying to deal with this problem yourself. It can be hard to tell if a tree is entangled and if there might be electrical dangers while trimming.  Make sure to bring in a professional that can assess any damages a tree has done to power lines. They can either successfully remove limbs that are touching power lines or can recommend calling in the power company to assist with shutting down power or cutting away trees.

While there are smaller tree maintenance projects that might be in your scope, it is important to know your own limitations. If your tree trimming might be risky, it isn't worth having an accident over. Call in a professional such as Johnson's Tree Service & Stump Grinding when your tree trimming needs have surpassed recommended DIY techniques.

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