There’s a tree on your property you want removed. Maybe it’s leaning dangerously over your home or over your neighbor’s home. It could be obviously sick, with leaves that are dried up or falling. Indeed, the tree could already be dead, its bark stripped away, its remaining limbs stark and leafless. You may think of just grabbing a chainsaw and taking it down yourself. But unless the tree is smaller than you are, you shouldn’t even consider it. Taking down a tree if you’re not a professional is frankly dangerous. Here are five reasons why tree removal must only be done by a certified arborist.
1. An Arborist Knows Which Tools to Use
Taking down a tree is not a matter of grabbing a chainsaw and having at it. A professional has an array of tools and equipment that make their job safer and more efficient. These can include ropes, pulleys. wedges and many types of saws besides chainsaws. They may also use wood chippers and stump grinders. For very large old trees, some arborists even use cherry pickers to reach the higher branches.
2. A Professional Arborist Knows How to Use Tools Safely
It’s not even enough to have the right tools. The tools must be used safely, and a professional arborist knows how to do this. In order to work safely, the tools must also be well-maintained. The arborist also knows how to take care of their equipment, for tools that are not well-maintained are dangerous even for professionals to use.
3. Professional Arborists Are Insured
Professional certified arborists are insured. Insurance should at least cover general liability and workers’ compensation. Arborists even have their tools and equipment insured, including vehicles. Because of this, you are not liable for their injuries or any injury they cause. If you tried to take down an old, heavy tree and it crashed and damaged something or someone on your neighbor’s property, you would be on the hook.
4. Certified, Professional Arborists Are Careful With Your Property
Taking down a tree, especially a large one, inevitably impacts the rest of your property. A professional can take the tree down in a way where the negative impact is minimal. This might mean that they move impediments such as potted plants or patio furniture out of the way before they start to work. Another advantage of a certified arborist is that they can tell whether the tree has a disease or an infestation. Then, they’ll be able to tell you how to stop the disease or infestation from spreading to other plants on your property.
5. Your Tree Might Not Need Removal After All
Tree removal is the obvious remedy when the tree is dead and in an area where it can cause damage when it falls. As the property owner, you also have the option of simply not wanting even a healthy tree in your yard. But if you want your tree but aren’t sure whether it needs to be removed, an arborist can help. These tree specialists can help to heal a wanted tree that’s sick or injured instead of removing it.