When it comes to caring for your trees, many homeowners might be tempted to try a DIY approach. While DIY tree care might be a tempting prospect due to the potential savings, it can pose significant risks to the health and safety of your trees. Professional arborist services provide comprehensive tree care plans that take into consideration all of the factors that could impact the health and longevity of your trees.
In this blog post, we’ll outline the risks of DIY tree care and compare them to the benefits of professional arborist services. We’ll cover topics such as the safety issues associated with DIY tree care, the importance of correct tree diagnoses and treatments, and the long-term benefits of entrusting your trees to a certified arborist. We’ll also discuss the importance of selecting a reputable arborist who will provide you with the best advice and services for your trees. By the end of this blog post, you should have a better understanding of the risks
1. Unsafe working conditions
Attempting DIY tree care can come with serious risks, including unsafe working conditions. Without the right safety equipment, proper training, and experience, individuals are at risk of slips, trips, cuts and even more serious injuries. In some cases, professionals may need to bring in heavy and dangerous machinery and tools to complete a job, so it’s important to use a professional arborist who is experienced and licensed to use the appropriate safety equipment and protocols to complete the job.
2. Potential for property damage
One of the most serious risks associated with DIY tree care is the potential for property damage. DIY tree care projects can lead to costly damage to a home, particularly when tools aren’t properly used or when pruning is done incorrectly. Even the most experienced DIYers might not be aware of the potential risks of damaging the tree, such as cracking the trunk or damaging the root system. In addition, large branches that are improperly pruned can create an unsafe environment by falling onto walkways and driveways. Hiring a professional arborist can eliminate these risks and ensure that pruning and other tree care tasks are completed safely and correctly.
3. Lack of proper tree care knowledge
One of the biggest risks to DIY tree care is the lack of proper tree care knowledge. For example, even if you think you know how to properly prune your tree, you may not know how to identify and prune the right branches, or even the right time of year to do so. Pruning at the wrong time of year can cause damage to the tree’s health and growth. A professional arborist is trained to identify tree species and the best times of year to prune, as well as the best methods to use for pruning without causing damage.
4. Limited access to professional tree care equipment
DIY tree care may be cheaper than hiring a professional arborist, but it can also be dangerous and ineffective if not done correctly. One of the biggest risks associated with DIY tree care is limited access to professional tree care equipment. Professional arborists have access to the right tools, such as specialized saws, ladders, and climbing gear, to safely and accurately perform tree care services. DIY tree care can also be dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken or if the correct techniques are not used. Without access to the right equipment and the knowledge of how to use it, DIY tree care can be a risk to both the trees and the people performing the work.
5. Increased risk of disease or pest infestations
One of the key risks to be aware of when it comes to DIY tree care is the increased risk of disease or pest infestations. Without the proper knowledge and experience in diagnosing tree problems, there is a greater chance for a problem to go untreated, leading to a more serious, and potentially costly, problem down the road. Additionally, the improper use of tree care equipment and chemicals can lead to further damage, as well as potential harm to the environment. Professional arborists are trained to identify and treat tree diseases and pests, allowing for a greater chance of prevention and treatment.
6. Inability to make accurate diagnoses of a tree’s health
One of the greatest risks of attempting DIY tree care is the inability to make accurate diagnoses of a tree’s health. When a tree is not properly cared for, it can become diseased or infested with insects, leading to structural damage and a decline in health. Without the expertise of a professional arborist, it can be extremely difficult to accurately identify the cause of a tree’s decline or identify the best course of action for treating a tree’s condition. Professional arborists have the skills, training, and experience to quickly and accurately diagnose a tree’s health and develop a plan to restore its health.
7. Unprofessional pruning techniques
Unprofessional pruning techniques are one of the most common risks associated with DIY tree care. Pruning is an important step in keeping trees healthy, as it helps to remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches, as well as keep the tree’s structure in balance. However, pruning done by an inexperienced individual can lead to serious damage to the tree. Improper pruning can leave large wounds that are more prone to disease, can create weak branches that are more susceptible to breakage, and can even cause the tree to become top-heavy and topple over. Therefore, it is important to always use an experienced, professional arborist when pruning trees.
8. Incorrect tree removal practices
Incorrect removal practices can cause immense damage to your property, and even endanger the lives of those that may be in proximity of the tree. DIYers may attempt to remove the tree using heavy machinery and chainsaws, which can be dangerous and can damage the surrounding landscape. Additionally, without the proper knowledge of arboriculture, incorrect removal techniques can damage or kill the tree, as well as surrounding plants, as the root system of the tree may be damaged or removed without proper pruning. Professional arborists will use the proper techniques to not only remove the tree safely but also with minimal damage to the surrounding landscape.
9. Limited access to emergency services
DIY tree care can be risky for many reasons, including limited access to emergency services should anything go wrong. Professional arborists are trained and certified in tree care and can provide emergency services if a tree is damaged or poses an immediate safety risk. DIY tree care may not provide these emergency services, leaving you to address problems such as disease, pest infestations, and even tree removal on your own. This could result in further damage to your property, or even put you in harm’s way. Professional arborists provide peace of mind, as they are equipped to handle any emergency tree care need.
10. Lack of legal & insurance protection
DIY tree care comes with a major inherent risk – the lack of legal and insurance protection. Homeowners who attempt to trim or remove trees on their own property open themselves up to a potential lawsuit if the tree care is done incorrectly and results in damage to property or injury to individuals. Not only can this be a financial burden, but it can also be an emotional and time-consuming event. In addition to the legal implications, homeowners do not have access to insurance coverage that professional arborists have. This can leave a homeowner liable for any financial damages associated with an accident or injury.
In conclusion, DIY tree care may be a tempting option, but risks like disease, damage, and safety are too great to take on without professional arborist services. Professional arborists have the experience and knowledge to ensure that your trees are healthy and safe, while also helping you to avoid the potential risks of DIY tree care. Although the cost may be higher, the peace of mind that comes with professional arborist services is invaluable.
