In all the years we’ve provided professional tree services throughout the Pacific Northwest, we’ve heard plenty of horror stories of homeowners practicing DIY tree care. As certified arborists, we know exactly how challenging our job can be. Trees require regular maintenance, trimming and pruning to live a long and healthy life. However, when a tree is damaged, diseased or dead, it must be dealt with to prevent potential injuries and property damage from occuring.
At Westcoast Tree Care, our ISA Certified Arborist knows firsthand how dangerous tree care is and why it should always be left to the experts. That’s why we’d like to take the time to share with you the many injuries homeowners can sustain when they attempt a DIY tree care job.
DIY Tree Care Injuries
Getting Struck
One of the most common DIY accidents suffered by homeowners is being struck by a falling branch or limb. Broken branches and damaged trees can fall at the most unexpected times causing detrimental harm to anyone who stands in their way.
Serious Falls
Falling from a tree is the second most common accident endured by homeowners performing DIY tree care. When you’re up in a tree or on a ladder, you can easily lose your grip or footing and fall to the ground. Only a certified arborist has the equipment necessary to properly harness themselves to prevent injuries like this from happening.
Electrocution
Trees located near power lines are very dangerous because anyone working on the tree can be electrocuted. If a homeowner accidentally touches a wire or a branch they cut falls onto a power line it can cause severe injuries or even death.
Impact Injuries
When a homeowner attempts to use a lifting mechanism such as a bucket truck or a climbing rope, there is always the possibility of malfunction. A rope could break or a person could be thrown or pinned against another structure, resulting in serious injury.
Lacerations
Lacerations are another common injury homeowners sustain when attempting DIY tree care. In most cases, serious injuries are the result of not knowing how to properly use a chainsaw or hacksaw in an elevated environment.
Amputations
The use of power tools, such as a chainsaw should always be left to the professionals. Unfortunately, we’ve heard countless horror stories of people losing limbs when performing DIY tree care. Cutting a tree requires extensive knowledge, training, and experience. Those who lack the necessary skills should never use a chainsaw.
Eye Injuries
Thinning, pruning or cutting a tree will result in sawdust and flying debris. As a result, eye injuries such as corneal abrasions, scratches, and cuts on the eye are common injuries people sustain when attempting DIY tree care.
Stings
Nature comes with its own safety hazards. Trees are homes to a variety of insects such as bees, ants, wasps, etc. Disturbed, these insects will sting and attack when they feel threatened. Other creatures that live in trees include birds, squirrels, and raccoons that generally don’t like being disturbed.
Prioritize Safety Over Saving Money
Although tree care may seem like simple work, it’s actually extremely complicated, technical and dangerous. Over the years, many homeowners have been injured or even killed by attempting a DIY job. That’s why hiring a certified arborist should never be taken lightly.
At Westcoast Tree Care, our certified arborist has the necessary equipment and training to handle simple to hazardous tree care services. We offer a wide range of preventative and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties throughout the Salem, Oregon area. Whether you require preventative trimming, pruning or need a dead tree removed, we are the professionals to trust for skilled and efficient tree care services.
Contact us at 1.800.767.8733 for a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
