You recently decided to turn tree care into a DIY project. However, as we’ve explained in previous posts, tree maintenance requires a number of specialized tools. Keep reading for a list of tools and equipment you will need prior to embarking on these tasks.
Personal protective equipment
It’s probably not a smart idea to trim or prune your trees without personal protective equipment. In some cases, this equipment can save your life or, at the very least, keep you from incurring serious injuries. Here at Pro Tree Service, our team suggests that you invest in safety glasses, gloves, and a hard hat before entering the work zone.
Safety glasses that fit properly against your face protect your eyes from wood particles and flying splinters. Safety gloves, meanwhile, give your hands the protection they need from abrasions and splinters. Then there’s the always-important hard hat, which shields your head from falling branches and tools.
Ladders
Take a long look at your tree. How in the world are you supposed to reach branches that are so high off the ground? This is where having a reliable ladder and stepladder comes into play.
Let’s start with the stepladder. If you need to reach lower branches of the tree that are between eye-level and eight feet high, the stepladder is the way to go. Orchard ladders, on the other hand, are the safest method for reaching higher branches.
Loppers and pruning shears
Once you’re squared away with the personal protective equipment and ladders, you’re ready to purchase tools made specifically for tree care. While it might be convenient to get out your hedge clippers and call it good, your best bet is to find actual pruning shears. These will allow you to cut green vegetation, fruit, as well as small vines and branches with ease.
In contrast to pruning shears, loppers work best when making cuts to branches and vines that measure up to an inch in diameter. Chicago residents interested in loppers that provide additional reach may want to consider buying ones with a telescoping handle. Trust us — you will use shears frequently when maintaining your trees, so quality loppers will be your best friend!
Saws and chainsaws
It’s easy to feel lost while looking at all the saws and chainsaws in a home improvement store. So which ones are ideal for maintaining trees? Your first consideration should be bow saws, which do an incredible job of cutting through branches and sticks up to three inches in diameter.
Unfortunately, not every branch you need to cut will be this size. That’s why we suggest investing in a top-of-the-line chainsaw as well. Though you certainly don’t have to break the bank on this purchase, you don’t want to be stuck with a low-quality chainsaw that can’t even cut through larger diameter logs.
Twine and lawn bags
When preparing for their DIY tree care project, Chicago homeowners often forget about the twine and lawn bags. Whether you’re trimming a single tree or multiple trees, you can expect to clean up a sizable amount of debris when it’s all said and done. So before you leave the home improvement store, be sure to stock up on twine and lawn bags.
CONTACT OUR PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE
As you can see, a lot goes into trimming or pruning a tree. But just because you have access to the aforementioned tools and equipment doesn’t necessarily mean you should handle tree care alone. Because tree trimming and tree pruning require such precision, you’re better off hiring a professional to complete the job.
Pro Tree Service is more than just another tree care company in Chicago. Backed by over 40 years of industry experience, we have the equipment and know-how to complete your project with ease. Pro Tree Service is proud to be fully licensed, insured, and bonded to perform the services listed on our website.
There’s nothing flashy about Pro Tree Service. We strive to provide unmatched tree care at an affordable price. With Pro Tree, you never have to worry about getting the runaround with false promises or gimmicks.
It’s time to rethink DIY tree care for good! Contact Pro Tree Service to request an estimate.