(NOTE This blog had a video https://www.protreeservice.com/tree-service-chicago/why-you-should-rethink-do-it-yourself-tree-care/)
So you’ve prepared yourself for another weekend of yard work. The to-do list consists of mowing the lawn, edging, and tending the garden. But then you glance up at your tree and remember that it’s overdue for some trimming. You’ve got a ladder and some tools you think might work. So why wouldn’t you add tree trimming to your plans? In this blog post, we will explain the dangers of do-it-yourself tree care and why you should err on the side of caution with these projects.
According to this analysis by St. John News, the Tree Care Industry Association reviewed 45 civilian tree care-related accidents reported by the media in 2013. Of these, 28 (62 percent) were fatal and the average age of the victim was 52. The statistics may not be all-encompassing or account for accidents involved with professionals, but they’re alarming nonetheless. Peter Gerstenberger, Senior Advisor for Safety, Standards & Compliance for TCIA, is quoted in the piece as saying “These accidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers homeowners face when conducting their own tree work, and highlight the need for tree owners to seek out a tree care company with the proper qualifications and equipment to handle the work safely. Because tree care involves dangerous procedures such as pruning large limbs, felling trees, and climbing trees, it’s best to outsource the job to a trained professional.”
Below are some trends revealed in the analysis:
Struck-bys
These are classified as the victim being struck by some object while performing work. A whopping 32 people were injured by struck-bys, with 21 of them being fatal. The lesson here is to remember that successful tree felling and limb removal requires an accurate assessment of the lean, weight distribution and other forces acting on the tree. At Pro Tree Service, our team uses precise face cut and back cut, as well as ropes and falling wedges when needed as a way to control the direction of the fall.
Falls
There were 14 falls reported to the media in 2013. SJ News confirmed that six of the 10 falls from trees and one of the four falls from ladders were fatal. The takeaway point from falls is that cut branches almost always hit the base of the ladder on the way down. As a result, the ladder is wiped out as well. Homeowners usually fall out of trees because they aren’t properly secured and lose their balance. When you mix height, large falling objects, and inexperience, a homeowner’s chances to avert disaster become extremely low.
SJ News found an account of one of the falls. It happened to be a 70-year-old from Michigan who climbed 65 feet to conduct some routine tree trimming. What he thought would be another task checked off his to-do list turned into a catastrophe.
“I went to cut a limb over my head and lost concentration for a split second,” the man said. ‘The limb went the wrong way, the rope got caught on my foot and broke it, and I couldn’t get down. I was just trying to save some money and do it myself, but one second of carelessness can wreak havoc.”
LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS AT PRO TREE SERVICE
For nearly three decades, our tree company has provided the highest quality of service to those in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Over the years, we’ve heard from too many homeowners who tried to tackle their tree project on their own and wound up with either personal injury or damage to their property. The reality is that tree care is an incredibly physical task that carries a significant risk of harm. So then why do so many homeowners put their well-being at risk in the first place? Well, the expense of having tree service performed by an expert can get costly in a hurry.
With that in mind, Pro Tree Service does whatever possible to provide the best solutions at the most competitive rates through our Best Price Guarantee. This means that we will match or beat any reasonable, written estimate by 10 percent. It’s why we strongly encourage customers to do their homework and shop around for the best rates available.
Our team can easily handle just about any task where a tree is involved, from stump removal and land clearing to tree removal services and pruning.
Here’s why more and more homeowners in the area are turning to Pro Tree over the competition:
- Experience – Our time in the industry is second to none, which is why we only use techniques that work and protect the health of your tree. Plus, we help customers understand the inherent risks and costs, so you can make the best decision possible.
- Affordability – There’s no hidden fees or gimmicks when you team with us. Professional tree care is an investment and we believe our customers deserve transparency.
- Reliability – Rest assured that our operations are open year-round and include 24-hour emergency response service.
- Fully licensed, insured, and bonded – The professionals at Pro Tree are legally incorporated and carry commercial general liability, workman’s compensation, as well as the required municipal bonds/licenses.
It’s time to put an end to those high-wire acts on the tree as your family holds their breath. Leave your tree care to Pro Tree. Call now.