Trees have both aesthetic and environmental benefits, which is why many people consider them to be an integral part of their property’s landscaping. However, when trees are dead, dying, or diseased, they can quickly transform into major hazards, especially when located near people or property. This is why it’s so important to provide your trees with ongoing maintenance and be quick to remove them when they become dangerous.
Tree care is one of the most dangerous lines of work. Highly qualified and experienced tree maintenance workers are injured every year while attempting to trim branches or remove trees. While some homeowners believe they can perform this work themselves, tree care is not a DIY project. Attempting to do this work without the proper training and credentials can result in serious injury or death. There are many hazards related to tree trimming and removal, and the best way to avoid them is to hire a professional.
Hazards Associated With Tree Trimming And Removal
Many things can go wrong with attempting to trim or remove a tree without the proper qualifications. Below is a list of some of the most common hazards related to tree maintenance which often lead to serious injury.
- Fall Risks
Tree trimming or removal often involves working at significant heights and falls occur when workers neglect to wear the proper personal protection equipment (PPE) or use it incorrectly. Hardhats, gloves, harnesses, climbing spurs, saddles, climbing lines, and many other items must be used properly to effectively prevent falls. It’s also important this equipment be maintained to ensure it does not fail during the job. Fall risks are very common for unqualified individuals attempting tree work as it’s very easy to slip or misuse PPE. - Struck by Risks
When performing tree maintenance, you can expect a significant amount of debris. If the area underneath the canopy is not secure, then it’s very easy for a heavy branch to fall and strike people, pets, or property with deadly force. Professionals are trained to carefully prune trees in a manner that prevents branches from falling and causing harm. - Damage to Property
Tree trimming means lots of falling branches, which can easily cause expensive damage to vehicles or trees nearby. Being able to cut branches and prevent them from falling on property can be very tricky and requires lots of training and experience. Removing trees can also be a major hazard when there is property nearby. When scaling trees from top to bottom and removing sections at a time, there is ample opportunity for branches to fall and cause damage. When cutting a tree near the trunk, you also have to be certain on the direction the tree will fall in order to avoid damage or injury. - Improper Use of Tools and Machines
Tree care requires extensive tools, machines, and vehicles all of which can be very dangerous when not used properly. This includes chainsaws, pole saws, chippers, and bucket trucks. Professional arborists are trained on how to safely operate this equipment. Attempting to use a sharp power tool or operate a machine without training and safety protocols is a recipe for disaster. It’s also important to make sure all tools are in good condition. - Power Lines
Pruning around power lines is a very common challenge when it comes to tree care. Deaths have occurred when high-voltage power lines were accidentally cut. Attempting to trim branches around power lines or getting too close to lines while working from a bucket truck can result in a serious accident. It may even be illegal in your area to attempt to trim a tree that is within 10 feet of a power line. - Improper Pruning
Tree trimming hazards aren’t just risks for people. Death, injury, or disease can also occur to trees when pruned incorrectly. Trees must be pruned carefully and specifically. Cutting the wrong branches or trimming off too much can inhibit a tree’s ability to get the nutrients it needs to survive. Trimming branches can also create an “open wound” on trees, which can make them more succeptible to deadly disease. Improper pruning can turn a healthy tree into a dying tree, which can make it a major hazard. - Weather and Season
Attempting to trim or remove a tree when it’s windy, stormy, wet, or icy is very dangerous. Severe weather can easily cause falls or struck-by incidents. Bright sunny days with no wind are usually the best for tree maintneance. There are also specific times of year when pruning is best for trees, which is usually winter when they’re dormant. Pruning in the fall can increase the risk of disease.
The Best Way To Avoid Tree Hazards Is To Partner With A Certified Arborist
Because tree care is such a dangerous and highly-specialized line of work, the International Society of Arboriculture has standardized training and certification process, so you can be confident you’re hiring an individual or company with the right skillset. An ISA-certified arborist is a special designation that distinguishes tree care professionals who have a commitment, dedication, and knowledge to perform tree maintenance to the highest standard.
ISA-certified arborists are trained in all aspects of arboriculture, and they must also agree to adhere to a strict code of ethics, which helps to strengthen the credibility of the entire tree maintenance industry. Some of the many responsibilities of arborists include:
- Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- A commitment to adhere to a set of professional standards.
- An obligation to report any observed violations of the code of conduct.
- A requirement to recognize limitations of their own professioanl ability and make referrals when necessary.
- A responsibility for providing customers with safe and competent services.
- A responsibility to represent themselves and their business truthfully to the public.
When working with a certified arborist, you can feel confident that you’ve hired a professional who is able to navigate all of the hazards of tree trimming and removal with ease and prevent damage to surrounding people and property.
Regular tree maintennace is the key to ensuring the trees on your property are safe and healthy. The team at CFB Outdoors is staffed with three ISA-certified arborists who have been in the business for a long time. We’ve been providing tree trimming and removal services for our neighbors for decades, and would be happy to help you too. If you’re in need of Central Florida tree are, contact the team at CFB Outdoors today.
