Hurricanes and violent storms

“It is important that people who live in the East and Gulf coastal areas be prepared,” says Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. “Even people in the Midwestern states should heed the warning. Right now, get your trees as ready as they can be to survive a major storm. Don’t wait until the storm is headed your way.”

One of the greatest dangers to life and property during hurricanes is posed by falling trees and limbs. “Larger trees in leaf will ‘catch’ more wind and be subjected to increased mechanical stresses. These stresses increase the chances of either branch or whole-tree failure,” explains Andersen. “Preparing trees for a high-wind event should be done well in advance of the storm season. However, it’s not too late to start preparing, now. To help ease these dangers, have a qualified tree care provider evaluate your trees. Doing this will help determine potential weaknesses and dangers.”

Examine your trees for the following danger signs:

• Wires in contact with tree branches. Trees may become energized when they are contacted by electric wires.
• Dead or partially attached limbs hung up in the higher branches that could fall and cause damage or injury.
• Cracked stems and branch unions that could cause catastrophic failure of a tree section.
• Hollow or decayed areas on the trunk or main limbs, or mushrooms growing from the bark that may indicate a decayed and weakened stem.
• Peeling bark or gaping wounds in the trunk could also indicate structural weakness.
• Fallen or uprooted trees putting pressure on other trees beneath them.
• Tight, V-shaped branch unions, which are much more prone to failure than open, U-shaped unions.
• Heaving soil at the tree base is a potential indicator of an unsound root system.

A tree is a living, growing, changing thing, and its integrity and stability could change over time. Don’t assume that a tree that has survived nine severe storms will necessarily survive a tenth. Simultaneously, not all large trees are dangerous. Contact your tree care expert for an onsite examination.

Find a professional

A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best care for your trees.

*Board Certified Master Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional

The post How to Prepare Your Trees Before the Tropical Cyclone Season appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

“Many shade and ornamental trees are damaged throughout the year by windstorms, lightning or ice and snow accumulations,” notes Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. “Damage usually consists of a few broken branches. However, more severe damage – such as splitting or pulling apart of branch unions, removal of large areas of bark, twisting and splitting of the trunk or even uprooting – pose possible dangers.”

What types of trees cause the most damage?

A few tree species, including Chinese elm, silver maple, boxelder, and various poplars, have brittle wood that is easily broken. These rapidly growing trees cause a considerable amount of damage to homes, cars, buildings, and utility lines each year. Homeowners should be aware of these characteristics and avoid planting them close to potential targets. If such trees are already growing in these locations, preventive pruning, bracing, or cabling may help reduce storm damage this winter. This is particularly true as the tree grows, and the weight and surface of the leaf and branch area increases.

Over the years, growing trees will add more leaves, become heavier and “catch” more wind, so they are prone to increased mechanical stresses, thus increasing the chances of failure. Larger trees will also affect an increased area should they or their larger limbs fall. This means that homes, other structures, and power lines that might not have been threatened a few years ago might now be under threat by a tree that has grown. Preparing trees to better withstand these natural events is necessary and should be done well in advance of storm season. To help ease these dangers, have a professional arborist evaluate your trees. Doing this will help identify potential weaknesses and dangers.

Look at your trees for the following warning signs:

• Dead or partially attached limbs hung up in the higher branches that could fall and cause damage or injury
• Cracked stems and branch forks that could cause catastrophic failure of a tree section
• Hollow or decayed areas on the trunk or main limbs or mushrooms growing from the bark could indicate a decayed and weakened stem
• Peeling bark or gaping wounds in the trunk also indicate structural weakness
• Fallen or uprooted trees putting pressure on other trees beneath them
• Tight, V-shaped forks, which are much more prone to failure than open U-shaped forks
• Heaving soil at the tree base is a potential indicator of an unsound root system

Remember, too, that a tree is a living thing and its integrity and stability change over time. Don’t assume that a tree that has survived 10 severe storms will necessarily survive an eleventh.

The post Will Your Landscape Avoid Storm Damage? appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

“Liability is a complicated issue, but even so, there are several steps all homeowners can take to reduce the risk of litigation,” says Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “Tree work can be dangerous, even for experienced professionals, so homeowners should always take extra precautions to ensure their assets are protected.”

Learn from three common mistakes that homeowners make:

Homeowner Mistake #1: Forgetting to verify contracts and credentials

Not all tree care companies are trustworthy businesses. Before you hire, always ask for current certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This is a crucial step – if you hire a company without insurance or with inadequate insurance, you may be liable for accidents or injuries, and may have no means for recourse if your property is damaged.

Disreputable tree care companies may not have this documentation. Some may even forge these documents or exaggerate their coverage, so it is always a good idea to contact their insurer directly to verify their claims.

Next, insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done. Reputable tree care companies will have no issue complying with these requests.

Public opinion is also important. Research potential tree care companies on Yelp or with the Better Business Bureau to see what past customers have to say. This can provide you with insights that are not always evident on paper.

Homeowner Mistake #2: Ignoring obvious hazards

Even if all the necessary paperwork is in order, you may still be liable for injuries if you neglect obvious hazards on your property. A loose step on a porch, for example, may cause issues if a contractor suffers injury because of it while the tree work is being completed.

Routinely inspect your property for such dangers, and make repairs if possible. If you find something temporarily beyond your repair, it is best to warn the contractor of the risks involved.

For extra peace of mind, take a look at your homeowner’s insurance coverage. It is a good idea to check the personal-liability section of your homeowner’s policy to ensure all the necessary coverage is there.

Homeowner Mistake #3: Micro-managing the tree care project

It can be tempting to micro-manage tree care projects on your property; as the owner, you have a significant financial and emotional investment in the project, so it is natural that you want to ensure everything goes according to plan.

From a legal perspective, however, this may be a mistake. Excessively close monitoring of moment-to-moment or day-to-day operations can open you up to personal injury liability if a worker is injured on the job. It is always best to monitor from a distance, and let the professionals perform the job you hired them to do.

Find a professional

A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best course of action to care for and maintain the trees and shrubs in your landscape. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association, a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. TCIA has more than 2,400 member tree care firms and affiliated companies. All member tree care companies recognize stringent safety and performance standards and are required to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, where applicable.

TCIA has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the “Find A Tree Care Company” program. You can use this service by doing a ZIP Code search on www.treecaretips.org.

*Board Certified Master Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional

The post Tree care accidents: When are homeowners liable? appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

High winds, ice, and snow put tremendous pressure on trees growing near houses or power lines. With winter storms passing through the area, you may see damage to your landscape, including broken tree trunks and branches all over your (or your neighbor’s) property.

“Storm cleanup is often when many property owners crank up their first chain saw,” notes Tchukki Andersen, Board Certified Master Arborist, CTSP* and staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association. “And, not surprisingly, they sometimes hurt themselves. Untrained property owners often attempt to remove large broken tree limbs from their property. Many of these accounts end unfavorably, often with serious injuries or even death.

For homeowners thinking of handling post-storm work themselves, here’s a primer on the safe tree and brush removal:

First, if a utility line is down:

• Do not approach. Assume any downed line is energized.
• Call the utility company immediately.
• Avoid touching anything near the downed line and make sure nobody goes near the line. Contact with energized lines can result in electrocution.
• Be aware that downed power lines can be hidden in brush and foliage. Play it safe; call a tree care professional.

Second, when deciding whether to try removing a tree or large branch yourself:

• Consider the size and location of the tree. If the work requires you to leave the ground or if the tree is more than 20 feet tall, call a tree care professional. Do not attempt any tree work from a ladder!
• Examine the shape and lean of the tree. Inspect the trunk for decay, weak spots or hanging limbs and look for any metal or concrete in or around the tree. If any of these features are present, the tree may be unstable and extra precautions need to be taken before removing the tree.
• Carefully inspect the tree and the surrounding area for anything – utility lines, structures, vehicles, shrubs – that might interfere with the removal of tree pieces.
• Note other people in the area, particularly children. You don’t want anyone to wander near the drop zone.
• Even small trees bent under tension can be extremely hazardous. Do not cut wood that is under tension (one or both ends are trapped under something).
• Ask yourself, “What will happen when I cut this branch/tree?” Consider all the possibilities.
• Plan an escape route from the falling tree or tree part before cutting.
• Do not use a chain saw for tree removal unless you have years of experience. Even tree care pros face the risk of injury using chain saws. Tree and branch removals are very unpredictable. Don’t take unnecessary chances!
• If you have any doubts bring in your local tree care professional to handle the post-storm cleanup.

Third, consider hiring a tree care professional:

For safe and efficient post-storm work, hire a tree care professional with the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely take down or prune damaged trees. Additionally, tree care pros should carry liability insurance.
Also look for tree care professionals that are members of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. It has more than 2,000 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices.
An easy way to find a tree care service professional in your area is to use the “Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies” program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP code search at www.treecaretips.org.

* Certified Treecare Safety Professional

Editors: If you would like additional information or digital photos, please contact tetreault@tcia.org.
TCIA arborists, safety, and business professionals are also available as sources for tree related articles and issues: 1-800-733-2622 or andersen@tcia.org.

The post Cleaning up Storm Damaged Trees appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

Terrible accidents can happen when a homeowner uses pole-mounted cutting tools and/or metal ladders when attempting to trim backyard trees and shrubs. Too often, an energized overhead wire is not noticed and is touched by pruning tools, causing injury or death.

Examples include:

• A Florida resident was hospitalized after attempting to cut palm branches while standing on a ladder. One of the branches made contact with a power line and severely shocked the man. The local fire department had responded to four similar incidents during the previous year.

• A homeowner climbed a ladder to trim a tree branch that was dropping leaves into his above-ground swimming pool and causing a nuisance. A branch came in contact with the power line, shocking the man with a jolt of electricity and sending him into cardiac arrest. He fell 20 feet to the ground but was revived by medics at the scene.

• One Florida man was killed and another was seriously injured after being shocked by transmission lines while trimming trees. The homeowner was cutting down a tree when it fell directly onto a transmission line. He was pronounced dead on the scene. A Good Samaritan who tried to help the victim was shocked and burned through the energized ground around the victim.

 Preventable Accidents

Tree limbs can conduct electricity. When trees grow near overhead electrical wires, they can contact the wires and become energized. Trees and wires are dangerous, full of electrical power that can injure or kill humans.

There are several things that can go wrong for do-it-yourselfers trying to trim tree branches. For example, if proper tree cutting techniques are not understood, the cut branch can swing in unpredictable directions as it falls and could easily land on an energized wire.

Don’t be fooled by the voltage of the lines. You may think that working on the trees or shrubs near your home’s service line is safer than working near the high voltage secondary distribution lines on the pole by the street, but that’s simply not true.

There are three-wire (called “triplex”) lines connecting the power lines on the pole to your house (meter). Service wires leading from the pole to the house can pack a punch. The type of shock you might have received (and survived) when changing a household light switch is not the same type of shock you will receive if you contact a low-voltage utility wire.

A common house switch carries 120 volts, but the electric flow is usually limited to 10, 15 or 20 amps. A common “house drop” (service wire) contains 240 volts and up to 20 amps or more. Given the right set of circumstances, even the shock a person gets from a common light switch can kill, but at the same time, it is easier to break electrical contact while standing inside a house. If a person is climbing a ladder or is in the tree, it may be more difficult to break contact with the energized wire. This means that the service line over a typical yard could easily kill a person.

Here are a few tips to avoid trees in wires:

• Look for power lines before pruning trees and large shrubs. If lines are anywhere near the tree, don’t attempt any tree work. Professional tree climbers have the training and equipment needed to perform these tasks safely.

• Never climb a tree in order to prune it. Even if the wires aren’t currently touching the tree, remember that the tree’s branches will shift once you begin climbing or removing limbs.

• Wearing rubber-soled shoes or rubber gloves while tree pruning will not prevent a fatal shock.

• Never extend long-handled saws or pruners into a tree without checking for power lines. Electricity is always trying to go somewhere, and it will easily travel through metal, water, trees, and/or the ground.

• Don’t move ladders or long-handled pruning tools around the yard without first looking up. Always read and heed ladder-use safety labels.

More importantly, hire an insured, tree care professional with the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely take down or prune trees in wires. Require proof of liability insurance.

Find a professional

Contact the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. TCIA has more than 2,300 member tree care firms and affiliated companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the “Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies” program. You can use this service by doing a ZIP-code search on this website!

The post Don’t Touch Trees in Wires – How to Prevent an Accident appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

What are the main causes of tree care injuries?

Tree care professionals contend with all sorts of natural and man-made hazards, from sudden bouts of intense weather to steep inclines around the trees they’re pruning. Just as worksite risk assessments help arborists locate environmental threats, tree climbing gear inspections provide a layer of oversight to prevent fatal equipment malfunctions. According to the Tree Care Industry Association, falling or slipping from a ladder is the most expensive type of injury, with an average cost per claim of around $126,000. While these sorts of accidents only account for 1% of all injury claims, they amount to roughly 9% of all claim costs in the tree care industry. While some falls can be attributed to uneven terrain or improper use, many accidents occur due to faulty equipment.

In addition to ladders, tree care professionals rely on a wide range of rigging equipment, hand tools, and gas-powered machinery as part of their vegetation management activities. Every piece of equipment represents a possible point of failure, which is why conducting regular inspections is crucial. For example, a dull chain can not only force a chainsaw to work twice as hard, but it can also increase the frequency of kickbacks. Before starting any tree trimming job, arborists should carefully check whether their tree climbing equipment and pruning equipment are in need of hands-on maintenance, including:

• Fall arrest systems (saddles, straps, safety harnesses)
• Personal protective equipment (helmets, goggles, gloves, durable clothing)
• Rigging equipment (blocks, pulleys, slings, cable hoists, ropes)
• Pruning tools (sheers, pruners, pole saws, hatchets)
• Gas-powered machinery (chainsaws, wood chippers, hydraulic tools)

Failing to maintain pruning, rigging, and tree climbing gear can not only lead to avoidable injuries, but it can also force tree car businesses to replace equipment more frequently. This, in turn, can increase back-end costs and may even cut into a company’s bottom line. But how can tree care professionals prioritize the upkeep of their tree climbing equipment without wasting time or resources?

How to create an effective gear inspection framework

First, it’s crucial for tree care businesses to create a culture of safety within their organizations, as workers in the field are the first line of defense against preventable injuries. This includes making pre-climb equipment inspections mandatory and training arborists in the proper maintenance of their tree climbing gear. To create a truly comprehensive safety program, employers should uphold the standards in the ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations. Additional references, such as The Arborist Safe Workplace Practices Committee, which is composed of industry leaders like the International Society of Arboriculture, gives additional supporting guidelines Among these guidelines are general recommendations for conducting tree climbing equipment inspections and specialized guidelines for specific pieces of equipment. For example, one standard asserts that all arborist climbing lines should be made of a “synthetic fiber” with a “minimum nominal breaking strength” of 6,100 pounds.

After adopting best practices in the arboriculture industry, tree care businesses should document their safety processes and procedures for future reference. This not only ensures tree professionals can quickly lookup existing guidelines, but it can also streamline new hire training and provide a higher level of administrative oversight.  Ultimately, every pruning job will have its own challenges and constraints, which is why one-size-fits-all safety policies often fail to protect workers. Instead, many tree care experts recommend creating a comprehensive safety checklist that includes job site assessments and tree climbing gear inspections. Using this resource, tree pros can identify signs of wear and tear in specific pieces of equipment and protect themselves from whatever nature throws their way.

Read more about TreePro’s crane coverage options.

Thank you to NIP Group for submitting this article to Tree Care Tips.

Read their original article. 

Author: Tom Doherty

The post Regular Tree Climbing Gear Inspections & Arborist Safety appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

Safety First: The Importance of Proactive Maintenance

The first step to ensuring proper chain saw safety is to understand the manufacturer’s instructions, as each brand will have its own controls, internal design, and service schedule. That said, most chain saws designed for professional use have similar components that must be regularly maintained, including:

• The engine: Keeps the chain rotating at the desired pace, either through gas or electricity. 
• The chain: Spins around the guide bar and is outfitted with teeth to improve cutting performance and reduce kickback.
• The chain brake: Automatically prevents the chain from rotating in the event of a kickback, reducing the risk of injury.
• The lubrication system: Helps ensure the chain moves around the guide bar without unnecessary friction, heat, or stuttering.
• The air filter: Keeps the engine from overheating during heavy workloads or periods of prolonged use.

Prior to using a chain saw, tree professionals should always check these core components for signs of damage, wear, or obstruction, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This proactive approach to maintenance can not only help identify possible issues before accidents occur, but it can also lengthen the lifespan of the equipment itself. OSHA recommends taking the following precautions before getting started:

• Check all controls, bolts, and handles for possible safety issues
• Verify the chain tension is adjusted according to the manufacturer’s guidelines
• Ensure the fuel and lubrication system is filled to recommended levels
• Sharpen the teeth on the chain saw’s chain prior to use
• Put on personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work gloves, hard hats, etc.

When working on the ground or at elevation, arborists should always have a coworker nearby to help minimize the risk of serious, even fatal, injuries. Additionally, chain saws must never be operated above shoulder level and no adjustments should be made to the chain while the engine is running.

Chain saw Repair and Upkeep Best Practices

Tree professionals sometimes encounter chain saw maintenance issues immediately before or during their tree pruning operations, forcing them to make on-the-spot adjustments. While some mechanical problems can be resolved rather easily, many will require replacement parts and a safe environment to perform chain saw repairs. The most common maintenance concern is a dull chain, which can increase the risk of kickbacks and impact the tool’s overall performance. Other common issues include gas leaks, warped guide bars, faulty spark plugs, and clogged air filters. If a chain saw is running rough or having difficulty starting up, an arborist should try to diagnose the root causes before switching out parts or making repairs.

How to sharpen a chain saw

While a dull saw chain can lead to more severe safety and maintenance issues, it’s actually quite easy to keep them sharp and in working order. As noted by Popular Mechanics, there are several different methods of sharpening a chain saw – filing by hand, using a power sharpener, etc. – that tree professionals can make use of. Although bench-top sharpeners may be the most expedient solution, arborists often encounter saw chain problems in the field where such equipment may not be readily available. In these circumstances, using a round file of appropriate diameter is the quickest way to sharpen the chain saw’s cutting edges.

• Step 1: Set a sharpening guide on top of the saw chain and rest the file against the cutting edge.
• Step 2: Adjust the file to match the cutting tooth’s angle. Keep in mind, these cutting edges are designed with alternating angles.
• Step 3: Using a slow and steady stroke, push the file forward along with the cutting tooth. Repeat this motion five additional times while matching the tooth’s angle.
• Step 4: Move onto the next cutting tooth and repeat steps 1 – 3, making sure the curved edges are clean and shiny.

Once you’ve mastered how to sharpen your chain saw, it’ll likely be much easier to maintain its other core components. If you’re able to eliminate a dull saw chain from your list, locating damages and mechanical flaws are often more straightforward. When in doubt, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations to remain safe during your chain saw repairs.

Read more about TreePro’s crane coverage options.

Thank you to NIP Group for submitting this article to Tree Care Tips.

Read their original article. 

Author: Tom Doherty

The post The Tree Professional’s Guide to Chain Saw Repair and Maintenance appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

“Most homeowners simply don’t have the tools, knowledge or experience necessary to safely attempt their own tree work,” says Tchukki Andersen. Tchukki is a BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “We hear many unfortunate stories each year of homeowners getting severely injured or killed while attempting this dangerous work on their own.”

Here are three reasons homeowners should leave tree work to the professionals:

#1 Lack of Knowledge and Training

Safe tree work requires extensive knowledge of tree physics and biology, which takes years of experience to acquire.

For example, felling a tree in a controlled manner is not as simple as cutting through the trunk with a chain saw. It requires establishing a drop zone, precise cuts and sometimes guiding the tree safely to the ground. When homeowners attempt this, many are injured or killed when the tree falls in an unexpected direction.

Up-ended root plates or root balls are also unpredictable. Severing the trunk of a fallen tree from an up-ended root plate releases tension, which may be strong enough to pull the stump and root ball back into the hole, trapping anything or anyone nearby underneath it. Learn why it’s best to leave storm-related tree damage to the professionals here.

Other hazards may be invisible to the untrained eye. Rotten trunks and limbs, pest and fungal infestations and other diseases and defects can only be identified and treated by an experienced tree-care practitioner.

#2 Poor Situational Awareness

Even homeowners who know their way around trees may still fall victim to nearby hazards.

Electrical wires are a common situational hazard in tree work; many trees grow near power lines and have their branches, leaves, and limbs entangled in live wires. Each year, a number of amateur tree workers are seriously injured or killed. This usually occurs when they come into contact with an energized line, directly or indirectly, through tools or tree limbs. Navigating this danger is tricky, even for professionals, and should never be attempted by homeowners under any circumstances.

Attempting do-it-yourself tree work is bad enough, but some homeowners go one step further and try to finish the job alone, which further impairs situational awareness. If you do try to do any of the work, always make sure there is at least one other person working with you. Even trained professionals work in teams!

#3 Improper Use of Tools

Homeowners who use incorrect, faulty or complicated tools may hurt themselves and others while attempting tree work.

Chain saws, for example, are incredibly dangerous and easy to misuse. A common mistake is to use a dull chain, which forces the operator to use excess pressure, causing them to lose control of the saw. Many homeowners also make the mistake of using the chain saw to cut branches on the ground. This can result in chain saw kickback – and injuries – when the bar tip hits the dirt or other foliage.

Misused ladders are another common source of injury. Using a ladder that is too short, set on unstable ground, or supported by a faulty limb can easily result in the homeowner falling – often fatally – from the tree. Falling limbs can also knock out a ladder from under the homeowner as well.

Tree work may also require tools the average homeowner does not own. Stump grinders, wood chippers, and aerial lifts are just a few examples of complex machines that only a trained arborist can handle.

The post Three Reasons Homeowners Should Leave Tree Work to the Professionals appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

“Most homeowners simply don’t have the tools, knowledge or experience necessary to safely attempt their own tree work,” says Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “We hear many unfortunate stories each year of homeowners getting severely injured or killed while attempting this dangerous, and often misunderstood, work on their own.”

Here are three reasons homeowners should leave tree work to the professionals:

#1 Lack of Knowledge and Training

Safe tree work requires extensive knowledge of tree physics and biology, which can take years of experience and study to acquire.

For example, felling a tree in a controlled manner is not as simple as cutting through the trunk with a chain saw. It requires establishing a drop zone, making precise cuts, and sometimes guiding the tree safely to the ground with ropes as leverage. When homeowners attempt this, many are injured or killed when the tree falls in an unexpected direction. Up-ended root plates or root balls are also unpredictable. Severing the trunk of a fallen tree from an up-ended root plate releases tension, which may be strong enough to pull the stump and root ball back into the hole, trapping anything or anyone nearby underneath it. Other hazards may be invisible to the untrained eye: rotten trunks and limbs, pest and fungal infestations, and other diseases and defects that can only be identified and treated by an experienced tree care practitioner.

#2 Poor Situational Awareness

Even homeowners who know their way around trees may still fall victim to nearby hazards.

Electrical wires are a common situational hazard in tree work; many trees grow near power lines and have their branches, leaves and limbs entangled in live wires. Each year, a number of amateur tree workers are seriously injured or killed when they come into contact with an energized line, directly or indirectly, through tools or tree limbs. Navigating this danger is tricky, even for professionals, and should never be attempted by homeowners under any circumstance. Attempting do-it-yourself tree work is bad enough, but some homeowners go one step further and try to finish the job alone, which further impairs situational awareness. If you do try to do any of the work yourself, always make sure there is at least one other person working with you. Even trained professionals work in teams!

#3 Improper Use of Tools

Homeowners who use incorrect, faulty or complicated tools may hurt themselves and others while attempting tree work.

Chain saws, for example, are incredibly dangerous and easy to misuse. A common mistake is to use a dull chain, which forces the operator to use excess pressure, causing them to lose control of the saw. Many homeowners also make the mistake of using the chain saw to cut branches on the ground. This can result in chain saw kickback – and injuries – when the bar tip hits the dirt or other foliage. Misused ladders are another common source of injury. Using a ladder that is too short, set on unstable ground, or supported by a faulty limb can easily result in the homeowner falling – often fatally – from the tree. Ladders are often knocked out from under the homeowner by the same limb that was just cut. Tree work may also require tools the average homeowner does not own. Stump grinders, wood chippers, and aerial lifts are just a few examples of complex and often necessary machines that only a trained arborist can handle.

Find a professional

A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees and shrubs to plant for your existing landscape. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association,

a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. It has more than 2,200 member companies that recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the “Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies” program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP Code search on our website.

*Board Certified Master Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional

The post Three Reasons Homeowners Should Leave Tree Work to the Professionals appeared first on Tree Care Tips.

While these numbers are not representative of all – or even most – tree care accidents involving non-professionals, they provide insight into the types of hazards homeowners are likely to encounter while attempting tree work.

Unfortunately, 24 of the accidents (57 percent) were fatal. Sixteen resulted in serious injury, and there were two rescues performed by fire departments for homeowners stranded in a tree. In 34 cases the victim’s own actions were the cause of the incident. Three were likely injured by the actions of another while they were helping, and two were injured by falling limbs while performing storm cleanup. Three victims were innocent bystanders, and one of those three hired a company without the proper experience, training or insurance to do the work. “

Homeowners may not realize how dangerous tree work can be, and how much they’re risking by taking the ‘do-it-yourself’ approach or hiring unqualified people to do the work,” says Peter Gerstenberger, senior advisor for safety, standards and compliance for TCIA. “Lack of training, equipment, or situational awareness undoubtedly contributed to these incidents, which could have been avoided by hiring a professional tree care company.”

The average age of the victim was 52. All victims were male.

Seventeen homeowners were struck by a tree while attempting to fell it due to the tree going in an unintended direction or the victim not moving out of the way in time. Six were struck by a branch or tree section falling from above them. Three were caused by the chain saw kicking back and causing severe lacerations. Two were pinned by a tree or limb, requiring assistance to be freed. Nine incidents were caused by falls, and six of those falls involved ladders. Four incidents involved electric shock or burns due to contact with power lines. One suffered a medical emergency that left him unconscious and stuck in a tree.

One unfortunate incident involved children. A felled tree struck and killed a two-year-old boy and seriously injured his five-year-old brother when their father cut it down. According to the initial investigation, the boys were watching their father cut down the tree from a distance of about 50 feet when the tree suddenly fell toward them. They were flown to a hospital where the two-year-old was later pronounced dead and the older boy was hospitalized in serious condition. This is certainly a disturbing incident, but the purpose of sharing is to convey that there are many unforeseen hazards when untrained people approach tree work, including the safety of those who are nearby but uninvolved in the work.

Unfortunately, working alone was a recurrent theme. “When the work is hazardous, there should always be another set of eyes and ears, or in the worst case scenario, someone should be ready to summon help,” says Gerstenberger. “However, because trees react in unexpected ways, tree work is best left to the experts to minimize damage to people and property.”

Don’t risk it. Find a qualified tree care professional in your area.

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