Tag Archive for: DIY Tree Surgery

Trees add immense value, not only in improving the aesthetic appeal of a property but also in providing environmental benefits. They improve landscapes, support local ecosystems, offer commercial value, and provide shade. However, trees can be dangerous, and situations may arise that make tree surgery a necessity.

Whether to prevent a disease or eliminate safety risks, tree surgery is essential to ensure the safety of people, property, and the tree itself. But tree surgery is not an easy task. Knowing when and how to remove a tree and whether to call in the professionals can make a significant difference in your tree surgery project.

In this homeowner’s guide, we will explain why tree surgery is necessary, weigh the benefits of DIY versus professional services, and outline the process. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of tree surgery and make informed decisions to enhance the safety of your property and the vitality of your trees. Let’s get started.

Why is Tree Surgery Necessary?

Tree surgery is more than just chopping down branches. It refers to the overall management and maintenance of trees. Tree surgery requires specialised knowledge, skills, and tools. While tree surgery services are often the last resort, there are situations when it becomes unavoidable. Here are a few reasons why tree surgery is important:

• Preventing Diseases

Like any other living organism, trees are susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. An infected tree not only puts nearby trees and plants at risk but also becomes a carrier for pests that may infiltrate your home. Some diseases can compromise the structural integrity of the tree, putting people and property at great risk. Tree surgery becomes essential to curtail the spread and protect your overall garden.

• Mitigating Storm Damage

Ireland’s rowdy & unpredictable weather includes severe storms, which can damage even the sturdiest trees. Strong winds and heavy rainfall can wreak havoc, leading to broken branches or even uprooted trees. Partially damaged trees can be dangerous, especially if near power lines, buildings, pathways, or roads. Tree surgery becomes important to restore safety and eliminate potential hazards.

• Ensuring Safety

Even without storm damage, some trees may grow unnaturally, which can compromise the safety of nearby structures or humans. Overgrown trees may have heavy branches that can be dangerous if too close to your home. Unstable or weak trees are particularly a threat, as they can fall without warning, especially during heavy storms or rain. If an assessment reveals a tree to be risky, removal may be the only option to prevent accidents.

• Improving Aesthetic Appeal

Tree surgery can also be a strategic decision to overhaul the landscape and improve the aesthetic appeal of your yard. It can make space for other trees or amenities, like a pool or play area.

So now you know the importance of tree surgery, but the question remains – should you tackle the job yourself or call in the professionals? This takes us to the next point.

The Tree Surgery Process

Tree surgery is a methodological process that requires extreme caution and efficiency. Here’s a detailed look at the various stages of tree surgery:

• Assessment

The first step involves an in-depth assessment of the tree and its surroundings. Examine the tree’s size, health, and structural integrity, along with the surrounding area. Make sure there are no structures, buildings, or trees in proximity.

• Strategy

Once the assessment is complete, you must create a comprehensive plan based on your findings. Consider the tree’s location, size, and condition to get the right tools for the job, as well as specific challenges that lie in your way. This is a crucial stage in identifying the best equipment and techniques and establishing safety protocols.

• Execution

The next step is to execute. If you are doing it yourself, make sure to use dangerous tools like chainsaws and rigging equipment in a controlled manner. If the tree is large or you lack experience, it’s wise to section the part you want to remove and chop away bit by bit.

• Stump Grinding

If the tree is wholly removed, it will leave the stump behind. It’s important to eliminate the remaining stump to prevent regrowth or pest infestation.

• Cleanup

This is the final step of the tree surgery process, where all leaves, wood chips, and branches must be cleared off to prevent injuries. Removal of all debris from your property will enhance its appearance without leaving any hazards behind.

DIY v/s Professional Tree Surgery

A DIY project may seem cost-effective and straightforward. However, tree surgery has its own set of challenges. So, let us address the conundrum of whether to DIY or hire professional tree surgeons.

Benefits of DIY Tree Surgery:

• Cost-effective

The most prominent benefit of DIY tree surgery is the prospect of cost savings. Professional tree surgery can be extremely costly, especially if large or multiple trees must be tackled. Doing it yourself can help you save a lot of money.

• Prompt Action

Another benefit of tree surgery is that you can address any issues promptly without having to wait for the experts to arrive. If there’s a looming threat of an overgrown branch over your property, urgent action may be required.

Benefits of Professional Tree Surgery

• Expertise

Tree surgery is difficult and dangerous. A professional understands all the safety risks involved and carries out a precise and efficient job. They have the training and experience to carefully assess, plan, and execute the project to perfection.

• Proper Equipment

Tree surgeons have specialised tools & equipment to remove trees safely and efficiently. They are also trained to use ladders, ropes, chainsaws, and more, which can be dangerous to handle without prior experience.

• Safety Assurance

Tree surgeons have extensive knowledge and know how to avert safety risks. They know how and where branches would fall, ensuring no damage to power lines, structures, or your garden.

Summing it up, we can see how DIY tree surgery will incur savings and address concerns immediately, but using the right tools requires prior experience. Tree surgery tools can be dangerous if mishandled. Moreover, any miscalculations may result in damage to your property, leading to costly repairs that can easily outweigh the money you saved by not hiring professionals.

How to Choose the Right Tree Surgeons?

Choosing the right tree surgery company is paramount for a safe and efficient outcome. Here are some tips to select the right professionals:

• Verify Credentials

Make sure the tree surgery company is licensed, insured, and certified. The insurance protects you against accidents and damages, while a fully licensed and certified company shows it meets industry standards.

• Read Testimonials &  Reviews 

Reviews and testimonials by past customers shine a light on the company’s reputation. Check customer feedback on review sites to understand the experiences of prior customers. Pay attention to negative reviews on similar issues.

• Obtain Multiple Quotes

Obtain multiple quotes from vendors and compare their prices and services. This will give you an idea of the market rate and help you narrow down on the best value-for-money services. Make sure you get a detailed quote regarding every work to be undertaken. However, remember that unusually low prices may be a red flag, indicating a lack of experience or hidden costs.

• Ask About Experience

When it comes to tree surgery and removal, experience matters. Inquire about past works where they handled projects similar to yours. The more experience the tree surgeon has, the more familiar and equipped they are to tackle diverse situations and challenges.

• Inquire About Cleanup Services

Tree surgery can leave a lot of waste. Cleaning them up can be a major hassle, especially if the area is large or access is difficult. Confirm whether cleanup is part of their services.

Conclusion

Tree surgery is essential to improve the safety and appearance of your yard. By following the right steps, you can create a safe, healthy, functional, and visually appealing outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.

Tree surgery requires careful planning and execution. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals, knowledge is key to making informed decisions. Hiring a professional will provide numerous benefits. From their expertise and specialised equipment to safety protocols and cleanup services, professional tree surgeons give you the peace of mind that your yard is in capable hands.

Make Tree Surgery a Breeze with JB Property Maintenance

Trusted in the Connaught region for over 25 years, JB Property Maintenance has completed thousands of tree surgery, removal, pruning, mulching, and stump grinding projects. Our services have resulted in healthy and attractive yards and happy homeowners. We have the experience of working with a wide range of yards and trees.

Contact us for high-quality and affordable tree surgery services today.