Cutting down a tree might appear straightforward, especially with countless DIY tutorials online. But tree felling is a high-risk operation that requires skill, experience, and the right equipment. At EM Tree Surgery Tewkesbury, we’ve seen first-hand the dangers homeowners face when they attempt tree felling without professional training—and the consequences can be serious, both in terms of injury and property damage.
If you’re considering removing a tree on your own, it’s important to understand the scenarios where DIY tree felling is never safe and why calling in professionals is the right choice.
1. Trees Near Buildings, Roads, or Power Lines
When a tree is growing close to a house, garage, boundary wall, road, or overhead cables, its felling requires precision and planning. A single miscalculation could result in:
- Structural damage to your home or outbuildings
- Obstruction or danger to traffic and pedestrians
- Power outages or severe electric shock from hitting live lines
Professionals use rigging, sectional dismantling, and cranes where necessary to manage risk and control the direction and speed of the tree’s descent.
2. Large or Mature Trees
Mature trees are heavy, often weighing several tonnes. Their structure can also be unpredictable due to internal decay, multiple trunks, or hidden weaknesses. DIY methods—especially those relying on chainsaws and guesswork—are wholly unsuitable.
Large trees require:
- An understanding of weight distribution
- Strategic cutting techniques
- Professional equipment such as harnesses, ropes, and climbing gear
Attempting to fell a mature tree without these is extremely dangerous and often results in injury.
3. Trees Showing Signs of Decay or Disease
At first glance, a tree might look stable, but internal rot or disease can make it brittle and unpredictable. Dead wood, fungal growth, hollow sections, and weak limb joints are all warning signs.
In such cases, the tree can behave unexpectedly during cutting—it may split, fall in the wrong direction, or collapse prematurely. Only experienced tree surgeons can assess structural integrity and implement safe dismantling techniques.
4. Limited Drop Zone or Confined Spaces
Urban gardens, terraced properties, and trees growing in narrow spaces present a major challenge. When there’s no clear or safe area for the tree to fall, it must be dismantled in sections—something only trained professionals should attempt.
At EM Tree Surgery Tewkesbury, we use controlled lowering systems and rigging to remove trees carefully, section by section, ensuring minimal disruption to nearby structures or gardens.
5. Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Training
Chainsaws, axes, and ladders are dangerous tools in untrained hands. Without full PPE—such as helmets, ear defenders, chainsaw trousers, gloves, and steel-toe boots—you are highly exposed to injury. Additionally, without formal training, it’s easy to make incorrect cuts or overlook hazards like tree tension, wind load, or underground obstacles.
Professional tree surgeons are fully trained, insured, and licensed to operate dangerous machinery safely and efficiently.
The Safer, Smarter Choice
DIY tree felling might seem like a cost-saving measure, but the risks far outweigh the potential savings. The cost of repairing damaged property, treating injuries, or dealing with legal liabilities from accidents can be severe.
By hiring a professional like EM Tree Surgery Tewkesbury, you benefit from:
- Expert assessment and planning
- Safe, efficient removal using the correct equipment
- Full waste clearance and site tidy-up
- Peace of mind knowing all work is covered by insurance
Conclusion
Tree felling is never as simple as it looks. While minor pruning or removing small saplings might be manageable with caution, anything beyond that should be left to professionals. Whether your tree is diseased, dangerously close to property, or simply too large to manage safely, our team at EM Tree Surgery Tewkesbury is here to help. Get in touch with us today for expert advice and a free quotation—your safety is our top priority.
Call us on: 01684 215 889
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