When it comes to lawn and garden tasks, some are safer than others. Easily plant anything from flowers to shrubs. Mow, fertilize, and aerate using the right equipment for your skill level. But when it comes to using heavy machinery or chopping down a massive tree, the safest solution is to call a pro. Learn about the risks of DIY tree removal and the safe options available.

Safe DIY Tree Removal

There are many reasons why you may need to remove a tree. If it’s small enough to dig up and replant, you can probably take on this task yourself. Here’s how:

1. Water the area the day before so the soil is easier to dig.
2. Measure the trunk. For every inch, plan to dig six inches deep in order to reach the entire root system.
3. Dig around the roots which extend out to the outer edge of the tree’s canopy.
4. Using leverage, wiggle the root ball out.
5. If you want to transplant the tree, try to keep the roots intact.
6. If you’re getting rid of the tree, cut it up with a chainsaw.

However, if the tree has been in your yard for decades and either dead, diseased, or becoming a hazard to other structures, you’ll need a pro who knows how to handle the situation safely.

When To Call A Pro

When it comes to any tree pruning task, it’s safe to say that if you need a ladder, the tree’s too big to handle yourself. Ladders and sharp objects are a dangerous combination. One wrong move could lead to many problems.

Older trees are also more unpredictable. If the tree looks dead or diseased, the weakened state could cause branches to break in any direction. A pro knows how to handle this situation. Do you? It’s a little more complicated than shouting, “timber!”

Plus, once the tree is down, how do you plan on getting rid of it? Chopping the pieces and hauling them away takes a lot of work. Then you have a stump to deal with.

If the only reason you want to do it yourself is to save money, then think about the cost of medical expenses or home repair if something goes wrong. It’s worth hiring someone insured to do the job efficiently.

Look at it this way, a consultation shouldn’t cost anything. Contact Elite Tree Care to evaluate your trees to determine whether they even need to be removed. Depending on the situation, there could be an easier, more affordable solution.