Tree removal is a risky business, and unless you know what you are doing, avoid taking things into your hands and hire an expert tree cutting service to do it. Here are some common ways people who try to do it themselves mess up.

No Regard to Safety Gear

A lot of people go in to removing the tree on their lawn with no regard to safety. Proper gear is a must for a dangerous task like this.

Using a Chainsaw That Should Be Retired

In order to ensure the safety of you and your helper, the equipment you are using to fell a tree must be in proper order.

Addressing Everything Alone

Just like with every job that involves risk, at least two people are required to watch each other’s back when felling a tree as well. If you go at it alone, you are doing it wrong.

Just Winging It Due to Lack of Knowledge

A lot of people go into removing a tree on their lawn with no prior knowledge about what they are required to do. They believe they can just take care of things as it comes. This is the perfect recipe for disaster.

Leaning the Ladder Against a Tree

A large portion of injuries recorded every year with respect to tree felling are the result of leaning the ladder against the bark.

Not Refueling the Felling Equipment

Most chainsaws today are operated with gasoline, and if the fuel runs out while you are in the middle of tree cutting, it could spell disaster.

Losing Your Grip While Working the Saw

If you lose your grip on the saw while it is operating for even a second, chances are the recoil will make it fly out which is extremely dangerous to you and those around you.

Attempting to Bring Down a Rotten Tree

For any tree that is rotten to the core, you cannot be sure which way it will fall and when. This makes it extremely dangerous to even be near it, let alone attempt to bring it down.

Using a Dull Chainsaw

A chainsaw with dull teeth is not only inefficient at performing its job, there is also an increased risk of damaging the equipment due to excessive force being exerted to cut the tree.

Not Checking the Tension in the Chain Before Starting

If your chainsaw is too loose, it can straightaway fly off the bar, causing serious injury to you and the people around you. It can also permanently damage equipment.

Working Around Live Power Lines or Construction

It goes without saying the hazards involved with working around power lines as well as the risk of property damage if the tree falls on it.

Cutting in the Kickback Zone

Located near the top half of the bar’s tip, the kickback zone must never come into contact with anything while the chain is moving or the saw will recoil towards you.

Pinching the Saw

Once the tree has fallen, you will obviously need to cut it into smaller pieces. But if you don’t do it right, the saw can become pinched and be damaged.

Cutting the Ground

If your chain saw comes into contact with the ground even for a brief moment, it will severely dull the teeth.

Leaving the Stump as Is

Doing this is dangerous for kids and pets who might be running around your lawn.

Ensuring Safe Tree Removal

By now, you are well aware how risky removing a tree by yourself can be. But rest assured, as there is a way to mitigate all of these dangers and ensure safe tree removal with zero risks involved. And what might that be you may ask? Well, the answer is pretty simple: just leave it up to tree removal professionals you can trust.

Those last three words are very important however. Because not all arborist services Chevy Chase are equal, and you only want to hire one that knows what it is doing, otherwise there is no point. Make sure to research well before you sign any contracts. Check out reviews, certifications and talk to past clients before you pull the plug. Also make sure to get quotes in advance, and clarify any hidden charges.