It is a sad day when you find that one of your trees has died. You might be tempted to just hire someone, but the truth is that it’s not difficult at all for most people to remove a tree themselves. In fact, it can save you money! But there are some safety precautions you should take before you start working on your own tree. In this article, we will discuss 6 safety tips that are a must when tackling this project yourself.
Safety Equipment
Always wear the right safety gear when working on your own tree. Safety glasses can help protect your eyes from wood chips and branches. Hearing protection is also a must, as the sound of wood chips around you can be extremely loud. A hard hat will protect your head in case a branch falls, and gloves will also protect your hands. Remember, if you are not comfortable with your gear or it does not fit properly, do not wear it! It’s better to be safe than sorry. Clothing is also important. It’s a good idea to wear long pants and sleeves, even in warm weather, to protect yourself from sharp branches. Likewise, if you are looking for service trucks for sale or rent, then you need to make sure that you are competent in their use otherwise you risk injury.
Using the Right Tools
Safety is one thing, but you also need the right tools. If you are cutting down your tree yourself, you will need a saw to cut through the trunk of the tree. There are many different types of saws, some of which are more effective than others. As a rule of thumb, the sharper your saw, the better it will cut. It is also a good idea to use a chainsaw, as they are designed to cut wood. Manual chainsaws can be very expensive, but there are many electric ones that are less expensive and still very effective
Do Not Work Alone
It is always advisable to have another person with you. This is especially important when it comes to removing a large tree. It is not possible for one person to safely do this job alone. A second person will help you and can even serve as a lookout while you work on the tree. They can warn you if a branch is about to fall off, and they can also help move smaller branches so you can reach the trunk of the tree more easily. It is best to have at least two people working on a single tree. This is because once the tree is down, you will have a much harder time moving it later on. You will also be unable to reach larger branches and limbs. Some experts recommend having three people instead of two, but this approach requires more planning.
Protect the People Around You
When you remove a tree, it’s important to make sure that the people around you are protected. When a tree falls, it can travel a long distance. If you work on your own tree without a lookout, you could potentially hit someone or damage their property. You need to make sure that people who live in the area know about your removal project and that they are aware of any nearby obstacles, such as garden beds, fences, cars, or other people. Put up signs and fences around the area so people know that these areas are off limits.
Check the Power Lines
Make sure you check the power lines before you start your tree. This is important to ensure that your work will not have a negative impact on the power company. You should also be very careful of power lines that are near you or that could be in the line of fire if you decide to remove your tree. Make sure that the power company is aware of what you are doing and has approved your work. If there is an issue with the power company, they will be able to fix any problems you may have. Avoiding power lines will not only save you time and energy, but it will also save you from very serious injury or even death.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
This is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important things to remember. If you are working on a tree and the ground is wet or if there’s a lot of rain in the forecast, it’s wise to postpone work until conditions improve. If the weather forecast calls for high winds, you should not work on your tree for at least 24 hours after that forecast. The reason for this is that high winds can be dangerous and could potentially topple your tree or, worse, injure someone.
Removing a tree by yourself is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to injury and death if not done correctly and with safety in mind. The first thing you should do when attempting this project on your own is to make sure you have the proper safety equipment for the job. You will need to wear protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses or goggles with side shields, hearing protection and covered shoes, and a hard hat if needed. If there are power lines in your area, be careful as they may come into contact with the branches you are felling, which could pose an electrical hazard. If you are working outside in bad weather, there is an increased risk of slipping on slippery surfaces, so plan accordingly! Finally, never work without someone nearby who has been designated as a helper in case something goes wrong. With these tips in mind, you should be able to safely remove a tree from your property with relative ease.