Although tree work can be done by anyone in their own gardens, the correct tools, training and experience play a big role in being able to deal with the job safely and efficiently. I get asked quite often how to take a tree down safely as a customer wants to save some money and do part or all of the job themselves. If you are having to ask how to do something where there is any danger involved, you should also ask yourself "should I be doing this?" I, myself, will have a go at most things but when it comes to plumbing or electrics I leave it to the professionals as there is always the potential to do damage or harm. In most cases having a tree taken down by the customer with them 'just' leaving the waste to be taken away will usually be nearly or the same price as if we were to take it down ourselves. The reason being is as the branches are being removed they are being processed individually and being placed in the correct orientation to be put through the chipper or being put straight through the chipper with the work area being left free from debris ready for the next branch. Usually we turn up to a 'half done' job with the customer saying "you have only got to chip it." Well this may be correct but usually the branches are cut anywhere meaning they may not fit in the chipper easily without further processing, they are usually cut and piled up in the location of where the tree originally stood, and when I say 'piled up' I mean that we physically have to climb onto a pile that has branches crossed through each other and in different orientations meaning we have to fight the pile apart. In most cases we can take a tree down and process all waste in less time than it takes us to chip a pile that has been made by a customer and there will also be less mess created. There is also the question of safety. Anyone can buy a chainsaw but having training on how to use one correctly and safely goes a long way. The lady in the picture above has a battery powered chainsaw and is working on a tree probably 3-4 times her height. The tree looks as though it can be felled easily with no damage to surrounding area. She has safety glasses on which is a good start. However, that's where it ends. She is not wearing any chainsaw protective clothing or more importantly a hat! There could be the possibility of her tripping or having kick back from the saw which may cause injury. She more than likely has trainers on too so if anything fell on her feet she would get injured. She is cutting the main stem at above waist level, which means the trunk could jump when it splits through the hinge possibly causing injury if standing too close. Also there is a slight back lean on the stem which may hold and pinch the back cut trapping the saw. In normal circumstances on a tree this size this would not be an issue, However, as the cut is being made at above waist level there is far less leverage for pushing the tree over in the direction on the hinge meaning a lot more force will be required to push it over and there maybe chance of the stem splitting off causing the lady injury or damage to the saw. I am all for saving money but safety is paramount. We do offer free quotations and will happily discuss any queries or concerns. Andy (TechArborA)