Removing a tree that poses a risk to your roof or driveway is not a simple DIY project. It may seem cost-effective to purchase a ladder and chainsaw and handle the job yourself, but trees are extremely heavy, and there is no real way to control how they fall without the proper training and equipment. Find out more about how using the wrong tools can turn a tree project into a disaster.

The Danger of Underpowered Chainsaws

Many people pick out a small, lightweight chainsaw because it feels safer and easier to hold. However, they fail to realize that using a saw that is too small for a large trunk is actually very dangerous. If the guide bar is shorter than the thickness of the tree, you have to cut from multiple sides. This makes it much harder to control exactly where the tree will fall.

When a saw struggles to rip through thick wood, the engine can overheat, or the chain can suddenly snap or kick back. A saw without enough power will bog down, and a pinched saw in a leaning tree is a terrifying situation that is very hard to fix safely.

Ropes and Ladders: A Recipe for Disaster

Using a regular extension ladder for tree removal is one of the greatest mistakes a homeowner can make. While ladders do fine when they are supported by the walls of a house, this is not so when it comes to trees. Tree trunks are round, tapered, and covered in slippery bark. As you move or cut a heavy limb, the center of gravity shifts, and the ladder can easily kick out from under you.

Many homeowners also use cheap hardware store rope to try to pull a falling tree. This is a major mistake because these ropes stretch and snap under the excess weight. Professionals use specific climbing harnesses and non-stretch rigging ropes that are rated for thousands of pounds to ensure the wood goes exactly where they want it to.

The Mess of Poor Stump Management

Once the main part of the tree is on the ground, many people realize they have no way to deal with the giant stump left in the yard. You might try to dig it out with a shovel or pull it with a pickup truck. However, most trucks will burn out their transmissions before a deep-rooted stump even budges. Using a small, rental stump grinder on a massive root system can take all day and leave you with a half-finished mess that attracts termites.

You can honestly avoid all this mess by working with a professional arborist. They have the tools and training to remove trees safely. If you need tree removal services for your property in Corona, CA, call Melendez Tree Service today.