Having a tree pruned correctly will keep it healthy, safe, and beautiful. A certified arborist can do this because they understand the needs of a tree while having the experience and training to get the job done right. If you don’t know what you are doing, it’s better to leave tree care to the professionals. While it may seem like an easy task, DIY tree care can be extremely dangerous, difficult, and costly if you damage the tree or property below. That’s why Mountain West Arbor Care would like to provide you with the following reasons to leave it to the pros and hire a Boise tree care company.
Tree Care Is Dangerous
When it comes to combining chainsaws, ladders, and handsaws with heights and labor, it’s easy to see why tree care is a dangerous job. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, tree trimming is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Part of this danger is due to a lack of knowledge and experience. Moreover, most people can’t distinguish a dead branch from a healthy one. Tree care also involves the use of sharp tools at elevated heights. For example, a homeowner may attempt to prune a tree using a chainsaw while standing on a ladder. These conditions require special safety precautions unavailable to the average person. A certified arborist, however, has the tools and safety equipment to work on trees effectively and safely. This includes specialized harnesses, bucket trucks, and more.
Permanent Damage
Trees require expert maintenance for proper health. Trees that have been left ignored are often weak, overgrown, and hazardous. In some cases, a strong gust of wind could blow an entire tree over or cause heavy branches to come crashing down. Improper tree care can also cause permanent damage that causes more problems than it solves. For example, a homeowner may top a tree under the misguided idea that it will prevent further growth or increase blooming. A topped tree, however, is more likely to become diseased and hazardous. That’s why it’s important to hire a Boise tree care company to do the work to protect your home, family, and the tree.
Common DIY Mistakes
DIY homeowners may cut through a branch, only to have it come crashing down on their roof or car. A certified arborist, on the other hand, has the expertise to accurately assess, plan, and execute the job without causing harm or property damage. Those who decide to tackle the job on their own without the proper training and knowledge often make the following mistakes:
Improper Tools
Most DIY homeowners try to trim or remove a tree using common tools they have in their garage or shed. This use of improper tools makes the healing process for a tree harder and longer since branches aren’t cleanly cut. Using the wrong tools also makes the job harder and more challenging. Furthermore, if your tools aren’t properly sanitized, you can infect an otherwise healthy tree with soil-borne diseases from previous plants they were used on.
Tree Topping
As mentioned above, a homeowner may think that by topping a tree that it will prevent further growth or increase blooming. A topped tree, however, is more likely to become diseased and hazardous. Topping not only creates a less attractive growth pattern but it also ultimately weakens the structural integrity of a tree. Health issues like insect infestations and fungal infections are also more likely to develop, making a tree hazardous to you and your property.
Over Lifting
Over lifting – also known as lion tailing, is what happens when a homeowner removes all the lower branches of a tree. This, in turn, makes it top heavy and more susceptible to failure.
Over Pruning
DIY homeowners often get carried away pruning a tree. However, no more than 25% of a tree’s crown should be removed. Even less should be removed if you are pruning a mature tree. Why? Just as an older person needs more time to heal after an operation, the same holds true for older trees after pruning.
Flush Cutting
Flush cutting is the result of someone cutting a branch flush against the trunk or main branch of a tree. This can cause a wide variety of future problems, including uneven bark, disease, fungus, and pest infestation.
Boise Tree Care Services
While you may be well-intentioned, attempting DIY tree care without a full understanding of how to get the job done right may not only hurt your tree but create dangerous safety risks for you and your property. That’s why it’s important to hire the Boise tree care specialist at Mountain West Arbor care to get the job done right. Our certified arborist will ensure your trees are safe and healthy for many years to come. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at 1.800.767.8733 for a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
