Why Professional Tree Trimming Beats DIY Every Time

Safety Should Be Your Top Priority

Safety should be the priority when trimming trees. Trimming trees involves working at high heights with dangerous tools such as chainsaws near power lines and other structures. Professionals who perform tree trimming in Fall River have had extensive safety training and utilize specialized equipment that is specifically designed for the type of work that is done in arboriculture. The professionals know how to assess the weight of branches and find potential dangers so that they can safely work on the tree.

Homeowners who choose to do their own tree trimming are prone to many types of accidents, including ladder falls, chainsaw injuries, and being electrocuted from contacting power lines. Emergency rooms see many patients who were injured while doing their own tree trimming due to being unprepared for the hazards associated with this task. Homeowner’s insurance will not always pay for injuries sustained while performing tree trimming, nor will it always pay for damages to a home caused by the homeowner’s own negligence.

Equipment Used for Professional Tree Trimming

Professional tree trimming requires special equipment that most homeowners do not own, and even if they did own the equipment, it would not be worth the money to buy it for the occasional use of a homeowner. In addition to the chainsaws and pruning shears that most homeowners have, professional arborists use pole saws, aerial lifts, rigging equipment, and commercial-grade safety equipment.

In addition to the cost of purchasing the equipment, there is the added cost of maintenance, storage, and the learning curve to properly use the equipment. Renting the equipment may appear to be a less expensive alternative to buying the equipment; however, renting the equipment will only add to the safety risk of using the equipment and will likely result in poor trimming of the trees.

Equipment Maintenance

The professionals who perform tree trimming services in Fall River maintain their equipment to professional standards. The chainsaws are kept sharp, the safety equipment is inspected regularly, and the aerial lifts are maintained properly. Keeping the equipment in good working order will produce a better, safer product for the homeowner’s trees.

Knowledge of Tree Biology and Growth Patterns

A well-trimmed tree has been trimmed with consideration to the biology of the tree, the growth patterns of the tree, and the timing of the season. The Fall River area provides a variety of tree species that thrive in different environments, ranging from the coastal-adapted varieties found near the Taunton River to the hardwood varieties that thrive in areas such as Flint Village and the Highlands. Each tree species has its own unique pruning requirements, and the best time to prune each species.

An inexperienced homeowner may cut a tree incorrectly and cause a number of problems, including inviting disease, creating a weak branch structure, or stimulating excessive growth in unwanted areas. A professional arborist knows where and how to make the cuts to promote healthy growth, while keeping the original shape of the tree intact. He/she also understands which branches to remove to improve air flow, reduce wind resistance, and promote the overall health of the tree.

Common Mistakes Made By Homeowners

There are many common mistakes made by homeowners when they are attempting to trim their own trees. One of the most common is topping the tree, leaving stub cuts, and removing too much foliage at one time. Topping a tree leaves a large wound on the tree that takes a lot longer to heal than cutting individual branches. Stub cuts leave dead wood hanging on the tree, providing a source of food for insects and disease organisms. Removing too much foliage at one time can shock the tree, causing it to lose water and nutrients through the remaining foliage, making it easier for disease and pest organisms to infect the tree.

Regulations and Permits

Fall River has specific ordinances relating to tree removal and trimming. There are ordinances related to trees located within the right-of-way of streets, historic districts, and protected areas. A professional tree trimming company understands the regulations and can assist you in obtaining the permits needed to trim your trees.

Trees located near electrical transmission lines require prior approval from the utility company before any trimming can begin. Many professional tree trimming services maintain a relationship with the utility company (National Grid) and can facilitate the process of getting the necessary approvals to ensure safe trimming practices and to avoid interrupting electrical service to the neighborhood.

Homeowners may learn about local regulations after they have already begun the process of trimming their trees and may be forced to cease operations, obtain necessary permits, and restore the damage caused to the trees and/or property. Professional tree trimming services will include compliance with local regulations as part of their service.

Protection of Long-Term Tree Health and Property Values

While the primary goal of many homeowners is to simply get rid of excess foliage, the primary focus of a professional tree trimming service is to maintain the long-term tree health. Certified arborists develop pruning plans that take into account the age, species, condition, and purpose of each tree in your landscape design. This approach ensures that your trees continue to contribute to your property value and extend their life expectancy.

Well-cared-for trees can greatly enhance the property value of a house, regardless of where the house is located in Fall River. A professionally pruned tree can add curb appeal to a property, reduce the need for future maintenance and repairs, and eliminate the financial loss associated with repairing damage caused by broken branches or fallen trees.

Inexperienced homeowners may create problems that require the services of a professional arborist to correct. Problems created by improper pruning techniques may not show up until months or years after the pruning has occurred, and by then, the damage may be irreversible.

Efficiency of Time

Professional tree trimming crews are able to complete jobs more quickly than the average homeowner because they have experience, the proper equipment, and established procedures for completing the job. While it may take an inexperienced homeowner an entire weekend to complete a job that could be completed by a professional in just a few hours.

When considering the true cost of DIY tree trimming, the homeowner should consider the cost of renting or purchasing the equipment, their time, the potential risk of injury, and the possible need for professional correction later. Once these additional costs are factored in, the cost of hiring a professional arborist may be lower than the cost of performing the job oneself.

Cleanup and Disposal

In addition to trimming trees, professional tree trimming crews will also clean up and dispose of the branches and debris left behind. They have systems for handling branches and debris that allow them to recycle as much of the material as possible. They may turn the branches into mulch, firewood, or compost, rather than sending them to a landfill.

Weather and Timing

Each species of tree has specific pruning requirements and optimal timing windows. The coastal climate of Fall River presents unique challenges for pruning trees at the right time of year to minimize stress and disease potential.

Storms and bad weather are a common occurrence in the Fall River area, and the storms can damage trees. Professional arborists will schedule pruning according to the optimal timing for the species of the tree and the weather conditions. They will avoid pruning oaks at the wrong time of year to avoid oak wilt, will trim fruit trees to maximize production, and will prepare trees for the worst of the storms that can affect the area.

Timing is critical to avoid stressing the tree. Many homeowners prune trees at the wrong time of year to accommodate their own schedules rather than the optimal time for the tree.

Emergency Response and Storm Damage

When a storm causes damage to trees in Fall River, professional tree trimming services can quickly respond with the proper equipment and expertise to assess the damaged trees for potential hazards, determine what portion of the damaged trees can be corrected through pruning, and safely remove any branches or trees that are a hazard.

Many homeowners will try to repair storm damage on their own, but in the end, they will either make the problem worse or create another safety hazard. Damaged trees under stress can behave erratically, and attempting to remove branches or parts of the tree without the proper equipment and knowledge is very hazardous.

Professional tree trimming services are prepared to respond to emergencies and can prioritize jobs based on the level of danger that exists to people and/or property. When a tree in Fall River poses a threat to a home, power line, or roadway (such as those located near Government Center or Heritage State Park), a professional response is essential.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Trees

When selecting a company to perform tree trimming services in Fall River, look beyond the initial cost. Professional tree trimming services provide safety, expertise, the proper equipment, and long-term tree health that a homeowner cannot replicate with their own DIY efforts.

While homeowners can certainly take care of some of the minor pruning of small branches and general tree maintenance, any tree trimming that includes the use of ladders, large branches, power lines, etc., should be performed by a professional.

Precision Tree Services Fall River brings together local knowledge of the unique tree care issues of Fall River and professional expertise gained from years of providing tree care services to residents in neighborhoods such as Oak Grove and Watuppa Heights. Our certified arborists are knowledgeable about the specific tree care requirements for trees grown in coastal New England and provide services to protect both your trees and your investment in your property.

The next time you consider taking on the task of DIY tree trimming, keep in mind that professional tree trimming services provide the peace of mind, the best results, and the best value when compared to the DIY option. Call Precision Tree Services Fall River to discuss your tree care needs and see why professional expertise will make a difference in the health of your trees and the safety of your family.