Tree trimming can be a dangerous and stressful task if you’re not prepared. By following these simple tips, you can avoid the worst mistakes that tree-trimming rookies make.
1. Not Knowing What You’re Doing
Hacking away at a tree without any prior knowledge or experience is a recipe for disaster. Not only will you likely damage the tree, but you could also injure yourself in the process.
2. Not Knowing What Tools To Use
One of the most important aspects of tree trimming is having the right tools for the job. Without the proper tools, you could end up damaging your trees or even injuring yourself. Make sure you know what type of trimming shears or saws to use on each type of tree before you get started.
3. Not Knowing How To Use The Right Equipment
If you’re going to be trimming trees, you need to have the right equipment. This means having a good ladder that will allow you to get close to the branches you need to trim. You also need to have a sharp saw or pruning shears so that you can make clean cuts. Finally, you need to have a rope or something similar so that you can tie off branches that need to be removed. If you don’t have the right equipment, you’re likely to do a subpar job and possibly injure yourself in the process.
4. Failing To Properly Clean And Disinfect Your Tools
Another important step in tree trimming is keeping your tools clean and disinfected. This will help prevent the spread of disease and pests from one tree to another. Be sure to wash your tools after each use with soap and water, and then disinfect them with a solution of bleach and water.
5. Trimming Too Much At Once
When you’re trimming trees, it’s important to take it slow and only remove a little bit of growth at a time. If you try to trim too much at once, you could end up damaging the tree or causing it to grow back unevenly.
6. Not Using The Proper Safety Gear
Another mistake that tree-trimming rookies make is not using the proper safety gear. When you’re dealing with sharp tools and height, there’s always a chance of injury. To minimize the risk, you should wear gloves, safety goggles, and long pants. You might also want to consider wearing a hard hat if you’re going to be working near power lines.
7. Ignoring Signs Of Disease Or Pest Infestation
If you notice any signs of disease or pests on your trees, don’t ignore them! These problems can quickly spread to other trees if they’re not treated right away. Be sure to call a professional tree service if you see any signs of disease or pests so they can be taken care of properly.
8. Not Having A Plan
One of the biggest mistakes that tree-trimming rookies make is not having a plan. Before you start trimming, take a moment to assess the situation and decide what you need to do. Having a plan will help you stay focused and avoid making any mistakes that could damage your trees.
9. Cutting Too Much At Once
It’s important to take your time when trimming a tree and not remove too much at once. Removing too much can stress the tree and make it more susceptible to disease or pests.
10. Not Knowing When To Call A Professional
Some jobs are just too big or too dangerous for amateurs. If you’re not confident in your ability to trim a tree safely, it’s best to call in a professional. They have the experience and the equipment to get the job done right without putting anyone at risk. Contact the yard arborists.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make tree trimming a safe and enjoyable experience. Just be sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions.