{"id":313807,"date":"2025-11-23T14:41:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T14:41:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/arborist\/why-not-to-diy-prune-your-trees\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T14:41:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T14:41:29","slug":"why-not-to-diy-prune-your-trees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=313807","title":{"rendered":"Why NOT to DIY Prune Your Trees"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"Tree\"TreeTree pruning, when done correctly, should result in safe, healthy and beautiful trees. A certified arborist<\/a> is trained to understand when a tree needs to be pruned and why, but also skilled in proper tree pruning techniques. If you\u2019re unsure what you are doing when it comes to DIY tree trimming, it\u2019s always best to avoid potential costly follies and contact us with any questions you may have. While it may seem doable, the truth is that DIY tree pruning can be dangerous, difficult, and costly\u2014especially if something below the tree is crushed by a falling branch. Here are the reasons why it\u2019s best to leave your trees to the pros, and hire a Portland tree pruning service.<\/p>\n

DIY Tree Pruning is a Dangerous Job<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Start with chainsaws, ladders, and handsaws. Throw in heights and manual labor, and you see why pruning trees has a high rate of injury. The US Census Bureau lists tree trimming<\/a> as one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. Consider how much more dangerous tree trimming is for the amateur. Indeed, the Tree Care Industry found 47 accidents involving property owners attempting tree care in 2012 alone\u2014and 25 of those accidents were fatal.<\/p>\n

Part of the danger lies in the fact that it\u2019s not easy for the layperson to distinguish a rotten branch from a healthy one. Should you transfer your weight to a rotten branch, it could give way beneath you and cause serious damage to you and your home, not to mention the tree.<\/p>\n

Moreover, tree pruning requires the use of sharp tools at elevated heights. For instance, a homeowner may attempt DIY tree trimming with a chainsaw while standing on a ladder. This sort of coordination requires special safety precautions that are unavailable to the average homeowner. Arborists have the tools and safety equipment needed to prune trees effectively and safely. This includes safety harnesses, bucket trucks, professional ladders, and more.<\/p>\n

\"urban\"urban<\/a><\/p>\n

Poor Pruning Could Cause Future Damage and Danger<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trees require consistent, expert pruning for proper health. Trees that haven\u2019t been properly pruned are often weakened and therefore hazardous. In some cases, a single strong gust of wind could blow down a branch or a whole tree that has been inadequately pruned. One example is \u201ctopping,\u201d the unfortunate practice of trimming off a significant portion of a tree\u2019s crown, often under the misguided idea that this will cause increase blooming. Instead, the tree is left deformed, ugly, and severely weakened. A tree that has been topped is more likely to develop disease and rot, becoming a hazard.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, having a Portland certified arborist<\/a> do the work will actually protect you, your home, your family, and the tree.<\/p>\n

Common Mistakes Made with DIY Tree Pruning<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Mistakes\"MistakesHomeowners may cut through a branch, only to see it crush the roof or car when attempting to prune a tree. On the other hand, arborists have the expertise to properly assess, plan, and carry out pruning projects without causing property damage. For those who decide to attempt DIY tree pruning without proper knowledge and preparation, here are some of the more common mistakes they make:<\/p>\n

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  1. Using dull tools <\/b>\u2013 Maybe you\u2019ve never done much, if any, tree pruning before and the tools you have in your shed or garage have seen better days. Old overused tools may be dull, which makes the healing process longer since branches are not cleanly cut. Besides, it makes your job more physically challenging. Sharpen your tools or look into investing in new ones to get the best results if you are DIY tree trimming.<\/li>\n
  2. Not sanitizing tools <\/b>\u2013 You wouldn\u2019t want a doctor performing surgery with unsanitized surgical instruments, right? That analogy is not as crazy as you may think. After all, you are performing a kind of surgery on a living thing, and if you are doing it without cleaning your tools, you may transfer soil-borne diseases from the previous plants they were used on.<\/li>\n
  3. Topping or lopping<\/b> \u2013 Thinking it\u2019s okay to cut branches anywhere to achieve the desired effect \u2013 maybe they are encroaching on your home \u2013 is probably the most common misconception about caring for trees. Giving your tree a \u201ccrew cut\u201d or \u201ctopping\u201d is also referred to as \u201clopping.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Simply put, lopping is the act of cutting a branch in spots other than a union or node. This creates a less attractive growth pattern, but more importantly, weakens the new branch structure. It can also make your tree more susceptible to fungal infections. You could be creating health issues for your tree, but also a hazard for you and your family.<\/p>\n

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    1. Over lifting<\/b> \u2013 Also called lion tailing, this is when a person removes all the lower branches of a tree, making it top heavy and more susceptible to branch failure.<\/li>\n
    2. Over pruning<\/b> \u2013 Don\u2019t get carried away when pruning a tree. You should never remove more than 25 percent of its leaf-bearing crown, even less when you are dealing with a mature tree. The surgery analogy applies here as well. Just as it takes an older person longer to heal from a surgical procedure, the same holds true for trees healing after pruning.<\/li>\n
    3. Flush cutting<\/b> \u2013 This is when someone cuts a branch flush against the trunk or a main branch. It can cause a number of problems, including uneven bark and the potential for disease, fungus and pests.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"urban\"urban<\/a><\/p>\n

      Portland tree pruning services <\/strong><\/h3>\n

      While you may be well-intentioned, DIY tree pruning without fully understanding the proper means of doing so may not only compromise your tree\u2019s health, but create future safety risks. Call us today<\/a> and we\u2019ll be happy to ensure you have a safe and healthy tree for many years to come.<\/p>\n

      What Our Clients Say About Us<\/h2>\n

      \u201cNoah, Miles, and Desmond were representing Urban Forest Pro in removing a fallen big-leaf maple tree from our backyard. Upon arrival, they politely introduced themselves. They asked where the tree was and asked pertinent questions about my expectations. They worked very well as a team.They were aware of plants in the yard and removed the parts of the tree without disturbing shrubbery. When they were finished, they asked if they had missed anything. They were very respectful and represented the company very well. I will use this company again if I have need for tree removal or cleanup.\u201d<\/p>\n

      Tom D.
      Rating 5\/5 \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50
      See our 4.8 rating and read more of our reviews on       Google<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n