A weekend of DIY tree removal might seem doable - but it can quickly turn into a dangerous ordeal. From unstable ladders to heavy branches and unpredictable tree behavior, even seasoned weekend warriors can find themselves in over their heads.
Nationwide, more than 36,000 people end up in emergency rooms every year for chainsaw injuries alone, according to the CDC. In fact, between 2018 and 2022, U.S. emergency departments treated an estimated 128,000 chainsaw-related injuries - about 70 per day. And when you factor in the broader scope of tree-care accidents, the numbers are even more sobering: approximately 80 deaths occur annually from tree work.
In our region, where mature oaks, maples, and pines are common, the risks are amplified by tight yards, overhead wires, and unpredictable coastal weather patterns. It only takes one miscalculated cut for a branch - or an entire tree - to land somewhere it shouldn’t.
The Hidden Hazards of DIY Tree Removal
Tree removal is more than just cutting wood - it’s an unpredictable, high-risk operation where one wrong move can cause serious injury or costly damage. Some of the biggest dangers include:
- Ladder instability – Balancing on a ladder while handling a running chainsaw is a recipe for disaster. Falls from even a modest height can cause life-changing injuries.
- Chainsaw kickback – A sudden, violent recoil can occur when the saw’s tip hits an obstruction or pinched wood. Without training, it’s easy to lose control.
- Power lines – Even if a line looks insulated, contact can be deadly. Many homeowners underestimate how close their cuts will bring branches to live wires.
- Unpredictable fall paths – Trees under tension can twist, split, or fall in a completely unexpected direction, damaging roofs, vehicles, fences, or neighboring properties.
In neighborhoods where space is tight, these risks are magnified by mature, heavy canopies and limited clearance. Many tree jobs require advanced rigging, precision cuts, or specialized cranes to lift sections out safely - work that’s beyond the reach of DIY efforts and even some smaller tree companies.
Strobert’s low-impact crane removal process was designed for exactly these situations, allowing our crews to work safely above obstacles, protect surrounding landscaping, and remove even the largest trees in sections without tearing up your yard.
Why Hiring a Certified Arborist Protects More Than Just Your Safety
When you bring in a certified arborist, you’re getting far more than someone with a chainsaw. You’re hiring a trained professional who understands tree biology, physics, and the safest way to work around hazards like power lines, tight spaces, and unpredictable weather.
At Strobert Tree Services, safety isn’t a side note - it’s built into every step of the job. Our crews are trained to national safety standards, equipped with the right protective gear, and backed by the specialized equipment needed to handle even the most complex removals. Our low-impact crane system allows us to remove trees in carefully controlled sections, protecting your lawn, garden, and home from unnecessary damage.
For homeowners in our area, that means more than just peace of mind - it means knowing the work will be done right the first time, with respect for your property and your neighbors.
Before you risk your safety on a ladder, let us take a look. Call 1-800-TREE-SERVICE to schedule a free tree assessment and find out the safest, smartest way to handle your tree concerns.
Trying to decide whether to remove a tree? See how a certified arborist determines whether a tree can be saved or should be removed.
