DIY (do-it-yourself) can be satisfying. Learning to grow your own vegetables, build a table, bake bread, or programming an app are all great skills you can do yourself. However, every DIY project takes time in developing skill and knowledge. Often, that first loaf burns, the table isn’t quite level, and a garden can take a few years before it becomes the envy of a GTA neighbourhood. More specialized projects, like tree removal, where the risks are higher, are often less suitable for DIY. We explain when DIY tree removal is right and why you should usually hire professional tree removal from certified arborists.
When DIY Tree Removal is Feasible
The best and only suitable option for DIY tree removal are for small trees. These trees will usually be recently planted and have trunks less than 10 cm in diameter. Since these are smaller, they typically don’t require a lot of specialized or heavy equipment to remove. Small trees can often even be easily sawn and carried away by hand. If only recently planted, they can even be dug up around the small root ball. However, certain species of tree can retain a thinner trunk while growing wide canopies and deep root systems. This can make their removal much more difficult. Larger trees will prove even more difficult and present additional risks. These will require more intense equipment and the insight of a certified arborist.
When to Choose Professional Tree Removal
In most cases, you will want to hire professional and certified arborists for tree removal. There are multiple reasons why. First, tree removal often requires a lot of heavy and specialized equipment that only arborists have been trained to use. That insight also extends to an arborist’s specialized understanding of certain trees and their many parts. Trunks, branches, roots, and bark are all parts of a tree we are generally familiar with, but a certified arborist understands the nuances of these in each tree. Their training and knowledge also mean they know the common risks and can recognize the potential difficulties in the removal of a specific tree. This is why most communities require a certified arborist’s inspection before you can receive a permit for a tree’s removal.
Never Remove a Hazard of Emergency Tree Yourself
Another reason to hire professional arborists is that most tree removals are because of a hazard or emergency. Trees are beautiful, but they can also become dangerous when they become sick or severely damaged. These trees require special equipment and expertise. A DIY removal of an emergency or hazard tree can put you, your family, and anyone else nearby at risk if certain branches or the entire tree fall onto property or, worse, people. Always contact certified arborists for a hazard or emergency tree removal.
DIY Tree Removal Can Be Illegal
Trees of a certain size require getting a permit in Aurora, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Toronto. Without such a permit, a DIY tree removal is not a legal option. This is because trees that require permits for their removal are larger, and can present safety risks to you, your neighbours, or the general community. That’s also why it’s usually better to hire professionals certified by the ISA for such trees. Arborists have been trained to know the proper methods for effectively and safely removing a large tree. The same trees also usually require specialized equipment like multiple saws, aerial platforms, chippers, and even cranes to safely remove. Certified arborists, like our team at Advanced Tree Care, are trained to use and have immediate access to all that equipment.
The Cost of DIY
DIY is often compelling because we learn a new skill, accomplish something, and can potentially save money. However, when something becomes highly specialized, DIY requires a lot more investment in time, knowledge, and equipment. That cost only goes up when the project can present potential dangers like falling branches or trees that damage property. DIY is also perfect for solo projects, and larger tree removals require a full team, especially for removing the brush. All those extra branches will require disposal, and may just leave you needing to hire arborists for the professional cleanup. There are a few instances where DIY tree removal is simple and possible. However, if you’re unsure, you should always side with caution and contact certified arborists like those at Advanced Tree Care for a safe and effective professional tree removal.
