6 Tree Surgery Jobs You Should Never Do Yourself

Many people see tree surgery as just lopping and chopping trees, and if they have a tree that needs cutting back or removing, then they might think they can do it themselves. However, there’s much more to tree surgery than meets the eye. It’s important to know the best way to prune a tree, and how to do it safely. The tree needs to be left in a safe state, so that it doesn’t damage property or cause a hazard, and it’s important to know how to encourage your trees to thrive. Therefore, here are some tree surgeon’s services that you should always bring the professionals in to do.

  1. Cutting trees close to powerlines

Whether a tree is growing into a powerline, or getting close to it, it’s important to get it cut back, or to look at options such as removal. Trees close to powerlines can give people electric shocks, cause the power to be downed, or even cause fires. Remember that trees don’t have to grow into the powerlines to cause issues; during heavy winds they can bend and cause damage. It’s very important not to try and cut branches off a tree that’s close to powerlines. Bring in a professional tree surgeon who can carry out the job safely, and advise whether removal is a better option.

  1. Tree pruning

Pruning involves removing branches to help the tree thrive. However, it’s not as simple as it looks, and DIY tree pruning is difficult because:

  • It’s hard to identify potentially diseased branches
  • The right branches need to be removed to allow for sunlight to come through
  • Some amateurs are too enthusiastic, cutting off too many branches and damaging the tree
  • You still want the tree to have a nice-looking shape, which is difficult to achieve
  • It’s important to have the right tools and safety equipment

Therefore, pruning larger trees isn’t recommended, and a tree surgeon should be brought in to ensure the job is done correctly, so your tree can thrive.

  1. Transplanting

Trees can take many years to grow from a sapling, and therefore many homeowners don’t want to chop down a mature tree and start again. However, if a tree needs to be moved, perhaps because you’re creating a new decking area or parking space, then you might feel like the only option is felling it. Transplanting the tree means you can take it to another area of the garden, and can still enjoy the beauty of the tree.

Transplanting is a job that really needs to be left to the professionals. Firstly, trees are heavy! Even a five or six-year-old tree can be hefty and needs to be moved using proper equipment to avoid damage. Tree surgeons will also need to asses the tree and decide whether it’s suitable for transplanting. Some trees simply won’t survive the move, so it’s a waste of time trying to establish them. Lastly, a tree surgeon can help you find the right place for the tree to thrive. Because they know all the different varieties of trees and what they need, they can give your transplant the best chance of success.

  1. Removing diseased branches

If you have spotted a diseased or dead branch on one of your trees, it might seem easy to simply remove it with a chainsaw. However, simply removing the branch isn’t the end of it. It’s important to have the disease identified, and to have the tree checked over to see if the disease has spread.

If trees have disease or pests, then removing the branches might not be the only option. There could be remedies available such as stem injections or the application of nutrients, which could help the tree to recover and stay lush and green.

  1. Stump grinding

Trees that have been removed will have a stump left behind. For some people, this makes an interesting garden feature, whereas others want it removed. If you’ve moved into a property and found a stump, then you might want to grab a shovel and dig it out. However, removing a tree stump is a lot harder than it looks. A stump grinder is needed to break the stump down into small pieces, which also makes excellent mulch for your garden. The roots are left in the ground, but the stump is no longer there, meaning you can pave over it, or carry on with whatever plans you have for the garden.

Occasionally, feeder roots can cause damage, so it’s sometimes necessary to remove an entire tree including the roots. A professional tree surgeon will be able to asses the risk to your property, outbuildings, and areas such as driveways and patios, and help you decide whether digging out the root is necessary. If you decide to go ahead, they have the equipment to carry out the job quickly and easily.

  1. Planting new trees

New trees can add a new lease of life to your garden, but it’s important to get the right trees. Using a local tree surgeon means that they have knowledge of which trees will thrive in the area, and which ones would be suitable for your property. It’s also important to get the location right, ensuring new trees aren’t too close to the powerlines or anywhere where the roots can do damage. It’s also important to know how to care for saplings, and a tree surgeon will be able to give you maintenance tips that’ll make it more likely your tree will establish and thrive.

If you are looking for tree surgeons in Perth, get in touch with Tree Surgeons of WA on 0418 943 086. You should always consult with a specialist before you trim, remove, or plant a tree, so you can be sure of the best result. Working at heights is dangerous, and most people can’t spot potential problems such as disease in their trees. That’s why it’s so important to leave these jobs to the professionals, who have the equipment and knowledge needed.