So many of my clients are surprised that the little sapling they planted is now a huge tree. It's important when you plan your garden and start planting trees to understand how big they will grow and to keep them maintained in a way that supports how you use your garden. Arborists can help your tree grow in the shape and direction that you want so that the garden is perfect for your family. My blog has tips for the home owner on keeping your tree healthy and, of course, tips on when to use an arborist to get the perfect result.
Tree removal, while an essential process, can present some risks and hazards. You can mitigate these risks by taking some safety precautions, including:
Inspect the area
Before tree removal, you should inspect the area around the tree for any safety hazards. If your tree needs removal due to a bad storm, then there may be electrical wires and broken tree branches. Always inspect the tree to check whether broken branches lean over any power lines and it's structural integrity. You should also check for other safety hazards such as beehives, presence of animal life and poisonous plants. Beyond inspecting the area, you should also take stock of your protective equipment.
Use protective equipment
Before proceeding with tree removal, you should have the appropriate safety equipment. Some safety equipment includes:
You will also require the proper tree removal tools such as a harness, ladder and a chainsaw. In addition, you should remove any jewelry and tie up your hair.
Mark off the area
Before beginning a tree removal, you should mark off the area to protect any passersby, especially if the tree is close to the road. You can set up cones and signs to warn passersby of ongoing work so that they may take precautions. If possible, maintain one worker to prevent people from trespassing into the area, especially children and pets.
Use precautions for power lines
It is advisable to observe the minimum working distance from power lines in your area. If a tree is close to a power line, you can collaborate with the utility company to switch off the power for a specified period. Never attempt to switch off the power lines unless you have the training and authorisation to do so. The utility company can opt to cover the power lines with an insulating blanket as opposed to switching off the power due to the inconvenience. In addition, you should avoid using any metallic tools that may conduct electricity for trees near power lines. This means using wooden ladders and poles.
Share27 September 2019
