Many homeowners think they can save a few dollars by grabbing a chainsaw and doing tree removal work themselves. But what they don’t realize is that trees are extremely heavy, and they can fall in unexpected ways. One wrong cut can be catastrophic, as it can lead to serious property damage. To avoid this, you need to understand how improper tree removal damages property and why hiring an arborist is the safer choice.
The Danger of Uncontrolled Felling
When you start cutting the tree from the base without proper safety gear, such as ropes or notches, the tree literally becomes a falling tower that can go down in any direction. If the upper branches catch the wind, this can make the tree fall even faster. Even if the trunk misses nearby property, the smaller branches can still fly outward and shatter windows or ruin your neighbor’s fence.
Professional crews use a method called “limbing.” This involves taking the tree apart piece by piece from the top down to prevent uncontrolled falls that cause damage or personal injury. If you try to drop the whole thing at once, the “butt” of the tree can kick backward off the stump in a violent move called a barber chair. This unpredictable kickback can crush nearby landscaping, outdoor furniture, or even the person holding the saw.
Invisible Damage to Underground Utilities
Most people only look up when they think about tree removal. However, the ground beneath your feet is just as vulnerable to damage. When a multi-ton log hits the soft earth of your lawn, the vibration and weight can actually crush underground pipes. Your sewer line or your main water connection might be buried only a few feet down, and the impact of a falling tree acts like a giant hammer. You might not notice the broken pipe immediately. However, weeks later, you could find a swampy mess in your yard or a backup in the lowest level of your home. Furthermore, heavy equipment, such as trucks or stump grinders, can compact the soil so much that it kills the grass and nearby plants by squeezing out all the oxygen.
The Long-Term Cost of Stump Neglect
Once the tree is gone, many homeowners believe it’s harmless to leave the stump behind. This is a bad idea because a rotting stump is a five-star hotel for termites and carpenter ants. These pests will not just remain in the stump, either. They will continue to look for food sources, which can include the wooden components of your home. Roots from the stump can also continue to grow. They can intrude into your sewer line and your home foundation, which will cause you to pay significant repair bills.
Always leave jobs like this to the trained professionals. To protect your San Carlos, CA home and keep massive repair bills at bay, call Maguire Tree Care, Inc. for tree removal services.
