If you are relatively handy and you have the right equipment, you might be able to remove some smaller trees in your property yourself. There's no need to call a tree service, for instance, when there's a 12-foot evergreen you want to remove from the backyard. However, there are definitely tree removal jobs that are not suited for DIYers. How do you know where to draw the line? Here are four instances in which you should not attempt to remove a tree on your own.
1. It's more than 25 feet tall.
Try to estimate the tree's height by standing next to it. Does it appear to be more than 4 or 5 times your height? If so, it is best to call in a professional to remove it. Trees that are more than 25 feet tall can cause some really serious injuries and even death should they accidentally happen to fall on someone, and at this size, they can easily fall in a direction you don't expect if the branches are not evenly spaced. There are a few exceptions. For instance, if a tall tree is really in the middle of nowhere and has a very skinny trunk, you may be able to safely fell it yourself. But in general, it's best to hire a pro.
2. It's near power lines.
Regardless of the tree's height, you need to call in a professional removal service if it is anywhere near the power lines. If the tree hits the lines, you could cause a major fire and power outages. If you touch the power lines, you could suffer serious injuries and even death. Leave this to someone who knows what they are doing and can coordinate with the power company if needed.
3. It's hanging over your roof.
Removing a tree that is overhanging a roof is a very delicate matter. Even a branch that does not look that big can cause major roof damage if it happens to fall. A tree removal company can carefully remove any suspicious branches before felling the rest of the tree, reducing the risk of damage to your roof.
4. It appears to be diseased.
If a tree appears to be diseased, such as if it has a lot of dead branches or has fungal brackets growing out of its trunk, it is best to have a professional remove it. Diseased trees need to be disposed of carefully in order to prevent the spread of disease to other trees, and the pros can do this cheaply and effectively.
