Tree trimming is carried out to get rid of dead tree branches, to prevent it from getting entangled in power lines or places where it shouldn’t be or just to give it a particular shape.
However, tree trimming is a dangerous process as it requires you to climb a tree to cut and prune it while carrying tools like a chainsaw, axe and other things. This puts you at risk of many injuries if you are not careful as you can fall off a tree or may even get electrocuted.
But if you remember the following safety tips before trimming trees you may be able to avoid injuries.
- Get The Right Tools
The first step for a safe and smooth tree trimming is to only use the best quality tools. Using inferior quality, makeshift tools or faulty machines can become a hindrance in doing the job right and may result in troubles.
- Use Protective Equipment
You’re climbing a tree and reaching out for branches so you can cut them off with a trimmer and you think you won’t need protective equipment? You must have protective equipment and gear on you. Some of these tools are:
- Helmet to protect your head from any fall injuries.
- Safety goggles to prevent wooden chips from entering your eyes.
- Work gloves and steel-toe boots.
- Chainsaw chaps to protect any chainsaw injuries, you can check for a few good ones online before buying as they are the most essential safety clothing.
It’s also important to take off any jewelry, change into a comfortable set of clothes, tie your hair up (if you have long hair) and never climb a tree with tools in your hands to ensure a safer tree trimming session.
- Don’t Neglect Passerby Safety
Keeping yourself guarded against potential dangers is not enough, you have to take into consideration the safety of the pedestrians, passerby, moving cars and even the people who work with you.
Put on warning signs or make a security zone in your work area and have one of your co-worker’s guard it if you are working on a tree which is near or extends over a road or a common footpath to avoid certain hazards.
- Examine The Work Area
Each tree requires a different approach and technique before trimming and it is best if you conduct a pre-work hazard assessment. For instance, measuring the tree’s height to ensure if you’ll require a ladder or other climbing tools so you can be fully prepared on the day you plan to trim the tree.
- Check The Weather Forecast
Check with the local weather news to be ahead of a sudden climate change. As it can be potentially risky to climb a tree if you are expecting heavy rains or a windy day.
- Take Help Of An Expert
This is for those who are planning to trim trees on their own without calling in the professional tree trimmers. While it’s cost-effective to trim trees on your own if you have all the tools and safety gears, it still requires a level of expertise. So, take advice about the various techniques and strategies from the experts or people who’ve trimmed trees before you trim yours. This lowers the chances of any failures and accidents.
- Inspect the Tree and Its Fall
The final step would be to inspect the tree before climbing on it. Check for any insect infestation on the tree and never use damaged or weak branches for support. If the tree seems unsafe to climb, then you may require an aerial lift.
Be aware of the tree’s falling direction too and once you’ve felled the tree be alert and never turn your back on it.
There you have it, the most basic safety to follow to trim your trees safely.
