Trees require regular care and maintenance to ensure their health and prevent them from becoming a hazard, so we can continue to enjoy them. So when it comes to tree care, there are two main options, you can either do it yourself or hiring a professional tree surgeon.
DIY Tree Care: Pros and Cons
There are a few valid reasons why you might consider tackling tree care tasks yourself:
- Saving money; DIY tree care can be more affordable than hiring a professional if you’re on a budget.
- Immediate action; if you spot a problem with a tree, you can take action right away without waiting for a professional to be available as the good ones often get booked up quickly!
- Hands-on experience; pruning your own trees can give you a better understanding of their growth and health and let’s you shape their growth.
However, there are also some potential risks to consider when doing tree care yourself:
- Lack of expertise; incorrect pruning techniques can actually harm your trees, lead to disease, or even negatively affect their structure.
- Lack of safety knowledge; tree care can involve working at heights or with sharp tools, which could be potentially dangerous to those without proper training and equipment.
- Lack of tree health experience; you may not be away of the different health concerns for the different tree species in your garden or any local/national issues that could affect them.
- The size and type of tree; for large or complex trees, it is always best to hire a professional. This is especially true if the tree is sick or damaged as they can often be safety hazards.
- Lack of time; if you do not have the time or patience to care for your trees yourself, hiring a professional is a good option.
Professional Tree Care: the benefits
Professional tree surgeons have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to safely and effectively care for your trees. They’ve spent years learning their trade and practice what they’ve learnt, daily. So they’re going to be in a better position to be able to:
- Identify the specific needs of each tree and tree species.
- Perform precise pruning techniques.
- Work safely and efficiently to health and safety requirements.
- Promote tree health, prevent disease, and extend the lifespan of your trees.
- Enhance the aesthetic beauty of your trees.
- Tailor their approach to each tree’s unique characteristics.
When to Call a Tree Surgeon
If you’re not sure when it’s time to call in a professional aborist, here are some specific examples:
- Pruning trees that are over 10 feet tall.
- Removing dead or diseased branches.
- Thinning out a tree’s canopy.
- Removing a tree that is too close to your house or other property.
- Reducing the height of a tree.
- Installing a tree safety system.
How to Choose a Tree Surgeon
If you do decide to work with a tree surgeon, then it’s important to do your research and find someone who is qualified and experienced. Always ask for references and check online reviews, and be sure to get a written quote from the tree surgeon before they begin work.
Here are some questions to ask when interviewing tree surgeons:
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What type of equipment do you use?
- What is your approach to tree care?
- What is your fee structure?
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your trees are cared for properly and safely, and that you create a great ongoing relationship with a professional to look after your trees when it’s needed in the future.
For tree care in and around Manchester, Bury, Bolton and throughout the North West, get in touch with us for a quote.
