Tree surgery is a highly skilled discipline that involves far more than cutting branches or reducing height. In residential areas across Keynsham, Bristol, trees often grow close to homes, roads and neighbouring properties, which significantly increases the risks involved. While DIY tree work may seem appealing, it can expose homeowners to serious hazards and unintended consequences.
At EM Tree Surgery Keynsham, safety is always the priority, and professional methods are used to protect people, property and the long-term health of the tree.
Working at height presents serious risks
Many tree surgery tasks require working at height using ladders, climbing equipment or elevated positions within the canopy. Without proper training and techniques, maintaining balance and control becomes extremely difficult.
Falls from height are one of the most common causes of serious injury during DIY tree work, particularly when uneven ground, wet conditions or unstable branches are involved.
Unpredictable branch behaviour
Trees are living structures, and branches do not always react as expected when cut. Tension, weight distribution and decay can cause branches to twist, split or fall unpredictably.
Without professional assessment and controlled cutting techniques, there is a high risk of branches falling in unintended directions, potentially causing injury or damage to surrounding structures.
Lack of specialist equipment and control
Professional tree surgeons use purpose-designed tools and equipment that allow for precise, controlled work. DIY tools often lack the power, safety features and reliability required for complex tree tasks.
Inadequate equipment increases the likelihood of slips, kickback and loss of control, particularly when cutting thicker limbs or working overhead.
Hidden structural weaknesses go unnoticed
Trees can contain internal decay, weakened unions or compromised root systems that are not visible from the outside. These weaknesses can cause sudden failure when cutting begins.
Professional tree surgeons are trained to identify warning signs before work starts, allowing them to plan safe methods that reduce the risk of collapse or uncontrolled movement.
Increased risk to nearby property
Trees in residential gardens often overhang roofs, sheds, fences and neighbouring land. A misjudged cut can easily result in impact damage to buildings or vehicles.
Professional tree surgery takes surrounding structures into account, using sectional dismantling and controlled lowering techniques to minimise risk.
Long-term damage to tree health
Improper pruning techniques can do lasting harm to a tree. Excessive cutting, poor cut placement or topping can lead to decay, weak regrowth and structural imbalance.
These issues not only reduce the lifespan of the tree but can also increase future safety risks, making professional intervention more complex later on.
Personal safety extends beyond the person cutting
DIY tree surgery does not only endanger the individual carrying out the work. Family members, neighbours and passers-by can also be put at risk if branches fall unexpectedly or tools are dropped.
Professional tree surgery establishes safe working zones and follows controlled procedures to protect everyone nearby.
Conclusion
DIY tree surgery can be dangerous due to the risks associated with working at height, unpredictable tree behaviour and lack of specialist knowledge. What may appear to be a simple task can quickly escalate into a serious safety issue, putting people, property and the tree itself at risk.
EM Tree Surgery Keynsham provides professional tree surgery services across Keynsham, Bristol, delivering safe, controlled and responsible solutions for residential trees. For homeowners concerned about safety and long-term outcomes, professional tree surgery is the safest and most reliable approach.
Call us on: 0117 463 1711
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