Next: DIY vs arborist – when to call a pro, and how to avoid dangerous mistakes.
Should You Hire a Certified Arborist?
It depends on three things:
- Tree size
- Location (near house, wires, street)
- Whether there’s disease or structural risk
When DIY Pruning Is Reasonable
You can usually handle smaller jobs yourself if:
- The tree is small or medium-sized.
- You’re only removing a few dead, damaged, or low branches.
- You can do 100% of the work with:
- Both feet on the ground, or
- A short, stable step ladder used safely
- You have basic safety gear and sharp tools.
Helpful basic gear:
- Bypass pruners (for small branches)
- Loppers (for medium branches)
- A sharp pruning saw
- Eye protection and heavy-duty gloves
Continue reading on the next page 👇
