Safety Measures to Observe When Undertaking DIY Tree Pruning
by Julius Manninen
Pruning your trees every year can help in accentuating their physical appearance and facilitating better fruit production. However, pruning can become a necessity if the tree's branches create obstructions, cause damage to property, or pose a hazard due to an impending storm. Whichever reason you have to prune your tree, you need to ensure that you observe safety precautions. Pruning requires you to work at a height, and this presents the risk of tripping or falling if you don't follow the right measures.
Here are some of the safety measures that you must observe when undertaking DIY tree pruning.
Assess the site
Carry out an assessment of the tree and the area around it so that you can plan your operations. Skipping this step can lead to unforeseen complications once the work has commenced, and some of these complications may cause injury or damage to property. For instance, if you don't assess the direction to which the pruned branches will fall, you may end up destroying a part of your roof, windows, or even crashing flowers in your garden. An assessment will also ensure that you obtain the right equipment depending on the height of the tree.
Wear the right garments
Ensure that the clothes you choose for the project cover your body sufficiently. They should be loosely fitting to create an allowance for you to move your arms and legs as you work. Also, make use of leather gloves and a hard hat. The hat should be non-conductive if you will be working near power lines. The shoes you choose should be slip resistant with a low heel for the proper grip of the surface you will be stepping on. Use ear plugs to protect your ears from the noise generated by the power equipment.
Steer clear of power lines
Power lines can cause electrocution when they come into contact with a conductor. Equipment such as ladders, pruning saws, and pole trimmers are conductors of electricity, and they can easily electrocute you if they come into contact with power lines. As such, keep a safe distance between you and the nearby power lines. If you have to work near them, you can call the utility company to have them de-energized for your safety.
Don't work alone
Working at a height requires you to have a partner on the ground who can monitor the operations and warn you of any dangers. Also, if there is an accident, a partner can give first aid and call for immediate help. If you fall when working alone, you may suffer much pain before getting help.
Observe these safety measures when pruning your trees to ensure a safe and successful project. However, if you find that the process of pruning is too involving, you should call a tree service company for professional pruning and tree maintenance.
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About Me
Welcome to my blog. My name is Emilie. When I turned thirty, I received the most thoughtful gift from my mum: a tropical tree in a pot. I loved it. I would have never imagined buying something like that, but it lit up my home, and it produced yummy fruit. After having such a positive experience with a potted tree, I decided to invest in a few more. Through the years, I have learned how to take care of potted trees, how to plant them outside and how to ensure they are getting the light they need inside. If you want to buy a tree in a pot or if you already have one, explore these posts. They will guide you toward great tree care.