Our Winnipeg Arborists Talk About Most Common DIY Tree Removal Mistakes

You might think that tree removal is something you can tackle over a weekend, but there’s more to it than yelling “Timber!” and hoping for the best.

While the DIY spirit is admirable, trying to take down a tree without the right knowledge or tools can quickly turn into a backyard blooper reel…or a nightmare on Elm Street.

That’s where our Winnipeg arborists come in. We’ve seen it all—toppled fences, wayward trees landing on roofs, and chainsaws that had no business being anywhere near a tree. So today, we talk through the most common DIY tree removal mistakes we’ve come across and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Using the Wrong Tools

Ever tried making pancakes with a shovel? Using the wrong tools for tree removal is just as ineffective and a whole lot more dangerous.

• Dull Chainsaws Are a No-No: A dull chainsaw makes tree cutting frustrating and risky. It increases the chances of kickback, where the saw jolts back at you. Not exactly the kind of surprise you want.
• Unstable Ladders Spell Trouble: Balancing on a wobbly ladder while wielding a chainsaw is a circus act nobody should attempt. One wrong move, and you'll be making an unscheduled trip to the ground floor.
• Inappropriate Safety Gear (or Lack Thereof): Flip-flops and shorts might be comfy, but they're not exactly tree-felling attire. Think hard hats, gloves, goggles, and steel-toed boots. Without those, you’re basically inviting injuries.
• The Right Equipment: We use specialized equipment like cranes for handling large or hazardous trees, bucket trucks to access certain points, wedges to control the tree's fall, skid steers equipped with grapples to move large logs and debris quickly, excavators for uprooting trees and removing the root systems, and ropes to secure branches. Most of these are essentials.

2. Skipping Safety Precautions

If safety precautions were optional, they'd be called safety suggestions. Unfortunately, we’ve seen our fair share of accidents that could’ve been avoided if only precautions were followed.

• Protective Gear: Neglecting to wear a hard hat, gloves, goggles, and sturdy boots is an open invitation for branches to introduce themselves to your face or feet.
• Ignoring Escape Routes: Trees can be unpredictable when they fall, and they’re quite heavy too. Before you make the final cut, you need a clear path to retreat in case the tree decides to improvise.
• Too Close for Comfort: Working near power lines or buildings without proper precautions is playing with fire, literally. Electrical hazards and property damage are real risks when trees and power lines mingle.

3. Poor Assessment of Tree Fall Direction

Guessing a tree's fall direction is not the time to trust your gut feeling. Miscalculations here can lead to some unplanned renovations.

• Misjudging the Lean: Trees might look upright, but a slight lean or heavier branches on one side can dictate where they'll fall.
• Centre of Gravity Matters: Understanding a tree's centre of gravity is crucial. It's physics, not magic, that brings the tree down.
• Environmental Factors: Wind can be a sneaky saboteur. A sudden gust can push the tree off course. Nearby trees and uneven ground can also affect the fall. Mother Nature has her own plans—don’t assume she'll cooperate.

4. Improper Cutting Techniques

Cutting down a tree isn't just about making it through the trunk and hoping for the best. There’s a method to madness.

• The Hinge Factor: The hinge is the uncut wood between the notch and the back cut, guiding the tree's fall. Too thin, and the hinge snaps prematurely; too thick, and the tree may fall backward. It's a Goldilocks situation; you want it to be just right.
• Incorrect Notches: The face notch should be made on the side where you want the tree to fall. If you place it incorrectly or make it too shallow, the tree could have an unplanned fall.
• Back Cut Blunders: Cutting too high above the notch or misaligning it can cause the tree to split vertically (a barber chair), which is as dangerous as it sounds.
• Strategic Cuts Are Key: We use specific cutting techniques to control the fall. We’re ISA-certified arborists and know what we’re doing. And nothing can replace that experience.

5. Rushing the Process

Patience is a virtue, especially when wielding sharp tools around massive falling objects.

• Skipping Steps Equals Risks: In a hurry to get back to your weekend plans? Skipping safety checks or rushing cuts can lead to mistakes. And in tree removal, mistakes can be costly and/or painful.
• Fatigue and Errors: Working non-stop without breaks can lead to fatigue, making you more prone to accidents. It's not a race or a quick fix, so pace yourself.
• Impulse Decisions: Deciding to cut down a tree "real quick" without proper planning is a big NO. It needs proper planning and care.

6. Ignoring Tree Health

Not all trees are created equal. The tree might now show it, and you might now know it but some trees might give you a hard time.

• Dead or Diseased Trees Are Unpredictable: A tree that's dead or riddled with disease may not behave like a healthy one. Rotten wood can cause the tree to break apart unpredictably, turning your plan into chaos.
• Brittle Branches and Trunks: Weak limbs can snap without warning, especially under the vibration of a chainsaw. This is bad news if you're anywhere nearby or climbing the tree.
• Hidden Hazards: Infestations, internal decay, or fungal growth can compromise the tree's integrity. Without a proper assessment, you're in for some unwelcome surprises.

Why We Recommend Professional Tree Removal Over DIY

When it comes to tree removal, we hear it all the time: "Why not just DIY?" Here’s why leaving it to the professionals—like us—is the smarter choice.

First, expertise matters. As ISA-certified arborists, we’ve spent years mastering tree biology, safety protocols, and removal techniques. Whether it’s a towering oak leaning dangerously toward your house or a stump nestled among power lines, we know how to handle it. What looks simple can quickly turn complex, and we’re here to navigate the tricky parts.

Next, we bring the big toys – from cranes, wood chippers, harnesses, and specialized saws. These aren’t your everyday tools and trust us, they make a world of difference when you’re dealing with a massive trunk or stubborn roots. We also come equipped with safety gear to protect everyone on-site.

Then there’s risk management. Falling trees don’t always follow plans, but with our precise calculations and techniques, we minimize risks to your property and everyone nearby.

And finally, we care about the planet. From recycling wood into mulch or firewood to stump grinding for a tidy finish, we prioritize eco-friendly practices that leave your yard and the environment in better shape.

Professional Tree Removal Done Right

Tree removal doesn’t have to be a headache or a hazard. Our ISA-certified arborists in Winnipeg bring expertise, advanced tools, and eco-friendly practices to every job, ensuring your property stays safe and beautiful.

Whether it’s a towering tree or a stubborn stump, we’ve got you covered. Ready for a stress-free tree removal? Contact us today for a free estimate and let our experts take care of your trees—professionally and efficiently.

In addition to Winnipeg, we also provide services in Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, and Saskatoon.