Regular tree pruning is beneficial

Have a tree on your property in need of trimming? Before venturing to the branches with saw in hand, be mindful of the hazards this job poses. Working above ground is dangerous in itself, but even more so when operating a chainsaw or near power lines. Regular pruning is beneficial for many reasons.

Chopping dead, decayed and rotting branches allows the tree’s trunk and healthy limbs better contact with sunlight and airflow (needed to deter the growth of mold, mildew and a host of other tree diseases). It can also be necessary for maintenance purposes.

Over grown branches that extend past rooftops and too close to electrical lines present numerous safety risks to homeowners and innocent bystanders. Here are a few helpful tips for ensuring you and no one else gets injured when it comes time to prune!

Proper pruning is essential

• Never trim a tree that is within 10 feet of a power line – one must always assume the wire is live. These jobs should always be handled by licensed tree contractors, so contact your local utility company for assistance. They will get in touch with the appropriate party.
• Prune only when the weather permits – commonsense says it is not safe to trim tree limbs in the rain or during windy conditions. Wait for a clear day with minimal interference, even if you are just tending to a couple branches.
• Wear the correct safety apparel – safety glasses, gloves, a hard hat and ear plugs (if using a motorized saw) should be readily available. The noise from a chainsaw can cause partial hearing loss, and falling debris can easily lead to blindness. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
• Be trained in the proper use of equipment – it goes without saying that the only person engaged in the trimming operations should possess prior experience. Too many people have been injured as a result of carelessness.

Never attempt to remove limbs from a downed tree, especially those near power poles. Be smart and call an expert tree contractor if one has not already been made aware of the situation.