If you’re an arborist, there’s a good chance you’re making one or more of these seven major mistakes. If so, you could be putting both your safety and the health of your trees at risk.
1. Not Wearing The Right Protective Gear
When working with trees, it’s important to wear the right protective gear to avoid injury. This includes gloves, eye protection, and sturdy shoes or boots. Wearing the wrong clothing can also be dangerous; avoid loose-fitting clothes that could get caught on branches or equipment.
2. Not Inspecting Your Tools Before Use
Before using any tools on trees, it’s crucial to inspect them for damage. This will help ensure that they’re in good condition and won’t cause any harm to the tree or yourself.
3. Not Properly Maintaining Your Tools
If you want your tools to last, you need to take care of them. That means regularly sharpening and oiling them, as well as storage in a dry place. Neglecting your tools will not only make them less effective but also more dangerous to use.
4. Not Using The Right Technique
When trimming or cutting branches, it’s important to use the right technique. Otherwise, you could damage the tree or put yourself at risk of injury.
5. Not Looking Up
When working with trees, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on the task at hand. However, it’s important to take a step back and look up now and then to check for hazards.
6. Not Staying Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated when working in hot weather. Drink plenty of water and take breaks often to avoid heat exhaustion.
7. Not Wearing Sunscreen
In addition to staying hydrated, it’s also important to wear sunscreen when working in the sun. This will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
8. Not Following Safety Procedures
When working with trees, it’s important to always follow safety procedures. This includes using the proper gear, following instructions, and being aware of your surroundings.
When working with trees, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be aware of power lines, other people, and animals that could be in the area. Also, make sure you know where your escape route is in case of an emergency.
9. Not Properly Pruning Trees
Pruning is a necessary part of tree care, but it must be done correctly. Improper pruning can damage the tree and lead to future problems. When pruning, always make sure to cut at the correct angle and use the proper tools for the job.
10. Not Knowing How To Identify Trees
There are many different types of trees, and each one has different needs. Before beginning any work on a tree, you need to make sure you know what type of tree it is. This will help you determine the best course of action for care and maintenance.
11. Not Having A Plan
When working with trees, it is important to have a plan. This plan should include what work needs to be done, as well as a timeline for completion. Having a plan will help you stay organized and on track while working.
12. Not Seeking Professional Help
If you are unsure of how to properly care for your trees, seek professional help. Many qualified arborists can help you with all aspects of tree care. Trying to do the work yourself can lead to mistakes that could be costly or even dangerous.
If you’re guilty of making any of these twelve mistakes, don’t worry – you’re not alone. However, it’s important to try to avoid them to stay safe and healthy while working with trees.
Looking for a certified arborist? Check out tree amigos Perth.