9 Things You Should Never Do When Cutting Down Your Own Tree
Cutting down a tree might look straightforward on the surface, but trees often don't cooperate the way you expect. Trees are heavy, unpredictable, and often sit where people and property are, a that combination makes removing them one of the riskiest jobs a homeowner can attempt. Fact: Logging and Tree Cutting is the deadliest job in America according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – and these are experienced professionals. Below are nine firm rules to follow: things you should never do if you’re thinking about DIY tree removal and what to do instead.
Please keep in mind, these are reasons NOT to cut your own tree. We in no way advise ever tackling tree cutting on your own in any capacity.
1. Never cut a tree that is taller than the available fall space
If a tree is taller than the space between it and your house, fence, garage, or power lines, don’t try to bring it down yourself. Trees can twist or pivot during a fall, and even a small miscalculation can send the trunk into a structure. Professional crews plan felling paths and use rigging to control how a tree comes down. These techniques that require training and equipment.
2. Never remove a tree near power lines
Electricity and tree work are a deadly combination. Power lines can arc to tools or branches, and downed lines may still be energized. In many places, work within a specific distance of utility lines must be handled by line-clearance professionals or coordinated with the utility company. If a tree interacts with power lines, stop and call your utility. They often provide vegetation management guidance or will dispatch trained crews.
3. Never climb without proper safety gear
Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury in tree work. Ropes, harnesses, helmets, eye and ear protection, and climbing gear aren’t optional. Proper equipment is lifesaving. Ladders, makeshift platforms, or climbing without fall-arrest systems dramatically increase the chance of catastrophe. If you don’t have the training to use personal protective equipment (PPE) in a tree, hire someone who does.
4. Never assume you know where the tree will fall
Trees can have hidden defects: internal rot, root failure, or stress fractures that change the way a tree splits or leans during a cut. A “barber chair” (when the trunk violently splits and kicks back toward the cutter) is a well-known hazard. Professionals use notches, wedges, and rigging to reduce these risks and plan escape routes for crew safety. Don’t gamble with the unknowns; an arborist can evaluate structural integrity before any cut is made.
5. Never use dull or unfamiliar equipment
A dull chainsaw, the wrong chain, or a tool you don’t know how to handle is dangerous. Kickback, binding, and loss of control are common causes of serious chainsaw injuries. Proper maintenance, correct chain tension, and knowing safe cutting techniques are essential. If you’re inexperienced, the safest choice is not to operate powerful saws on a tree removal job.
6. Never cut a dead, diseased, or leaning tree on your own
Dead or decayed trees behave unpredictably. Branches can separate without warning, and weak trunks can collapse as soon as cuts are made. Leaning trees often have compromised root plates that can fail suddenly. These conditions increase the chance of unexpected movement and demand rigging and specialized felling methods that professionals are trained to perform.
7. Never work alone
Even a relatively simple incident can turn dire if there’s no one to call for help. Working with a partner who knows tree-work safety, stands clear during cuts, and can summon emergency services is a basic safety practice. Professionals always work in teams so that one person can focus on the cut while another monitors safety and communications.
8. Never forget to check permits and local regulations
Many cities regulate tree removal, some trees require permits, and certain species or sizes are protected. Removing a protected tree without permission can lead to fines or mandatory replacement requirements. Before you cut, check local municipal codes or call your city’s tree program. In Seattle, Washington, for example, tree removals are subject to specific rules and permits.
9. Never underestimate cleanup and disposal
A felled tree is more than a stump; it’s tons of wood, limbs, and roots that must be handled safely. Hauling, chipping, and stump grinding require equipment and space, and disposal may be subject to local yard-waste rules. Trying to move heavy logs yourself risks injury and property damage. Professionals include cleanup in their service and can advise on recycling or reuse options.
Final thought: safety, not shortcuts
DIY projects can be satisfying, but tree removal isn’t the place to cut corners. The combination of height, weight, power tools, and potential utilities creates a high-stakes situation. Use this checklist to recognize when a job is beyond a homeowner’s reasonable skill level, and don’t hesitate to call a licensed professional for complex or risky work.
If you’re in Washington State and unsure whether your tree is safe to remove or requires specialist help, HG Tree Services offers on-site assessments, insured crews, and professional rigging and stump removal. Protect your property and your family by getting a clear, itemized estimate from a team that puts safety first.
