Taking down a large tree on your Ottawa property can be a mighty task.
We’ve made a list of some important safety tips to remember to avoid any accident involving damaged property or an injury.
Wear Protective Gear
Safety first! Even if the job seems simple and straightforward, protective gear is a must to make sure you stay safe if the unexpected happens. This means wearing hearing protection, sturdy work boots and gloves, protecting your eyes and face, and wearing a hard hat.
There is always a chance that a tree in poor condition can fall or break into pieces unexpectedly. So the “better safe than sorry” rule is certainly one to keep in mind!
Make Sure to Properly Assess the Tree in Advance
There can be a large variety of reasons for why a tree may be removed. It could be a completely healthy tree that is still very sturdy — or it could be a tree that is decaying and could fall apart at any minute.
Taking the time to assess the tree in advance and take note of weak points or any danger areas means that you can work in a more purposeful way to stay safe during the removal. This also means you can address any weak points first to avoid unexpected surprises as you get to work.
Avoid Power Lines
It’s critical to take a look to see if the tree is near any power lines. This could be power lines that are going through the branches or power lines close enough to be affected by falling branches. Failing to consider power lines could lead to a fire or a long power outage — not to mention the risk to personal safety for the one cutting the tree.
Use Proper Equipment
It’s no small job to take down a tree. Using the proper sharp and well maintained tools is a must to keep the conditions safe. Same with any ladders or climbing gear that you may use over the course of the tree removal. Inspect your equipment in advance to make sure that it will operate as expected.
Use the Right Techniques
There are specific techniques to keep in mind when removing branches or trees to avoid damage to yourself or your equipment. It’s easy to forget how much weight and power there is in a tree, and things can get out of control in the blink of an eye if poor technique leads to a branch falling unexpectedly.
Be aware of others nearby
Removing a tree is often a noisy job and it’s easy to lose track of who or what is nearby. This can lead to a case of cutting a branch with someone walking underneath, or toppling a tree right onto a parked car. Both before and during the job, establish clear boundaries and always be aware of anyone in the vicinity.
Got any more questions?
If so, ask us here directly at VS Tree, Ottawa’s tree services company any questions you may have. Or if you simply want to get started with a project, reach out to us today!
