In order to maintain your trees’ health, promote growth, and boost the overall aesthetic you need to be pruning it. But safety needs to be a critical approach when pruning a tree. This is because you can be working at great heights, are using sharp tools, and having to deal with potential hazards, all just to prune your tree. Which is why prioritizing safety is important at all times. No matter if you are a DIY homeowner, arborist, or landscaper, you need to understand the aspects of tree pruning safety. Our team at Five Star Tree Services want to go over some tree pruning safety considerations you need to keep in mind that will help to minimize accident risks, injuries, and property damage.
Have a Safety Plan
Before you jump into action and start pruning your trees, you should first write down potential emergency scenarios and then make plans accordingly. Proactively planning alternate safety routes beforehand can help you prepare for emergencies. When you have a plan in place, you are better able to respond to accidents and emergencies that can involve yourself and others (if there is anyone else in the immediate area). Swift and effective action can be taken to minimize safety risks and maximize everyone’s safety.
Have Appropriate Protective Gear On
PPE stands for personal protective equipment. This is essential to be wearing the right safety gear when attempting to prune your trees. Make sure to wear the following safety equipment:
-Helmet
-Safety goggles
-Work gloves
-Boots with good treads (for traction)
-Thick pans
You should also make sure to remove all jewelry. If you have long hair, securely tie it up. These things are going to help prevent things from getting entangled, creating hazards.
Select Appropriate Tools
Using the right tools for the task at hand is very important. Take a good look at what you want to get done with your pruning and what the specific requirements will be. Then carefully select the right tools you will need to make sure everything goes efficiently and safely. Making this well-informed decision can help you obtain the highest level of safety and efficiency.
Check Tools Are in Good Condition
The next step is to thoroughly inspect each tool you plan to use. This can include things like trimming tools, harnesses, ladders, climbing ropes, letches, etc. The goal is to verify everything is in good working condition and functioning properly.
This is a good time to make sure all your tools are sharp and sterilized. The sharper the tool, the easier the task will be, maximizing your efficiency and effort.
Inspection of Tree & Surrounding Area
Once your tools are ready, it’s time to go out and inspect your tree and the surrounding area in order to identify any obstacles. Now is also the time you can plan how you want to shape your tree and if it requires a trim or prune. This is where you are going to identify dead or dying branches that need to be removed, check for signs of disease or infestation, and locate potential hazards.
You need to be meticulous with this assessment in order to properly understand your cutting process and your awareness of risks and hazards.
Clear a Safety Perimeter
You should have a radius of about 50 feet as a safety perimeter surrounding the tree you are working on. If there are any pets, kids, or onlookers close by, do not use a pole saw. If at all possible, get a second person to monitor the area and keep other people and animals away.
Time of Year & Weather Conditions
Pruning is best done either in late fall, winter, or really early spring. This is when branches are bare, allowing you a clear view of the entre canopy and structure.
Selecting a day with good weather conditions to perform your pruning is important. Not only is this to help with safety but your effectiveness as well. Avoid days that have high winds, storms, heavy rain, ice, or snow.
If you have maple trees, do not prune them between January and March.
Have Proper Training
If you are operating something like a chainsaw or aerial lift, you need to have proper training beforehand. If not, this is extremely hazardous for yourself and anyone else around you. You should also be familiar with tree climbing safety. All of this is going to allow you to safely and effectively perform these tasks without risk to yourself or others.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
Our team at Five Star Tree Services are experts in Tree Pruning in Toronto. All of our arborists are properly trained, licensed, and certified. We can provide you with top-quality service effectively and efficiently. Contact us today at (416) 990-3355 if you are interested in our services!