Safe Tree Trimming Practices To Reduce Injuries
If you have many trees on your property that appear to be in need of some trimming, then you can do some of the work yourself. You should make sure that you do this in a safe manner to reduce safety concerns. Keep reading to learn about some safety tips that you should follow when tree trimming.
Do Not Cut Above You
The most important safety tip that you should follow is to identify all electrical wiring and power lines that sit near your tree. If you think that there is even a small possibility that you may hit a line with a trimmed branch, then you should contact a professional tree trimmer.
Once you know that you are safely away from all power lines, you will need to decide how to get to the limb you want to trim. Positioning yourself is extremely important when it comes to trimming. You never want to cut limbs that are sitting above your own head, as this is likely to cause an injury.
You want to position your body to the side of the limb at least two to three feet, and you do want your body to be close to the tree. This way you will not be hit by a branch that changes course as it falls from the tree.
To make sure you are in a safe position, you want to be in arm's reach of the branch. You do not want to extend your tool too far from your body, so set up an extension ladder if you need to. You want the feet of the ladder to sit on level ground, and you can install a cleat or a trench to ensure stability. You also may want to think about tying the top of the ladder to your tree. Use an appropriate tool from the ladder when you are ready.
Use Sharp Tools
It goes without saying that you need the proper tools to trim your trees. In addition to the right ones, you will need to make sure that they are sharp. Tools that are too dull can lead to tears and breaks of the limbs and unexpected release of branches in an unsafe manner.
Start by cleaning your tools with a degreasing product before you sharpen. You can often remove the blade from the tool for sharpening purposes, so check to see if this is possible. You can then place the blade in a vice grip and use a sharpening rod against the blade. When you are done, spread some lubricating oil on the blade.
When you are finished sharpening, trim a smaller branch first to make sure the blade is working correctly.