Why hire an arborist? Part II

I stated in the post “Sealing wounds and why it is IMPORTANT” we may save your life! Here is are a couple of clips from a monthly publication.

Man falls from ladder while trimming tree

A 54-year-old Ocklawaha, Florida, resident fell from the top of a ladder while trimming a tree branch at his home
February 7, 2009. He was airlifted to a hospital in Gainesville. Donald Albritton was using a chain saw to remove a large branch when one end of the branch struck him,
knocking him off the ladder, according to a report in the Ocala Star Banner. Albritton was found lying face down, unable to move. His chain saw was still running beside him.Albritton’s wife told the officer that she saw her husband fall from the ladder, hitting his head against the tree trunk as he fell. The injured man was able to tell the officer that he felt “tingly” all over, but could not move or feel any- thing. When placed on the stretcher, however, he was able to move his arms.

TCIA Monthly Publication April 2009

Man killed by cut tree

Aman was killed February 6, 2009, in New Derry, Pennsylvania, when a tree he was cutting down fell on him. Brian M. Shean, 37, of New Derry, and his father
were helping a friend cut down the tree in a wooded lot when it became lodged in another tree nearby. As the men tried to
pull it down, the timber, which was about 50 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter, fell toward them, crushing Mr. Shean. He was
pronounced dead at the scene.

TCIA Monthly Publication April 2009

Every month TCIA (Tree Care Industry Assocation) has section devoted to accident reports. Usually at least one, if not more of the articles are of homeowners’ trying to prune or remove trees themselves and getting seriously injured or even killed. I’m not saying if you prune your trees you are going to get hurt or die, but please use common sense!!!! Majority of the incidents involve a ladder. DO NOT PRUNE TREES FROM A LADDER, unless the ladder is properly secured the the tree and you (the trimmer) has on the appropriate safety gear i.e. rope, saddle, and safety lanyard.

DO NOT HIRE A COMPANY who is going to use a ladder to prune your trees…odds are they are going to get hurt (eventually). I was called out to site this past winter by of our commercial clients to evaluate some work being done a property from a “tree care company” (air quotes…trying to be sarcastic). I arrive on the site the “tree guys” are using ladders to prune trees and another BIG NO NO using spikes (climbing spurs) on live trees. I almost ran into several cars in the parking lot, because I was in SHOCK at what I was seeing. I watched these “tree guys” for a few minutes and while climbing a ladder one of the guys fell from the tree with a BIG chainsaw in his hand. He looked around really quick embarrassed hoping no one saw the fall. He repositioned his ladder and climbed back up the tree as if nothing had happened. What if he had the chainsaw running and it hit his leg? Or another part of his body? Someone passing by? I think you get the point.

Next time some one knocks on your door offering to prune your trees really cheap, hey we are in the neighborhood will can give a REALLY good deal, think twice! Check there credentials? Are the ISA certified? Do they have Insurance? General Liability as well as WORKERS’ COMPENSATION????? Ask about how they are going to climb the trees? Are they using a ladder?

Don’t take a chance, call an expert to get your trees pruned. Trees are the most valuable portion of your landscape….take the extra time research the folks you hire to prune your trees.

Lee Evans
ISA Certified Arborist TX-1339A
President, Certified Arbor Care