Domestic tree trimming and removal is rated one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, and for good reason. With over 27,500 visits to the ER annually due to chainsaw-related injuries, it’s easy to see why.
So why do people still try DIY?
Basically, because tree trimming and removal can be expensive, so most people try to save a buck by hiring a chainsaw and doing it themselves.
The average tree trimming price in the USA in 2018 was $438. The average cost of hiring a chainsaw for a day is just $67.
There is a lot of money on the table, especially for a small family, but I’m not sure what price people are putting on their health. Well as it turns out somewhere around $371.
From 2009 – 2013 a total of 115,895 ED visits for injuries related to the use of a chainsaw occurred during the study period. Most injury visits occurred among males (95%) and persons aged 30–59 years and during the months of September through November.
The main body sites injured were the hand/fingers and knee. The majority of injuries were lacerations (80%).
We spoke with Ben McInerney a certified arborist from Go Trees about how to save on tree services without Doing It Yourself.
“There are plenty of ways to save tree services, and the biggest tip I’m going to give you is to hire in the colder months”
Ben tells us getting tree work done in Autumn or winter will save you a minimum of 25% as there is a lot less tree work happening and a lot of competition for that work.
It would seem, that most companies are trying to just get by through the winter months and are happy to drop their prices to win your business.
“It’s pure supply and demand” Ben continues, “Companies are scratching around for work in winter so you are much more likely to get a better deal”
“A big one is asking them to take the tree down and cut it up, and you’ll remove it” there is a lot of manpower and expense in the actual removal of the tree. Get them to do the dangerous work, and you do the grunt work.”
“A real good money spinner is to actually sell any logs you have on eBay or Craig’s list”
Not only do you save on the removal, but you make a profit on the wage material. The buyer will even come and take the logs away for you. It’s a real win-win”
It’s not always a matter of finding the right company to get a good deal on tree training, but it’s all a matter of timing.
Been also mentions that not only is it cheaper to prune or remove a tree in winter but it’s actually better for the tree.
“You’re always best off trimming trees while they are dormant in the colder months. As things start to switch back on in the spring they, the trees will find themselves with a lot less burden above ground in the form of branches and more reserves below the ground in the form of their vast root system to bloom back to like stronger and healthier than ever before”
Source:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aem/2015/459697/
Read about dead or dying trees.
