Can you remove trees in the winter?

Absolutely. Tree removal in winter is often safer and more efficient. The frozen ground allows heavy equipment access without turf damage.

Are you insured and licensed?

Yes, Shadywood Tree Experts is fully insured for liability and workers' compensation, employing ISA Certified Arborists.

DIY tree removal

Jan 21

Written By Kelli Harmon

DIY Tree Removal: When to Use Loppers and When to Call the Experts - Minnetonka, MN

The risks of DIY Tree Removal

It happens every season. You look out into your yard and see that one nuisance tree. Maybe it’s a buckthorn sapling that got out of hand, or a small crabapple that didn't survive the winter. You think, “It’s not that big. I have a garage full of tools. Why pay for a service when I can just take it down this weekend?” We get it. The idea of saving money is appealing, but before you head to the garage, we need to have a serious conversation. Mishaps when removing trees can be unforgiving. Gravity doesn't care about your intentions, and a "small" mistake can lead to life-altering consequences.

The "Couple Thousand Dollars" Question

The most common reason for DIY tree work is cost savings, but the math changes quickly when you factor in risk. Ask yourself: Is saving money on a service call worth the risk of a permanent injury?

Tree work is statistically one of the most dangerous professions in the world—and we have safety gear, helmets, and training. Furthermore, if you drop a tree on your fence, shed, or neighbor’s car, your homeowner's insurance may not cover the damage if it’s determined that the damage was caused by unpermitted or negligent DIY work.

Rule #1: Gear Up and Buddy Up

If you are determined to proceed, you cannot just walk out in shorts and sandals. You need to treat this with the same respect the experts do.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is Non-Negotiable: At a minimum, you need safety glasses (branches love to whip back into eyes), heavy work gloves, sturdy boots, and long sleeves/pants to protect against scrapes and poisonous plants.
The Buddy System: Never cut a tree alone. You need a second person on the ground to watch for falling debris and, more importantly, to call 911 if something goes wrong.
Working Alone? Don't. But if you absolutely must, you need a fail-safe. Set up a system where you are required to check in with a friend or spouse at a specific time. Keep your phone on you, but safe from impact. If you get pinned or injured, you need a lifeline.

Electrical Hazards: Look Up

Before you even pick up a tool, look up. Are there any wires running through or near the tree? A common mistake DIY'ers make is assuming a wire is "just a cable line" or "phone line." You cannot tell the difference by looking, and touching a live wire—or even a branch that is touching a live wire—can be fatal instantly. If any power line or electrical hazard is within the radius of the direction of the tree falling or any branch is within 10 feet of any power line, stop. Do not attempt to prune or remove it. This is an automatic call to the experts.

Defining a "Small" Tree (The Safe Zone)

We want you to stay safe. A tree is only "DIY-safe" if:

You can reach 100% of the branches while standing firmly on the ground (no ladders!).
The trunk diameter is less than 3 inches.
There are no structures or valuables within the "fall zone."

If you have to climb a ladder or fire up a chainsaw, the tree is no longer "small." It’s a project for a certified or qualified arborist.

The Right Tools: Put Down the Chainsaw

This might surprise you, coming from tree experts,but we rarely recommend homeowners use chainsaws. Chainsaws are unpredictable. If a chain saw is used incorrectly it can "kick back" toward your face in a fraction of a second. Handsaws are safer, but even they can bind in the wood, causing the tree to snap or twist unexpectedly. For a safe DIY tree removal and branch trimming, your best friend is a pair of Bypass Loppers. Loppers allow you to remove a tree piece by piece, keeping your hands away from the cutting zone. They naturally limit you to cutting branches that are small enough to handle safely.

Can a proficient adult use a handsaw? Yes. If you are experienced with wood tension and cutting angles, a sharp pruning saw is a viable tool.
Should you? Only if you are confident in your ability to predict where that branch will fall.

How to Remove a Small Tree Safely

Clear the Zone: Ensure kids and pets are away from your work zone.
Deconstruct, Don't Fell: Do not try to cut the trunk at the bottom like a lumberjack.
Remove Weight: Use your loppers to cut off all side branches first. Turn the tree into a "pole”, staying on the uphill side of the tree with your feet firmly planted.
Cut in Sections: Once the tree is stripped, cut the trunk down into small, manageable 2-foot sections.

When to Call Shadywood Tree Experts

If you look at the tree and think, "I might need a ladder for that one high branch," stop immediately. Ladder accidents are the number one cause of injury in DIY home maintenance. If the tree is near a power line, leaning over your roof, or too thick for loppers, it’s time to call the experts. We have the cranes, the insurance and the expertise to remove it without leaving a dent in your lawn. Need a quote on a tree that’s just a little too big for DIY?