Why You Should Never DIY Tree Removal (Especially in PA)

Why You Should Never DIY Tree Removal (Especially in PA)

In an age of YouTube tutorials and weekend home projects, it’s tempting to think you can take care of a problem tree yourself. After all—how hard can it be to cut down a tree with a chainsaw, right?

Wrong.

Tree removal is one of the most dangerous property maintenance tasks you can take on without the proper training, equipment, and experience. In Pennsylvania, where we deal with dense tree cover, hilly terrain, storm-prone areas, and aging trees, the risks are even higher.

Whether it’s a small tree in your backyard or a massive oak leaning toward your garage, the safest choice is always to call in the pros. At Tree State Property Maintenance, we’ve seen—and cleaned up—the consequences of DIY jobs gone wrong. This guide will explain why DIY tree removal isn’t worth the risk, and what your better alternatives are.

1. Falling Trees and Uncontrolled Limb Drops

Even small trees can weigh hundreds to thousands of pounds. Without the right equipment or technique, you could easily miscalculate how the tree will fall or where its branches will land.

Here’s what can go wrong:

• A tree falls in the opposite direction than planned
  
  
• Limbs swing unexpectedly while cutting
  
  
• Trees slide off uneven terrain or embankments
  
  
• Rotten trunks give way prematurely
  
  

The Reality:

Every year, hundreds of homeowners are injured or killed while attempting DIY tree removal. According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), tree felling consistently ranks among the top five most hazardous professions—and that's when done by trained professionals.

If experienced crews with commercial equipment treat tree removal with caution, you definitely should, too.

2. Electrical Hazards Near Power Lines

Pennsylvania has many older neighborhoods with mature trees interwoven with above-ground power lines. A single branch dropping onto a live wire can result in:

• Electrocution
  
  
• Electrical fires
  
  
• Neighborhood power outages
  
  
• Massive fines from utility companies
  
  

Do You Know the Voltage?

Most homeowners can’t identify which lines are insulated or how far to stay back. That’s why only licensed tree service providers should work within 10 feet of power lines—and why even professionals coordinate with electric companies before beginning high-risk work.

In spring and fall storm seasons, power line incidents increase dramatically. If your tree is close to a line, call a certified tree service immediately.

3. Structural Damage to Your Property

Trees don’t always fall in predictable ways. Even if you notch and guide a cut, several factors can cause your tree to fall off-course:

• Hidden rot or internal cavities
  
  
• Wind gusts during cutting
  
  
• Sloped terrain or root system shifts
  
  
• Misjudged weight distribution
  
  

What Can Be Damaged?

• Roofs and gutters
  
  
• Siding and windows
  
  
• Fences and decks
  
  
• Driveways and sidewalks
  
  
• Neighboring homes and vehicles
  
  

The cost of repairs often far exceeds the cost of hiring a licensed tree removal crew in the first place. In fact, we’re often called after homeowners damage their property attempting to DIY—making the job more complicated and more expensive.

4. Inadequate Tools and Experience

Tree removal isn’t like trimming hedges. It requires commercial-grade tools, safety harnesses, rigging systems, protective gear, cranes, and stump grinders—none of which are sold at your local hardware store.

Common DIY Mistakes We See:

• Dull or underpowered chainsaws
  
  
• No proper helmet, goggles, or climbing gear
  
  
• Cutting from ladders (a major fall risk)
  
  
• No plan for disposal of large tree debris
  
  
• Not understanding the tree’s internal condition or lean
  
  

Tree State Property Maintenance uses industry-standard safety protocols, including OSHA-compliant practices, to remove even the most dangerous trees.

[Learn About Our Tree Removal Process – https://www.treestatepm.com/tree-removals]

5. Legal and Insurance Liabilities

DIY Gone Wrong? Your Home Insurance Might Not Help

If you attempt tree removal yourself and damage someone else’s property—or injure yourself—your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the costs. Why?

Because most policies require you to hire licensed and insured professionals for work that involves risk to people or property.

You could be personally liable for:

• Medical expenses
  
  
• Property repairs
  
  
• Legal fees from lawsuits
  
  
• Fines for utility damage
  
  

Hiring Tree State Property Maintenance means you’re fully protected. We carry full liability insurance and workers’ compensation for every job we perform.

[Why Licensing Matters – https://www.treestatepm.com/about]

6. You May Underestimate the Tree’s Condition

A tree that looks healthy on the outside could be rotted or hollow inside. Without knowing how to assess internal decay, root spread, or stress cracks, DIYers often take down trees that are more dangerous than they appear.

Tree failures caused by poor judgment can be catastrophic—especially with large species like:

• Oaks
  
  
• Maples
  
  
• Sycamores
  
  
• Eastern hemlocks
  
  
• Tulip poplars
  
  

If you’re unsure, always call a licensed arborist for a tree health assessment before taking action.

Common Reasons Homeowners Try DIY Tree Removal

• The tree seems small or manageable
  
  
• It's already dead or partially down
  
  
• There’s a belief it will save money
  
  
• There's confidence from past “easy” projects

While the intent may be practical, the risk-to-reward ratio is not in your favor. Most of these projects become more costly and complicated once damage or injury occurs.

A Better Alternative: Professional Tree Removal in Pennsylvania

At Tree State Property Maintenance, we specialize in safe, affordable, and legally compliant tree removal services across Pennsylvania.

Our Services Include:

• Free tree assessments
  
  
• 24/7 emergency tree removal
  
  
• Crane-assisted and storm-damaged tree expertise
  
  
• Licensed, insured, and safety-trained crews
  
  
• Full clean-up and stump grinding (optional)
  
  
• Permit handling in towns that require it
  
  

We serve Delaware County, as well as Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, and surrounding Pennsylvania areas with top-rated customer service and dependable emergency response.

[Request a Free Tree Removal Quote – https://www.treestatepm.com/contact]

FAQs About Professional Tree Removal in PA

How much does tree removal cost in Pennsylvania?

Most removals fall between $300 and $1,500, depending on:

• Tree height and width
  
  
• Proximity to structures or power lines
  
  
• Whether cranes or special rigging are needed
  
  
• Emergency or after-hours response
  
  

We provide honest, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

Do you remove tree debris?
Yes. Our standard service includes full clean-up, limb hauling, and trunk section removal. We can also provide stump grinding as an add-on.

What if my tree is on a slope or near power lines?

We handle difficult removals in tight spaces, steep yards, and utility easements. Our crews coordinate with electric companies and follow state-regulated safety protocols for high-voltage zones.

Contact Us

DIY tree removal may seem like a way to save time or money—but in reality, it’s a gamble that rarely pays off. Don’t risk your safety, your home, or your financial future.

Let Tree State Property Maintenance handle the job safely, legally, and efficiently. Our certified experts are here to protect your property and give you peace of mind—no matter how big the tree or how complex the removal.

Let Tree State Property Maintenance handle the job safely, legally, and efficiently. Our certified experts are here to protect your property and give you peace of mind—no matter how big the tree or how complex the removal.

Call 610-338-5008 or request your free tree removal estimate today – https://www.treestatepm.com/contact