Guide to Tree Removal: DIY vs. Hire an Arborist

January 23, 2025

Tree removal is no small task. Whether it’s a dead tree threatening your home or an overgrown one crowding out your gardens, deciding how to handle tree work requires careful consideration. While the idea of saving money with DIY tree removal might be tempting, it’s crucial to weigh the risks against the benefits of hiring a tree care professional.

As the go-to tree care team in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Asheville areas, Heartwood Tree Care is here to break down the pros and cons of DIY removal so you can make an informed decision. 

If you’re unsure if a tree in your yard needs to be taken out or you’d like to schedule a tree planting or tree removal service, do not hesitate to reach out.

Common Reasons a Tree May Need to Be Removed

Emergency tree removal is often a necessary step to ensure the safety, health, and beauty of your property. While trees are valuable assets, certain conditions can make removal the best option to protect your home, yard, and surrounding environment. Below are some of the most common reasons a tree may need to be removed:

  • Pest Infestation: Trees suffering from can pose risks to other trees and plants in your yard, potentially spreading damage.
  • Structural Instability: A leaning tree or one with visible cracks, splits, or dead limbs may become unstable, increasing the risk of it falling unexpectedly.
  • Dead or Diseased Branches: Branches that are dead, diseased, or decaying can pose safety hazards and indicate the tree may be in decline.
  • Storm Damage: Trees damaged by high winds, lightning, or heavy snow may become hazardous and require immediate attention to avoid accidents.
  • Proximity to Power Lines: Trees growing too close to power lines can interfere with electrical services and create significant safety hazards.
  • Overcrowding or Growth Issues: When trees grow too close to one another, they may compete for resources, leading to poor health and the need to remove one to benefit the others.
  • Property Development or Landscaping Changes: Trees may need to be removed to make way for new construction, improve yard aesthetics, or create space for other plants.

The Risks and Challenges of DIY Tree Removal

DIY tree removal often appears manageable at first glance. However, the process involves far more complexity than many anticipate. Without proper training, understanding the structure and condition of a tree can be a challenge. Here, we’re exploring some of the biggest considerations when deciding between DIY or professional tree removal services.

Safety & Lack of Equipment

Safety is a primary concern. Falling branches, misjudged cuts, and uncontrolled tree falls are common dangers. These hazards not only threaten personal safety but can also result in damage to property, vehicles, and even power lines. Using improper or inadequate equipment compounds these risks, as most individuals attempting DIY tree removal lack access to professional-grade tools like harnesses, helmets, and stump grinders.

Time Commitment

DIY tree removal is also physically demanding and time-consuming. What starts as a weekend project can quickly escalate into days of labor, particularly when unforeseen obstacles arise. Additionally, disposing of the removed tree and cleaning the site afterward require significant time and effort, which is often underestimated.

Increased Chances of Tree Illness & Infestation

Improper cutting techniques or the use of unclean tools can expose the tree’s vulnerable tissues to harmful pathogens or pests that thrive on fresh wounds. Additionally, failing to remove all debris or leaving stumps untreated can create a breeding ground for invasive species like termites or fungal growth, which may spread to healthy trees nearby.

Hidden Costs

DIY attempts often stem from wanting to avoid professional tree removal costs, but these attempts come with hidden costs lurking in the shadows. Beyond the obvious risk of personal injury, the financial toll can quickly spiral out of control. A miscalculated cut could lead to damage to your home, fence, or even a neighbor’s property, leaving you with repair bills far exceeding a professional’s fee.

Renting specialized tools, which require expertise to operate safely, adds to the expense—and you might still find yourself needing an expert to finish the job. Even disposing of the debris can rack up unexpected hauling fees.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Arborist for Tree Removal

Hiring certified arborists eliminates the risks and uncertainties often associated with DIY tree removal. These professionals are equipped with extensive training and experience, allowing them to assess a tree’s condition, create a detailed removal plan, and execute the process with precision. With access to specialized equipment such as cranes, chainsaws, and stump grinders, they can manage even the most complex jobs efficiently. Their strict adherence to safety protocols ensures that both your property and the surrounding environment are protected throughout the process, giving you peace of mind.

In addition to ensuring safe tree removal, professional tree care services save you time and effort by completing the job quickly and handling all cleanup and disposal. This comprehensive approach leaves your property clean and hazard-free without the stress or labor involved in tackling the task yourself. Moreover, certified arborists carry insurance coverage, shielding you from liability in the rare event of an accident. By choosing professional services, you’re investing in a safe, efficient, and worry-free solution for your tree removal needs.

What Tree Tasks Homeowners Can Tackle On Their Own

Keeping your trees in great shape doesn’t always require a professional touch—there are plenty of DIY tree care tasks you can handle yourself. For example, you can tackle tree trimming on small trees by clearing out dead or broken branches to keep them looking neat and minimize potential risks. But here’s the deal: trimming isn’t the same as tree pruning. Trimming is more about appearance and quick fixes, while pruning is focused on shaping the tree for long-term health and safety. When it comes to tree pruning, especially for large trees, it’s a job best left to the pros who know how to avoid damage.

Outside of trimming, you can do a lot to maintain your tree’s overall health. Regular watering is key, particularly during dry stretches, and adding mulch around the base helps lock in moisture and protect the roots. Keep an eye out for warning signs of pests or disease, like weird spots on the leaves, odd growth patterns, or bugs hanging around the bark. These smaller tasks are perfect for DIY care, but if you’re dealing with large trees or more complex issues, it’s smart to call in the experts to make sure your trees stay healthy and your property stays safe.

Call to Learn More About our Professional Tree Services

If you’re considering removing a tree, trust the experts to handle the job. At Heartwood Tree Care, our certified arborists are dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and professional tree services. 

Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help you care for your property with the expertise it deserves.


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