When to Call an Arborist and When to Do It Yourself
Honest breakdown of what you can safely handle with a pruning saw and what absolutely requires a pro with a crane.
What You Can Handle Yourself
Pruning branches under 3 inches in diameter that you can reach from the ground with a pole saw or loppers. Removing small dead branches from ornamental trees. Cutting back shrubs and hedges. Planting trees from a nursery container up to about 15 gallons. Raking and disposing of leaves and small debris after a storm. Applying mulch around tree bases. Watering newly planted trees. These are all reasonable homeowner tasks that do not require professional training or equipment.
When You Need a Pro
Any branch over 6 inches in diameter. Anything that requires climbing the tree or using a ladder taller than 8 feet. Any tree within 10 feet of power lines. Removing dead trees, especially ones near structures. Anything involving a chainsaw above shoulder height. Diagnosing why a tree looks sick. Evaluating whether a leaning tree is safe. Grinding stumps. These tasks require either specialized equipment, training in safety protocols, or knowledge of tree biology that takes years to develop.
The Gray Zone
Branches between 3 and 6 inches in diameter at a reachable height are the gray zone. You can physically cut them with a handsaw but the question is whether you should. A bad cut in the wrong place introduces decay into the trunk. The three-cut method for removing large branches is not complicated but if you have never done it, watch a few videos from university extension services before picking up the saw. If the branch is over a roof, a car, a fence, or anything you do not want damaged, call a pro. Gravity does not care about your DIY confidence.
The Money Math
A certified arborist charges $150 to $500 for a visit that includes assessing your trees and recommending work. That sounds expensive until you consider that removing a mature tree you killed with bad pruning costs $2,000 to $5,000. Or that a branch that falls on your car because you left a stub that rotted costs whatever your deductible is plus higher premiums. The arborist visit is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to cut down a tree on my own property?
In many municipalities, yes, for trees above a certain diameter. Heritage tree ordinances, tree canopy preservation laws, and HOA rules can all restrict removal even on your own land. Always check before cutting anything larger than a sapling.
Can I use a chainsaw to trim my own trees?
You can but the question is whether it is safe. Never use a chainsaw above shoulder height, on a ladder, or while standing in the tree. Chainsaw injuries send 36,000 people to the emergency room every year in the U.S. If you are not trained in chainsaw safety, this is a good place to hire a pro.