Tree Removal Isn’t a DIY Job: Here’s Why

July 3, 2025

The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Down Your Own Tree

Cutting down a tree might seem like a straightforward task—especially with online videos making it look simple—but in reality, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs you can attempt on your property. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we routinely get called in to finish or fix failed DIY removals, and the risk is rarely worth the gamble.

This article will walk through the dangers of DIY tree removal, the specialized knowledge required to do it safely, and why hiring a certified arborist is the right move for protecting your property and your safety.

Why Homeowners Try DIY Tree Removal

Most people attempt to remove trees themselves for one reason: to save money. Maybe a tree looks like it’s leaning, dead, or dropping limbs, and it seems like something a chainsaw and ladder can solve. But what looks manageable from the ground can become unpredictable in seconds once a cut is made.

Some believe that a small or medium-sized tree won’t pose much of a challenge—but even a tree with a six-inch trunk can weigh thousands of pounds. If it’s near a structure, utility line, driveway, or fence, the risk of costly damage skyrockets.

A close up of a tree branch with white flowers.

The Real Risks of DIY Tree Removal

1. Injury

Tree removal is consistently ranked among the most hazardous jobs in the U.S. Falls from ladders, chainsaw injuries, and being struck by falling limbs cause thousands of emergency room visits annually. Even trained professionals follow strict safety protocols to minimize these risks.

2. Property Damage

Without the right rigging equipment and drop zone control, a tree can fall in unexpected directions. Misjudging even a few degrees can lead to a branch or trunk crashing onto your roof, your car, or a neighbor’s property—damage that may not be covered by insurance if the work was done improperly.

A yellow stump grinder is cutting a tree stump in the grass.

3. Electrical Hazards

Trees often grow near or through power lines. Cutting into or near a live electrical wire puts you at serious risk of electrocution and can cause local outages. Tree work near utility lines should only be handled by professionals with proper training and clearance.

4. Legal and Municipal Liability

Many municipalities have ordinances governing tree removal—especially in urban areas or historic districts. Removing a tree without a permit or in violation of local codes can result in fines or legal consequences. Certified arborists like those at Midwest Tree Surgeons are familiar with regional regulations and can help handle permit requirements when needed.

What Certified Arborists Bring to the Job

Hiring professionals is not just about safety—it’s about doing the job correctly, efficiently, and with as little disruption to your property as possible. Here’s what we provide:

Assessment of Tree Health and Stability: Sometimes a tree that looks dead may be salvageable. Sometimes a tree with green leaves has a hollow trunk. Knowing the difference matters.
Precision Equipment: We use rigging systems, cranes, and stump grinders to control the fall, minimize mess, and remove stumps fully without tearing up your lawn.
Insurance and Licensing: Our work is fully insured, giving you peace of mind. If something goes wrong (which is rare), you’re protected—unlike with DIY or unlicensed labor.
Cleanup and Haul-Away: We remove debris, grind stumps, and leave your property in better shape than we found it.

A pile of tree stumps sitting on top of a lush green field.

When to Call Midwest Tree Surgeons

If you’re dealing with any of the following, it’s time to call in the pros:

A leaning or uprooted tree
Large dead limbs overhanging your home or driveway
Trees touching or growing into power lines
Trees that have been damaged in a storm
Stumps or root systems that need full removal

Whether you’re managing a single tree or a full property assessment, Midwest Tree Surgeons has the training, equipment, and experience to do it right.

Tree removal is not a weekend project—it’s a high-risk job that demands expertise. Trying to cut corners by doing it yourself may cost you far more in the long run, both financially and physically.

If you suspect a tree on your property may need to come down, reach out to the team at Midwest Tree Surgeons. We’ll evaluate the situation, recommend the safest course of action, and handle the work with the professionalism your property deserves.

A person is using a chainsaw to cut a tree stump.

A house with a cat standing in front of it

A person is cutting a log with a chainsaw.

A white house with a driveway and a tree in front of it.

There is a tree in the middle of a field of yellow flowers.

A tree without leaves against a blue sky

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How a Long-Lived Tree Can Become a Valuable Part of a Property’s Identity

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Some trees become more than landscaping . They become landmarks . A mature oak near the driveway, an old maple shading the backyard, or a large tree that has stood beside a home for generations can become part of how people recognize and remember a property. That kind of tree has value that is difficult to measure with size alone. It can shape the look of the land, provide shade, frame views, and create a sense of permanence that younger landscaping simply cannot reproduce overnight. That is why preserving a healthy, long-lived tree can be worth serious consideration.

Why Fungal Growth on the Trunk Deserves Attention

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Mushrooms or other fungal growth on a tree trunk can look harmless, especially if the tree still has a full canopy. But fungal growth can sometimes be a sign that wood inside the tree is beginning to decay. That does not mean every mushroom automatically makes a tree dangerous. It does mean the tree deserves a closer look, particularly when the fungus is growing directly from the trunk, root flare, or a large structural root. For homeowners, recognizing that warning sign early can make it easier to evaluate the tree before a hidden problem becomes more serious.

How to Identify Tree-of-Heaven and Why Professional Removal Matters

October 9, 2026

Tree-of-heaven sounds harmless, but Ailanthus altissima is an aggressive invasive tree that has become established throughout much of the United States, including the Midwest. Originally native to China and Taiwan, tree-of-heaven was introduced to the United States in the late 1700s as an ornamental tree. Its ability to tolerate poor soil, pollution, disturbed ground, and difficult urban conditions helped it spread far beyond cultivated landscapes. Today, it can be found along roadsides, rail corridors, vacant lots, woodland edges, and other disturbed areas throughout the Midwest. Knowing how to recognize it is important because removing it incorrectly can actually make the infestation worse. Look Closely at the Leaves Tree-of-heaven has very large compound leaves made up of numerous individual leaflets. A single leaf can contain roughly 10 to 40 or more leaflets arranged along a central stem. Near the base of each leaflet are distinctive glandular teeth or notches that can help separate tree-of-heaven from similar-looking native species. Crushing the foliage is another useful clue. The leaves can produce a strong, unpleasant odor that has sometimes been compared to rancid or burnt peanut butter.

What Homeowners Should Check Before Severe Winter Weather Arrives

September 29, 2026

Winter can place significant stress on trees, especially when heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and rapid temperature changes arrive together. A tree that appears stable in mild weather may react very differently once branches are loaded with snow or the soil freezes. That is why late fall is a useful time for homeowners to look for warning signs before severe winter weather begins. A careful inspection can help identify weak branches, structural defects, and other concerns that may become more dangerous during a storm.

How Bagworms Can Damage Evergreens

September 23, 2026

Evergreens are often valued because they provide year-round color, screening, and structure in the landscape. When sections of an arborvitae, juniper, spruce, or similar evergreen suddenly begin turning brown or losing foliage, however, bagworms may be responsible. Bagworms are caterpillars that construct protective bags from silk and pieces of the plants they are feeding on. Because those bags blend into surrounding foliage, an infestation can become significant before the insects attract much attention. Understanding how bagworms feed and when they are easiest to control can help protect valuable trees and shrubs from unnecessary damage. The Bags Can Be Easy to Miss Bagworms get their name from the portable cases they build around themselves. As the larvae feed , they add pieces of needles, leaves, and twigs to the outside of the bag. This camouflage can make them difficult to recognize, particularly when populations are still relatively small. The bags may look like small brown cones or pieces of dried vegetation hanging from the branches. Penn State Extension notes that bagworms can become serious pests on arborvitae, juniper, spruce, fir, and other conifers because substantial feeding damage can occur before the infestation becomes obvious.

Why Fall Is a Good Time to Evaluate Tree Structure

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Fall is an especially useful time to take a closer look at the structure of mature trees . As leaves begin to thin and eventually drop, branches, unions, cracks, cavities, and other structural features become easier to see. That makes autumn a practical season for identifying problems that may be harder to spot during summer. It also gives homeowners time to address weak limbs or other concerns before winter snow, ice, and wind place additional stress on the canopy.

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A tree can appear healthy overall and still develop a section of dead or dying branches. When branch dieback appears suddenly, especially in one part of the canopy, it can be a sign that something is interfering with the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients where they are needed. For homeowners, the important question is not simply whether a branch is dead, but why it died. Midwest Tree Surgeons evaluates tree health, structure, pests , disease, and site conditions to help determine what may be causing the change.

Why Topping a Tree Can Create Long-Term Problems

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When a tree grows too large for its surroundings, removing the upper portion of the canopy may seem like a quick solution. This practice, commonly called tree topping, involves cutting major branches or leaders back to stubs or lateral branches that are too small to assume the terminal role. Although topping can immediately reduce a tree’s height, it can also create lasting structural and health problems. For homeowners concerned about an oversized or potentially hazardous tree, professional pruning is generally a better approach.

Why Correct Pest Identification Matters Before Treatment

August 18, 2026

When insects begin damaging a tree, the first instinct may be to treat the problem as quickly as possible. But not every insect requires the same response, and some insects that look harmful may not be the actual cause of the decline. Applying the wrong treatment can waste time, money, and potentially put additional stress on the tree. Midwest Tree Surgeons takes a diagnosis-first approach to tree care. Correct pest identification helps determine whether treatment is needed, which method is appropriate, and whether the real problem may involve disease, environmental stress, or another underlying issue.

Tree Removal Isn’t a DIY Job: Here’s Why

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