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 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

September 18, 2026

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.

What Root Flare Can Tell You About Planting Depth

September 10, 2026

A healthy tree should not look like a telephone pole entering the ground. Near the base of the trunk, the tree should widen where the major roots begin to spread outward. This area is known as the root flare, and it can reveal a great deal about whether a tree was planted at the correct depth. When the root flare is buried under soil, mulch, or landscaping material, the tree may face long-term problems that are easy to miss at first. Looking at the base of the trunk is one of the simplest ways to spot a planting issue before it becomes more serious.

What Sudden Branch Dieback Can Mean

September 2, 2026

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

August 25, 2026

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.

What Cankers Can Tell You About Tree Stress

August 11, 2026

Trees often show signs of trouble long before they experience major decline. One warning sign that deserves attention is the appearance of a canker—a localized area of dead or damaged bark that develops on a trunk, branch, or stem. Cankers can be caused by fungi, bacteria, environmental injury, or a combination of stress factors, and they often reveal that a tree is struggling to defend itself. While not every canker means a tree is doomed, these lesions can provide valuable clues about underlying health problems. Midwest Tree Surgeons helps property owners evaluate symptoms such as bark damage, dieback, discoloration, and structural weakness so that appropriate care can begin before problems become more severe.

Recognizing Pine Bark Beetle Activity Before Serious Tree Damage Occurs

August 6, 2026

Pine trees are valued throughout the Midwest for their year-round beauty, wind protection, and ecological importance. Although these evergreens are generally hardy, they can become vulnerable to insect pests when stressed by drought, storm damage, construction activity, or disease. One group of insects that deserves particular attention is the pine bark beetle . While these beetles are small, their activity can have significant consequences for individual trees and, in some situations, entire stands of pines. Recognizing the early signs of bark beetle activity allows property owners to respond before damage becomes more extensive. Professional evaluation is often the best way to determine whether a tree can be preserved or whether additional management measures are appropriate.

Why Some Trees Live for Hundreds of Years

July 28, 2026

Standing beneath a towering oak or sycamore, it is easy to appreciate a tree’s size. What is less obvious is its age. Many of the mature trees found throughout Missouri and the greater American Midwest have been growing for generations, quietly enduring changing weather, shifting landscapes, and the passage of time. While no tree lives forever, some species possess remarkable longevity, allowing them to become living landmarks that connect communities with their natural history. Understanding why certain trees live for centuries can help property owners appreciate the importance of proper tree care and preservation.

Understanding How Trees Heal After Pruning

July 21, 2026

Pruning is one of the most valuable services a professional arborist can provide, yet it is often misunderstood. Some homeowners worry that removing healthy branches may harm a tree, while others assume pruning is only necessary when limbs become hazardous. In reality, proper pruning is a proactive practice that supports tree health, improves structure, and helps trees adapt to changing environmental conditions. When performed correctly and at the appropriate time, pruning works with a tree’s natural biological processes, allowing it to continue growing safely and efficiently for years to come.

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

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