Safe, Efficient, Minimal
Removing a tree may seem like a straightforward task—grab a chainsaw, make a few cuts, and watch it fall. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that DIY tree removal is one of the most dangerous activities you can undertake on your property.
From unpredictable tree behavior to the use of high-powered cutting tools, the dangers of DIY tree removal are real—and often deadly. In fact, according to OSHA:
“More people are killed while felling trees than during any other logging activity.”
(source)
This article explores the risks of cutting trees on your own and why hiring a certified tree removal service is the safest and smartest decision—especially in storm-prone areas like Pensacola.
Trees don’t always fall the way you expect them to. Even if you think you’ve made the perfect cut, factors like:
…can completely change the fall path.
A miscalculation could cause the tree to crash into your home, a neighbor’s property, power lines, or even directly on top of you. Certified professionals use advanced rigging, directional cuts, and aerial equipment to control the fall and minimize risks.
One of the biggest DIY mistakes is underestimating chainsaw safety for tree cutting. Chainsaws are incredibly powerful, and one wrong move can lead to life-altering injuries. Common issues include:
Without proper training and safety gear (like chaps, helmets, gloves, and face shields), you’re putting yourself at serious risk. Check out our tree safety equipment article for an overview of the gear pros use on every job.
A tree that looks solid from the outside may be rotting from the inside. Trees with internal decay can split, snap, or collapse unexpectedly during cutting.
Signs of decay aren’t always visible. Professionals are trained to assess internal stability using tools and experience that most homeowners don’t have access to. If you attempt removal and the trunk gives way mid-cut, the consequences can be catastrophic.
In neighborhoods with overhead electrical lines, removing trees or even large branches becomes exponentially more dangerous.
Branches that fall onto live wires can cause:
Certified crews coordinate with local utilities and use insulated tools and bucket trucks to handle risky removals safely. In most states, it’s illegal for unlicensed individuals to remove trees within a certain distance of power lines.
Many DIYers make the mistake of climbing a ladder with a chainsaw—a deadly combination.
Tree removal professionals use harnesses, ropes, and mechanical lifts to access high branches securely. They’re trained in aerial rescue and fall prevention. If you lose your balance while cutting, the result is often a serious fall or impact injury.
Never attempt to cut tree limbs while on a ladder without the proper climbing and rigging experience.
If you damage your neighbor’s property or injure someone while attempting DIY removal, you could be legally and financially liable. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover DIY tree removal accidents.
Hiring a licensed and insured company like Holston Tree Service shifts the liability away from you—and protects your home and assets.
Many people try DIY removal to save money, but when things go wrong, the costs skyrocket.
Hiring a professional tree removal service in Pensacola might cost more up front, but it’s far cheaper (and safer) in the long run.
Holston Tree Service handles everything from trimming to removals — with safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction guaranteed.
We’re not saying all tree work is off-limits—here are a few safe tasks for homeowners:
But anything involving:
…should always be handled by a certified tree removal service.
At Holston Tree Service, our certified team offers:
We’re fully licensed, insured, and experienced in removing hazardous trees throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Don’t wait until small problems become big (and expensive) ones. Trust the certified professionals at Holston Tree Service for safe, reliable, and affordable tree care in Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
Call us today at 850-572-9863 or request a free quote to schedule your tree service.
Mike Holston & Amanda Holston are the husband-and-wife team behind Holston Tree Service, serving Pensacola and Northwest Florida with expert tree removal, trimming, and storm cleanup.
Mike oversees operations and customer care, while Amanda is ISA TRAQ-Certified and an ISA Certified Arborist, bringing specialized training in Tree Risk Assessment and advanced pruning prescription plans to every project.
Proudly serving Pensacola, Cantonment, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Molino, Jay, and Pace with certified tree care and 24/7 emergency service.
