Practicing Tree Trimming Safety this Spring

Trees are a lovely addition to any yard as they bring beauty and shade to any environment, but they need to be routinely maintained so that they can remain healthy. Letting trees overgrow can cause fallen limbs that may damage roofing of a home or even pose a threat to anyone walking underneath the tree. If you’re planning on trimming your trees this spring, there are a few tree trimming safety tips that could keep you from injury due to falls or other risks.

Finding the Right Tools for a Safe Job

The most important tool for the job of tree trimming is the individual doing the trimming. If you are inexperienced and need to scale a 40-foot tree, it is better left to the professionals. If you wish to gain experience, start with smaller trees so that you can get the hang of trimming from a ladder without endangering your own life. If you decide to go at the task alone, you’ll need a few tools for tree trimming safety precautions.

Extension Ladder: For tall trees, you’ll require an extension ladder for the job. Extension ladders are single sided and offer multiple sections, allowing for access to great heights. To utilize an extension ladder to trim trees, your tree must be sturdy enough to have the ladder lean against it and hold your weight, the ladder’s weight, and the weight of your tools. There are a number of different brands, lengths, and materials to choose from. Choose a ladder that will give you the height that you need while also providing the weight capacity limit you need to carry both yourself and materials you will take while trimming your trees. Make a choice from a selection of high-quality extension ladders at Industrial Ladder’s website for the best prices of the best brands.

Tripod Ladder: For smaller trees or trees that cannot withstand the pressure of an extension ladder, a tripod ladder may be best. These three-legged ladders offer stability and positioning in awkward angles to reach areas that would be challenging to get to with a standard step ladder. These ladders do not reach the heights that extension ladders are capable of, but they a great option for smaller trimming jobs as they are durable and versatile.

Safety Harness: If you are utilizing an extension ladder and intending on scaling tall trees without the guidance of professionals, consider the safety that a harness system provides. Simply wear a comfortable Werner harness and attach the safety line around the base of the tree. This way, if your ladder were to lose positioning or a gust of wind were to appear out of thin air, you wouldn’t fall to guaranteed injury. These tools are great for any work off of the ground and a great addition to your tree trimming safety equipment.

V-Rung: Werner offers a number of different extension ladder accessories, one of which is the padded non-slip V-rung that holds the top section of an extension ladder in place by securing around the tree. This way, if your ladder were to get bumped from below or swept up by the wind, it remains stable.

Keep Tree Trimming Safety in Mind

Now that you have all the tools that you need to accomplish a tree trimming job safely and effectively, you’re ready to start. Before beginning, inspect the tree for any touching power lines as they can pose a threat for electrocution. While trimming, remove dead or damaged branches that pose a threat to the health of the tree. Additionally, trim areas of the tree that extend enough that if they fall, they land on the roofing of a structure, as tree limbs can reduce the integrity of roofing and lead to costly repairs. You can, if desired, trim limbs for aesthetic purposes, but remember to only trim branches that are not leader branches (extending 40 degrees from the trunk) so that the health of the tree remains.

Looking for tree trimming safety equipment? Find all the tools listed above on our website. Every product that we offer is delivered right to your home or business, so place your order and trim your trees when your ladder or other equipment arrives! Have questions about our tree trimming safety equipment or any other product listed on our site? Feel free to give us a call today at 1-800-833-0800 to speak with an Industrial Ladder specialist!

 

The post Practicing Tree Trimming Safety this Spring appeared first on Industrial Ladders Blog.

from Industrial Ladders Blog http://ift.tt/2nh5c6s
via IFTTT