DIY Tree Care Mistakes: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals

Homeowner pruning a tree in her garden

When it comes to homeownership and landscaping, DIY projects can be fun, cost-saving, and satisfying.

However, tree care often isn’t one of those “do it yourself” tasks that can be safely or effectively tackled without expert knowledge and experience.

From pruning to pest control, attempting to maintain your trees yourself can lead to unexpected complications, costly mistakes, and even personal injury.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common DIY tree care mistakes and explain why, in many cases, hiring a professional is the smartest choice.

1. Improper Pruning Techniques - DIY Tree Care Mistakes

Palm trees

Pruning is one of the most common tree care tasks, and it’s easy to see why it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Poor pruning can damage the tree, leaving it susceptible to disease and decay.

DIY Mistakes:

• Over-pruning or Topping: Many DIYers mistakenly remove too much of a tree’s canopy, a practice known as “topping.” Topping reduces a tree’s ability to photosynthesize and often leads to a weakened, deformed structure.

  
  

• Incorrect Cuts: Making a cut too close or too far from the trunk or branch collar can leave a tree vulnerable to pests and diseases.

  
  

Professional tree surgeons are trained in the science of tree physiology and know how to prune trees in ways that enhance growth, safety, and aesthetics. They also have the right equipment and techniques to perform cuts at the correct angles, minimizing harm.

2. Using the Wrong Tools

Homeowners often lack the specific tools needed for safe and effective tree care, such as pole pruners, tree saws, and wood chippers. Using household tools or inadequate equipment can lead to poor results and serious accidents.

DIY Mistakes:

• Using Dull Blades: Dull pruning tools can tear branches rather than make clean cuts, leaving trees open to infection.

• Improper Tool Handling: Without the right technique, even small tools like hand pruners can cause personal injury or damage the tree.

  
  

Professional tree surgeons bring high-quality, well-maintained tools designed specifically for tree work. More importantly, they know how to handle these tools safely, reducing the risk of accidents for both themselves and your property.

3. Over-Fertilizing or Misusing Chemicals

Fertilizing can support a tree’s health, but only when done properly. Misjudging the amount or type of fertilizer or pesticide to use can create serious problems for your tree.

DIY Mistakes:

• Over-Fertilization: Too much fertilizer can lead to a condition known as “fertilizer burn,” which damages the tree’s roots and can even kill it.

• Improper Use of Pesticides: Homeowners may accidentally harm beneficial insects or cause chemical runoff, which pollutes the soil and surrounding environment.

  
  

Qualified arborists can assess your tree’s nutritional needs and apply the right treatments safely. They are licensed to handle specialized chemicals and fertilizers and understand proper application techniques that prevent damage to your tree and the surrounding ecosystem.

4. Ignoring Tree Health Signs

Trees often show subtle signs when something is wrong, but untrained eyes can miss them. While DIYers may notice visible issues like broken branches, they may overlook less obvious warning signs of underlying disease or pest infestation.

DIY Mistakes:

• Failing to Recognize Pest Invasions: Many pests, such as beetles and borers, cause significant internal damage before external symptoms become noticeable.

• Ignoring Root Problems: Root decay is one of the most dangerous conditions for a tree, but since it’s hidden underground, it’s challenging for a layperson to detect.

  
  

 Qualified arborists in the Perth area are trained to spot early indicators of disease, pests, and other issues. Their ability to diagnose and treat problems before they escalate can save your tree from irreversible damage and prevent safety hazards.

5. Attempting Tree Removal Alone

Tree fallen onto a car in residential area

Tree removal is a high-risk job, especially for large or partially damaged trees. It requires careful planning and specialized knowledge of tree structures and physics. DIY attempts at tree removal often end in disaster, both for the person attempting it and their property.

DIY Mistakes:

• Underestimating the Weight: Trees can weigh thousands of pounds, and if they’re not carefully cut and controlled, they may fall in unintended directions.

• Lack of Safety Precautions: Without proper safety gear and rigging equipment, tree removal can result in severe injuries or even fatalities.

  
  

A qualified tree surgeon is trained in the risks and techniques of tree removal. They come equipped with rigging systems, cranes, and protective gear to handle the job safely. It is advisable to hire the services of a professional tree surgery team to remove trees without endangering people, property, or nearby plants.

6. Risk of Personal Injury

Even simple tree care tasks involve sharp tools, tall heights, and heavy branches, all of which carry inherent risks. DIYers often lack safety training and the protective gear needed to prevent accidents.

DIY Mistakes:

• Working on Ladders: Without the proper safety harnesses and stabilizers, working from a ladder can be dangerous. Falls from ladders are one of the most common causes of injury in DIY tree care.

• Handling Sharp Tools Without Training: Power tools and saws require skill and caution. A moment of inattention can result in serious injuries.

7. Improper Mulching Practices

Mulch

Mulching around a tree’s base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but improper mulching is a common mistake among DIYers.

DIY Mistakes:

• Volcano Mulching: Piling mulch up against the trunk (creating a “volcano”) traps moisture and creates an environment for rot, pests, and disease.

• Using the Wrong Mulch: Certain types of mulch, like fresh wood chips, can deplete nitrogen from the soil, harming your tree.

  
  

A professional knows how to mulch in a way that benefits, rather than harms, your tree. They’ll ensure mulch is applied at the correct depth and distance from the trunk to promote healthy growth.

Save Time, Money, and Trees by Hiring a Professional

Tree care is a complex field that requires more than just basic gardening skills.

A certified arborist or tree care specialist brings knowledge, experience, and safety equipment that even the most dedicated DIYers often lack.

Rather than risking personal injury, property damage, or the long-term health of your trees, consider consulting with a professional for your tree care needs.

In the end, you’ll protect your investment and ensure your trees remain healthy, beautiful, and safe for years to come.

Remember: When it comes to tree care, sometimes the smartest way to "do it yourself" is by letting a professional do it for you.