Safety first: never cut a tree that is near a power line, leaning on a structure or under tension, and never climb a tree with a chainsaw.
Cutting down a tree yourself looks like an easy way to save money, and for a small tree in an open yard it can be reasonable. For anything bigger, the risk goes up fast, and so do the hidden costs. This guide explains what the injury data shows, when DIY makes sense and when to hire a pro in Salina KS.
What the injury data shows
An analysis in TCI Magazine, published by the Tree Care Industry Association, estimated about 282,000 emergency-department visits for chain-saw injuries in the U.S. from 2010 through 2019, or roughly 28,000 a year, with about 6 percent requiring hospital admission. A Penn State study of 2018 to 2022 data estimated nearly 128,000 emergency-department visits for chainsaw injuries over those five years, and found that the majority of the fatal injuries it identified were caused by falling objects such as trees and limbs.
The same TCI Magazine series found that falls from ladders are a common way homeowners get hurt doing tree work, often when a cut branch strikes the base of the ladder or the ladder slides on unstable ground, and that contact with an energized conductor was a primary injury source in homeowner lift operations.
When DIY can be reasonable
- A small, healthy tree you can cut from the ground, in open space with nothing under it.
- A tree well away from lines, buildings, fences and neighbors, with a clear fall zone at least as wide as the tree is tall.
- Cuts made at ground level, with no ladder and no climbing.
- You have proper gear, a plan and an escape route, and you are not working alone.
When not to DIY
- Any tree near a power line. Evergy handles lines, and a branch can carry current. See trees near power lines in Salina KS.
- A tree over or leaning on a house, garage, fence or car.
- A tree that is dead, hollow, cracked or storm-damaged. The wood may fail without warning. See dead or dying tree in Salina KS.
- Anything that needs a ladder, climbing or a chainsaw above shoulder height.
- A tree under tension, such as one pinned or bent by another tree. See what to do when a tree falls on your house in Salina KS.
- A large trunk. Weight and fall direction become hard to control.
The hidden costs of DIY
- Equipment. A good chainsaw, protective chaps, helmet, eye and hearing protection, ropes and wedges add up if you do not already own them.
- Disposal. You have to cut, load and haul a lot of wood. Residents can take limbs to city-run options when available, but a whole tree is a big job. See storm debris cleanup in Salina KS.
- Damage risk. A tree that lands on a fence, roof or car can cost far more than the saved fee.
- Injury risk. An emergency room visit and lost work cost more than a quote.
- Insurance questions. Ask your insurer about coverage before you start. See does homeowners insurance cover tree removal in Salina KS.
What a pro adds
A professional crew brings training, rigging, insurance and cleanup. They can take a tree apart in sections, control how it falls and carry liability if something goes wrong. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and a written scope. See how to hire a tree service in Salina KS and the tree removal cost in Salina KS guide for typical prices.
A middle path
You can split the job. Hire a pro to take down the tree, and then cut up and stack the wood yourself, or keep it for firewood. Or do the cleanup, raking and brush hauling and leave the cutting to the crew. Say in the quote what you want to keep and what you want hauled.
If you do it yourself
- Call 811 before any digging, including stump work.
- Check the weather. Do not cut in wind, rain or ice.
- Wear a helmet, eye and ear protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps and sturdy boots.
- Plan the fall direction, clear the area and plan two escape paths.
- Have a second person nearby and a phone with you.
- Stop and call a pro if anything feels wrong.
Common questions about cutting down a tree yourself
Do I need a permit to cut down my own tree?
Rules depend on where the tree stands. Trees on city property and the public right-of-way belong to the city, so contact the city before touching one. For a tree on your own lot, ask the City of Salina whether anything applies to your address.
What about a small dead tree in my back yard?
A small dead tree can be a reasonable DIY job if it is short, away from lines and buildings and you can cut it from the ground. Dead wood is brittle and unpredictable, so if you are unsure, get a quote.
Is it cheaper to rent a bucket truck?
Rarely worth it. Aerial lifts are involved in many serious injuries, often to people without training, and the rental, delivery and insurance cost more than they seem. A crew already has the equipment and training.
Need a tree looked at in Salina KS?
If you want a professional opinion, request a free tree service quote in Salina KS. Describe the tree, where it stands and what worries you, and send photos if you can. Print the tree check checklist for Salina KS homeowners to walk your property first, or read the tree service FAQ for Salina KS.
