For homeowners
DIY vs hiring a tree pro: what is safe to do yourself
Some tree jobs are fine to do yourself. Many are not. Tree work is one of the more dangerous kinds of work, and mistakes can hurt people and damage homes. This page shows where to draw the line. We do not list prices. Get two or three written quotes.
By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we check facts
Lirevon is not a tree company.
The short answer
Short answer: small jobs from the ground, like light raking or hand-pruning a low branch you can reach, are fine for many people. Hire an insured pro for anything that needs climbing, a ladder, a chainsaw overhead, a crane, or is near power lines or a house. Never cut storm-damaged wood yourself.
Falls and cuts are a real risk in home tree work. A day you save is not worth an injury.
Side-by-side table
A quick comparison. Your tree and yard may differ, so ask a pro who has seen it.
| Topic | DIY from the ground | Hire an insured pro |
|---|---|---|
| Fine jobs | Raking, mulching, hand-pruning a low twig you can reach, watering a young tree | Removal, large limbs, anything high or heavy |
| Tools | Hand pruners, loppers, a rake | Chainsaws, climbing gear, lifts, cranes, chippers |
| Height | Feet on the ground only | Any work above your reach |
| Near wires or a house | Do not attempt | Pro, with the utility if needed |
| Storm damage | Do not cut it | Pro, after the area is safe |
| Insurance | Your own policy may not cover a DIY injury or damage | A company should carry liability and workers compensation; ask to see proof |
| Cost | Cost of tools and your time | Get two or three written quotes |
| Watch out for | Thinking a chainsaw job is quick and simple | Door-to-door crews with no proof of insurance and no references |
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
When to choose each
Lean toward: DIY from the ground
- Both feet stay on the ground.
- The branch is small, and you can cut it with hand tools.
- No wires, roof or fence is under or near the cut.
- The tree is healthy, and the job is light shaping.
- You feel sure, and a helper is nearby.
Lean toward: Hire an insured pro
- The job needs a ladder, climbing or a chainsaw overhead.
- The tree or branch is near power lines, a home or a car.
- The wood is storm-damaged, split, bent or leaning.
- The tree is large, dead or hollow.
- You are unsure. When in doubt, ask a pro.
Not sure? Ask two or three local, insured pros what they would do and why. Related: how to hire a tree service, what to do after a storm, the hiring checklist.
How to hire a pro safely
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation, and check they are current.
- Ask for a written quote that lists the work, the cleanup and the stump.
- Get two or three quotes for the same scope.
- Be careful of anyone who asks for full payment up front or who knocks on your door after a storm.
- Ask what they will do to protect your roof, lawn, fence and lines.
- Read a few recent Google reviews of the company.
More help: how to hire a tree service and questions to ask.
Safety first
- Stay away from power lines. If a line is down or a tree is on a line, call your utility. If anyone is in danger, call 911.
- Do not climb a tree or use a ladder with a saw. Leave work above your reach to trained, insured pros.
- Do not use a chainsaw on storm-damaged or bent wood. It can hold hidden tension and spring back with great force.
- Keep children, pets and cars well away from any tree work.
After a storm, read what to do after a storm. Back to the homeowner guides.
Common questions
Is it safe to cut down a tree myself?
For most people, no. Felling a tree is risky, especially near a house, a road or wires. A trained, insured pro has the gear and the training to do it more safely.
What tree jobs can I do myself?
Light jobs from the ground, such as raking, mulching, watering and hand-pruning a low branch you can reach. Keep your feet on the ground and stay away from wires.
Can I use a chainsaw to cut a fallen tree?
We suggest not, unless you are trained. Never use a chainsaw on storm-loaded, bent or split wood. It can hold hidden tension and spring back with great force.
What should I do if a tree is on a power line?
Stay far back, and keep others away. Call your utility for downed or touching lines. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Do not touch the tree or the line.
How do I check that a tree company is insured?
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing liability and workers compensation, and check that both are current. Ask the insurer to confirm if you want to be sure.
What if my insurance does not cover DIY tree work?
Policies differ. Call your insurance company and read your policy before you start. Short explanation, not insurance advice.
How much does hiring a pro cost compared with DIY?
We do not list prices for tree work. Size, access, the work and cleanup all change the price. Get two or three written quotes. Add the cost of tools, time and risk when you compare with DIY.
Should I rent a stump grinder or a chipper?
We suggest leaving these to a pro. They are powerful and can hit buried lines or throw debris. If you do anything with digging, call 811 first.
Is it okay to hire someone who knocks on my door after a storm?
Be careful. Get a written quote, proof of insurance and references first. Never pay in full up front. Check reviews on Google.
Does Lirevon do tree work or recommend companies?
No. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies. We help tree service owners run their business. This is general information for homeowners.
Go deeper: hazard tree, personal protective equipment, can I prune my own trees?, tree care by state, tree pests and diseases.
This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. We do not give prices for tree work; get two or three written quotes from local, insured pros.
Next step: find a local pro
Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not list, rank or get paid by any tree company.
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