What’s up, friends? David Eisenhower here from Eisenhower Tree Care, and today I want to talk about something a lot of folks are tempted to do—DIY tree cutting.
Now, I get it. You’re thinking, “It’s just one limb,” or “How hard could it be?” But here’s the deal: tree cutting is a whole lot more dangerous than most people realize. I’ve seen it all, and I’ve got five hidden dangers you need to know before you head out there with a chainsaw.
1. Falling Branches
Let’s start with the obvious—but often overlooked. Falling branches are a real threat. It’s not always the one you’re cutting that gets you. Sometimes it’s that hidden limb you didn’t see above your head… until it’s too late.
And if a limb falls the wrong way? It can knock you off a ladder or cause serious injury. Which leads us to number two…
2. Serious Injury (Or Worse)
I hear this all the time: “My husband tried to trim a tree and ended up in the ER.” Tree cutting might look simple, but it’s not. One wrong move and you’re risking serious injury—or even death.
This is exactly why professionals exist. We’re trained for this stuff, and we’ve seen the worst-case scenarios. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
3. Electrocution Hazards
Now this one’s sneaky—and deadly. A lot of people don’t realize just how many electrical hazards are involved in tree work.
There’s an entire sector of tree care dedicated to working near power lines, because it’s that serious. Trees can fall during storms and bring lines down with them. If there’s a metal fence nearby? That whole thing can become electrified.
I’m not trying to scare you—I’m just being real. After a storm, don’t rush out to clean things up. Wait a couple days. Let the electric company do their thing. It’s not worth your life.
4. Trees Falling the Wrong Way
You know those viral “tree fail” videos? Yeah… not so funny when it’s your house on the receiving end.
Bad cuts, misjudged weight, decay inside the trunk you couldn’t see—there are so many reasons a tree might fall the wrong direction. That’s why we use ropes, machines, and a whole lot of know-how to control where the tree goes.
If you don’t have a plan—and a backup plan—it’s a gamble.
5. Damaging the Tree
Even if you manage to avoid injury, you could still be doing real harm to your tree.
Rusty saws, dirty tools, bad cuts—these can all spread disease or prevent your tree from healing properly. And when that happens, you’re not just risking the health of that tree, but possibly others nearby too.
Cutting too close to the trunk? Not leaving enough of that branch collar? That stuff matters. A healthy tree is a beautiful thing. Let’s keep it that way.
Final Word: Don’t Go It Alone
Look, I know the DIY mindset. But when it comes to trees—especially big ones—it’s just not worth the risk.
Most reputable tree companies (ours included) offer free estimates. You can get a full consultation on your property at no cost. We’ll let you know what’s safe, what needs attention, and how to keep your trees healthy for years to come.
If you’re a Kansas City homeowner, we’d love to help you out. Hit the link in the description and schedule a visit. Keep your property beautiful—and your family safe.Stay smart,
David Eisenhower
Eisenhower Tree Care
