Tallahassee Democrat

May 19, 2014

By Sam Hand

Over my many years in the tree care industry, I have seen (and heard reports of) many serious injuries, and deaths, caused by inexperienced persons trying to do their own tree pruning. In the majority of cases, the individual was trying to work off the ground on a ladder or was climbing into a large mature tree. The other injuries were usually due to the improper use of tools and equipment. One of the most unusual injuries was due to someone cutting a branch off of a main limb. The branch had grown pressing against another limb. When cut at the base, it straightened out, penetrating into the pruner’s eye socket. Fortunately, the eye was pushed aside and was able to be saved, but the photograph of the limb sticking out of the socket should convince even the most daring of “Do It Yourselfers” that proper procedures and appropriate safety equipment are essential when pruning trees.

So, what are the basic rules?

• First and foremost, never leave the ground unless you are tied into the tree, and unless you are a professionally trained rope climber, this means “Keep your feet on the ground.” I have known of several serious injuries, resulting in paralysis, from amateurs falling off ladders while trimming trees. If the tree is too large to reach the limbs with a pole saw, hire a professional, certified arborist, who is properly insured with both liability and workman’s compensation insurance.
• Second, use the proper tools, and know how to use them correctly.
• Use the proper safety equipment. Eye protection is essential. Gloves can reduce scrapes and cuts from hand tools and thorns. Long sleeves and gloves can also help protect against poison ivy. Proper shoes, with metal toe protection are also appropriate. Hard hats can protect against head injury.
• Stand back and use a pole saw to extend your reach so that the limb can’t fall on you. You should never cut above your head (with or without a hard hat).
• Prior to beginning any pruning, check to see if there are any energized electrical lines near, or in contact with, the tree. If the tree is touching the utility it can become energized. If you make contact with the energized tree, you can become a new “path to ground” for the electricity and may be seriously injured or killed. In fact OSHA (“Occupational Health and Safety”) requirements, forbids tree workers, unless they are a “Certified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer”, from working in any tree which is closer than ten feet to an energized utility, or if any part of their body or tools would break into the ten foot separation barrier.

Finally, when using chain saws, all PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) is essential. Professional tree care personnel, trained in the use of these extremely dangerous saws, are required to use protective leg chaps, hearing protection, safety goggles, work boots and hard hats. If the experts need them, amateurs (this means you) certainly do! Although design improvements of modern chain saws have helped reduce the chance of “Kick Back”, it can still occur. You need to be trained in the proper and safe use of such power equipment. If it can take off a tree limb, it can easily remove your arm or leg. If it kicks back into your neck, and clips your carotid artery, hopefully you have completed your “last will and testament” before beginning to trim your trees.

Remember, have fun pruning, but “keep it safe”.

Sam Hand, Jr., is Extension Faculty at Florida A&M University. For more information about gardening in our area, visit the UF/ IFAS Leon County Extension website at http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu. For gardening questions, email us at Ask-A-Mastergardener@leoncountyfl.gov

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