Tree removal isn’t just about cutting down wood, it’s about managing risk. Whether it’s a dead fir threatening your roof, an overgrown maple leaning toward power lines, or a fallen trunk after one of Portland’s winter storms, removing trees requires precision, experience, and a clear safety plan.
At Monkeyman’s Tree Service, we’ve seen what happens when homeowners underestimate the complexity of this work: damaged property, serious injuries, and unnecessary costs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about tree removal safety, when it’s time to call in professionals, and how to choose the right team to handle it.
Is Removing a Tree Yourself the Right Choice?
It’s tempting to think tree removal is a manageable weekend project: grab a chainsaw, make a few cuts, and clear the debris. But in reality, it’s one of the most dangerous tasks a homeowner can attempt without training.
Trees are unpredictable. Their weight distribution, root anchoring, and internal decay all influence how they fall. Even a small miscalculation can send a limb or trunk in the wrong direction toward your home, your car, or you.
Ask yourself these questions before considering DIY tree removal:
- Is the tree taller than 15 feet?
- Is it near power lines, structures, or fences?
- Is the tree leaning or showing signs of internal decay?
- Do you have the proper equipment and safety gear?
- Have you ever safely used a chainsaw or rigging system?
If any answer is “no,” it’s safer and often cheaper in the long run to hire professionals who do this every day.
Why Tree Removal Is So Dangerous
Portland’s tree canopy is dense and diverse. That beauty comes with risk. Trees often grow close to homes, driveways, and utilities. When they need to be removed, a single mistake can have serious consequences.
Here’s why tree removal safety should never be taken lightly:
1. Weight and Momentum
A single cubic foot of fresh wood can weigh over 50 pounds. Once cut, that weight drops fast and unpredictably. If a trunk section swings or rolls, it can cause severe injury or crush property.
2. Hidden Internal Damage
Rot, pests, or structural cracks can alter how a tree reacts when cut. From the outside, it might look solid inside, it’s hollow and unstable.
3. Unpredictable Weather
Even light Portland winds or rain make a major difference in how branches move during cutting. Wet bark and slick soil increase slipping risks.
4. Electrical Hazards
Trees growing near overhead lines or underground utilities can become live conductors. Contacting or cutting too close to these lines is life-threatening.
The Risks of DIY Tree Removal
Many homeowners attempt DIY tree work to save money, but the hidden costs of injury, property damage, or improper removal can far exceed any savings. Here are the biggest mistakes we see:
1. Lack of Knowledge and Experience
Tree removal isn’t about brute strength; it’s about physics, leverage, and understanding a tree’s internal structure. Without this, cuts are often made in the wrong place, causing the trunk to split or fall backward.
2. Improper Tools and Gear
Chainsaws, ropes, wedges, and rigging systems are essential for safe removal. Without proper PPE (helmets, chaps, goggles, gloves), accidents happen fast. Even professional arborists use layered protection for a reason.
3. Misjudging Tree Weight and Balance
A leaning tree doesn’t always fall in the direction it leans. Hidden branch weight can shift the center of gravity mid-cut, changing fall direction unexpectedly.
4. Falling Branches and Debris
Branches often snap before you expect them to. Falling debris, even small, can cause concussions or cuts. Professionals use rigging to lower branches safely to the ground.
5. Ladder and Climbing Risks
Climbing a tree or using an unstable ladder with a running chainsaw is one of the leading causes of homeowner injuries. Arborists climb using ropes, harnesses, and anchors designed for controlled movement, not household ladders.
When to Hire a Professional Tree Removal Service
Most homeowners don’t realize how dangerous tree work can be until something goes wrong. Hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced Portland tree service ensures every risk is managed properly.
Here’s when you should always call in a professional:
- The tree is close to your home, garage, or power lines.
- You suspect rot, fungus, or hollow sections.
- The tree is too tall or heavy for your tools.
- The ground is sloped, muddy, or unstable.
- You’re not sure which direction the tree will fall.
Why Hiring a Professional Matters
- Trained for Safety
Certified arborists understand tree biology, balance, and cutting techniques. They know how to control each stage of the removal to minimize risk. - Equipped for the Job
Professionals use cranes, rigging lines, winches, and chipper trucks to handle heavy loads safely. Specialized tools make complex removals efficient and controlled. - Insured and Accountable
If something goes wrong, which is rare with trained crews, professional insurance protects you, your property, and the workers. DIY projects offer no such safety net. - Efficient Service
Experienced teams can complete removals in hours that might take a homeowner days, and they leave your property cleaner than they found it. - Proper Disposal
Professionals don’t just remove the tree, they chip, haul, and recycle the wood. Many services, including Monkeyman’s, offer stump grinding and regrading for a clean, safe finish.
How to Choose the Right Tree Removal Company
Choosing the right team is as important as the removal itself. Here’s what to look for before hiring:
- Certifications and Licensing
Always verify that the company employs ISA-certified arborists and holds a valid CCB license for Oregon. - Insurance Coverage
Ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Never hire uninsured tree workers it leaves you responsible if accidents occur. - Experience and Reviews
Check for consistent, verified reviews on Google and local directories. Look for real project photos, not stock images, to confirm their work quality. - Transparent Pricing
Reputable companies offer free quotes and explain costs clearly. Avoid vague estimates or “too-good-to-be-true” pricing. - Safety Practices and Equipment
Ask how the crew will protect surrounding property, structures, and utilities. Professionals plan each removal using ground crews, spotters, and protective barriers.
Conclusion
Tree removal may seem straightforward, but the reality is anything but. Every cut changes how a tree behaves, and one wrong move can create life-threatening situations.
By hiring a professional Portland tree removal service, you ensure that the process is handled with skill, precision, and full regard for safety for both your property and the people involved.
Contact Monkeyman’s Tree Service, our certified arborists bring decades of experience managing the Pacific Northwest’s unique challenges from dense Douglas firs to aging oaks. We combine expert knowledge with advanced equipment to remove trees safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
If you’re unsure about the stability of a tree on your property, don’t take chances. Schedule a tree inspection or removal consultation today.
FAQs
Question 1: What are the signs that a tree should be removed?
Ans: Look for significant leaning, hollow or cracked trunks, dead branches, fungus at the base, or signs of root upheaval. These indicate structural instability.
Question 2: Can I remove a tree during bad weather?
Ans: No. Never attempt removal during rain, wind, or ice. Wet surfaces and gusts make trees unpredictable and extremely dangerous to cut.
Question 3: How much does professional tree removal cost in Portland?
Ans: It varies based on tree size, condition, and accessibility, typically ranging from $300 to $1,500. Larger or hazardous trees may cost more, but are handled safely and efficiently.
Question 4: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Portland?
Ans: In many areas, yes, especially for large or street-side trees. A professional service can help you check city requirements and handle the paperwork.
Question 5: What happens to the tree after removal?
Ans: Monkeyman’s offers full wood hauling, chipping, and stump grinding. We recycle usable wood whenever possible and leave your property clear and safe.