If you have trees on your land, you'll need to have them pruned and thinned-out regularly to keep them healthy and in good shape. Where very large trees are concerned, it's best to have this job carried out by a good local tree service company, although you might want to tackle smaller jobs yourself. Using a chainsaw to cut through thick branches is undoubtedly quicker than using a handsaw, but this can be dangerous if you don't go about it the right way. Here are some top tips for safe chainsaw use.
The right gear
The very first thing you need to have in place before you even think about starting the chainsaw is the right safety gear, and a trip to your local DIY store and outdoor gear supplier should get you everything that you'll need. You will need:
Head and face protection is very important, as a flying splinter could easily blind you or cause a very nasty injury. Instead of buying separate items, you could opt for a helmet with an integral flip-up mesh face guard and ear protectors.
Chainsaw chaps are also extremely important. They are made from multiple layers of Kevlar underneath a nylon outer layer. If the chainsaw catches the chaps, it will penetrate the shell. The Kevlar puts up a good degree of initial resistance, finally stopping the saw in seconds by snagging the fabric in the chain.
A safe environment
Before you begin working, look around you at the environment in which you will be working. Make sure that there is an easily accessible, unobstructed escape route that you can take when the tree branches fall. If you're felling a whole tree, make sure that it will fall into a clear area, rather than onto power lines or outbuildings. Factors that can influence this are the direction in which the wind is blowing and physical things such as damage to the tree or diseased areas of the branches.
In conclusion
If you want to carry out tree lopping tasks yourself using a chainsaw, you should bear in mind the safety guidelines outlined above. For larger jobs, tree felling and the like, it's always a good idea to ask your local tree service company for more advice and assistance, as their operatives will be experienced and trained in chainsaw use.
Share11 November 2016
Hi, my name is Christine. As a lifelong lover of the Shel Silverstein book "The Giving Tree," I have always been interested in the many different relationships one can have with a tree. I own a relatively large property with several trees, and I have worked hard to make those trees an essential part of my life. Some of my trees provide me with food, others provide me with energy-efficient shade that reduces my air conditioning bill and others create recreation opportunities for my kids in the form of treehouses or swings attached to the trees. Still other trees boost my property values just by being beautiful. If you want ideas about using your trees for fun, form and function, please explore this blog.
