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Category Archives: Tree Pruning

Never Do This When Cutting Down A Tree
Author webtechs Leave a comment Categories Cutting Down A Tree, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Trees In Arizona Posted on

Don’t Do This When Cutting Down A Tree

Never Do This When Cutting Down A Tree

When cutting down a tree, safety and technique are everything. Many accidents happen because of simple mistakes. Here’s a list of things you absolutely should NOT do when felling a tree:

🚫 DON’T Do These When Cutting Down a Tree

1. ❌ Don’t Skip Safety Gear

  • ALWAYS wear a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

  • A falling branch (called a "widowmaker") can be deadly.

2. ❌ Don’t Cut Alone

  • Always have someone nearby to assist or call for help in case of emergency.

  • Let someone know where you are and what you’re doing.

3. ❌ Don’t Use a Dull Chainsaw

  • A dull saw increases the chance of kickback and puts you at higher risk of losing control.

  • Keep your saw sharp and well-maintained.

4. ❌ Don’t Forget to Plan the Fall Direction

  • Know which way you want the tree to fall and clear that area.

  • Remove anything that might be damaged (cars, fences, power lines, etc.).

5. ❌ Don’t Stand in the Wrong Spot

  • Never stand directly behind or in front of the tree when it begins to fall.

  • Move at a 45° angle away from the fall path, and stay alert.

6. ❌ Don’t Ignore the Tree’s Lean or Dead Branches

  • If the tree is leaning, it may fall in that direction regardless of your cuts.

  • Look for dead limbs or weak spots—these may fall unexpectedly.

7. ❌ Don’t Make Only One Cut

  • Don’t try to chop through the tree with one horizontal cut.

  • Use the proper notch and back cut method:

    • Create a notch (face cut) on the fall side (usually 70°/20% deep).

    • Then make a back cut slightly above the notch on the opposite side.

8. ❌ Don’t Forget to Check for Obstructions

  • Power lines, structures, vehicles, fences—clear everything in the fall zone.

  • Trees near buildings or power lines should be handled by pros.

9. ❌ Don’t Cut in High Winds or Bad Weather

  • Wet or windy conditions can cause the tree to fall unpredictably.

  • Wait for calm, dry weather.

10. ❌ Don’t Attempt Large Trees Without Experience

  • Trees taller than 20 feet or near hazards (like power lines) should be handled by certified arborists or tree removal professionals.

✅ Bonus Tip: Inspect the Tree First

  • Check for:

    • Hollow trunks

    • Cracks

    • Rot or fungus at the base

    • Bee/wasp nests or wildlife

 

🌲 Step-by-Step Tree Felling Guide

✅ Before You Begin: Prep & Safety

  1. Wear full safety gear

    • Helmet, eye/ear protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, chainsaw chaps

  2. Inspect the tree

    • Look for lean, rot, cracks, dead branches, or wildlife nests

    • Identify hazards (power lines, structures, vehicles)

  3. Clear the area

    • Remove debris around the tree base

    • Ensure you have a clear escape path and fall zone (twice the tree height)

✂️ Step 1: Plan the Fall Direction

  • Decide where you want the tree to fall (usually in the direction it naturally leans)

  • Clear at least 2 escape paths at 45° angles behind you and away from the fall line

✏️ Step 2: Make the Notch Cut (Face Cut)

This tells the tree where to fall.

  • Side facing fall direction

  • Make 2 cuts:

    1. Top cut: Angle downward at 70°

    2. Bottom cut: Horizontal to meet the top cut

  • The notch should be about 20–25% into the tree's diameter

🪓 Step 3: Make the Back Cut

This releases the tree to fall.

  • Go to the opposite side of the notch

  • Make a horizontal cut slightly above the bottom of the notch

  • DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH — leave a "hinge" of wood (about 10% of the tree's diameter) to control the fall

🏃 Step 4: Retreat Immediately

  • As the tree begins to fall:

    • Shut off or drop the saw safely

    • Retreat along one of the 45° escape paths

    • Keep your eyes on the tree as you move

⚠️ Step 5: After the Fall

  • Wait for all motion to stop before approaching the tree

  • Be cautious of:

    • Tensioned limbs or branches

    • “Barber chairing” (a tree splitting vertically due to improper cuts)

🧰 Pro Tips:

  • Use wedges to prevent the tree from leaning back and pinching the saw

  • For large, heavy, or leaning trees — hire a professional arborist

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

More Articles About Arizona Landscaping

Author webtechs Categories mesquite trees, Tree Care, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Removal Costs, Tree Service, Tree Trimming, Trees In Arizona Posted on

Mesquite Tree Trimming Costs 2025

​In Arizona, the cost of trimming a mesquite tree in 2025 varies based on factors like tree size, condition, and location. Here's a breakdown to guide your budgeting:​

💰 Estimated Mesquite Tree Trimming Costs in Arizona (2025)

  • Small Trees (under 15 feet): $100 – $240

  • Medium Trees (15–25 feet): $275 – $475

  • Large Trees (25+ feet): $600 – $800 ​

These estimates can vary depending on the specific region in Arizona and the complexity of the trimming required.​

🛠️ Factors Influencing Trimming Costs

  • Tree Size & Height: Larger trees require more labor and equipment.

  • Tree Condition: Overgrown or diseased trees may need more extensive work.

  • Accessibility: Trees near structures or power lines can increase costs due to the need for specialized equipment or safety measures.

  • Service Provider Rates: Prices can vary between companies and regions within Arizona.​

📍 Regional Cost Variations

  • Phoenix Area: Average costs range from $386 to $574 per tree, depending on size and complexity.

  • Scottsdale: Small tree trimming costs around $100–$240.

  • Tucson: Costs are comparable to other regions, but it's advisable to get local estimates for accuracy.

📅 Optimal Trimming Time

The best time to trim mesquite trees is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This timing helps maintain tree health and reduces stress.

Tips for Hiring a Tree Trimming Service

Here are some key tips for hiring a reliable and qualified tree trimming service:

✅ 1. Verify Licensing and Insurance

  • Make sure the company is licensed to operate in your state.

  • Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation—this protects you if damage or injury occurs on your property.

✅ 2. Check Credentials and Experience

  • Look for companies with certified arborists (ISA-certified preferred).

  • Ask how long they've been in business and if they have experience specifically with mesquite or desert trees.

✅ 3. Ask for References or Reviews

  • Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau.

  • Request references from previous customers, especially for similar jobs.

✅ 4. Get Multiple Quotes

  • Obtain at least 2–3 estimates to compare prices and services offered.

  • Be wary of unusually low quotes—they may cut corners or lack proper coverage.

✅ 5. Clarify Services Included

  • Make sure the quote includes:

    • Debris removal

    • Hauling or chipping

    • Disposal fees

  • Ask if there's an extra charge for emergency work or difficult access.

✅ 6. Avoid Topping or Over-Pruning

  • A reputable arborist will avoid harmful practices like "topping," which can damage or kill the tree.

  • Ask about their pruning methods to ensure they follow proper tree health standards.

✅ 7. Get It in Writing

  • Always get a written estimate or contract that includes:

    • Scope of work

    • Estimated timeline

    • Total cost

    • Cleanup details

    • Any warranties or guarantees

✅ 8. Ask About Equipment and Safety Practices

  • Ensure they use well-maintained equipment and follow OSHA safety standards.

  • For large or risky jobs, confirm that crew members use harnesses, helmets, and safety lines.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.
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Author webtechs Categories Tree Care, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Service, Tree Trimming Posted on

Tree Trimming vs. Tree Pruning — What’s the Difference?

When you’re a homeowner that cares for your yard, most likely you’ve thought about tree trimming and tree pruning before. Both are great services throughout the landscaping industry. The differences are minute, though. Pruning is used for the removal inessential branches. Trimming, however, encourages healthy growth. Both services are performed at different times of the year, using extremely different types of equipment, to offer a healthier and better aesthetic landscape. Understanding their differences, though, is vital.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming encourages trees, shrubs, and hedges to grow in a healthy way. Frequently, commercial client’s trim trees making their property more appealing to potential clients. An improved appearance usually means more visitors.

Is Trimming Healthy for Trees?

Whereas trimming is nourishing when done properly, the removal of too much plant material can be detrimental your trees and/or shrubs. When you remove more than twenty percent of the foliage in one trimming period, it’s been said that you risk injuring your plants. Nevertheless, in most situations, the plant is going to be fine following it recovering. Arborists generally concentrate on removing greener shoots, which helps promote overall healthier growth. Along with growth, trimming also enhances the appearance of the tree itself.

Tree Pruning

Pruning is not only limited to the maintenance of trees. The term is usually related to the removal of inessential branches and from time to time possibly roots. These branches and roots could be dead and need to be removed from the tree. Sometimes, branches grow the wrong way. They grow near electrical utility wires or structures. Pruning helps keep unnecessary growth under control.

Is Pruning Healthy for Trees?

Routine pruning is required for the overall health and appearance of your tree(s). Pruning encourages new growth. It also improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, resulting in healthier plants that are more resistant to insects and disease. Without pruning, trees can appear unattractive with dead or unhealthy branches, resulting in even more severe issues like pest infestation and rot.

Tree Trimming and Tree Pruning Equipment Used

Regarding pruning, shears are usually the tool of choice– lopping-shears or hand-shears. These shears are normally strong enough for cutting through thinner branches. For thicker branches, a saw might be needed. For trimming, trimming shears, and saws are used to provide effective results and overall healthier growth.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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