Safety

Certified Arborists: All team members, especially those handling tree removal, pruning, and risk assessments, should be certified by a recognized organization like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certified arborists have the expertise to safely assess and manage trees.

Ongoing Education: Regular safety training and workshops are held to keep employees updated on the latest techniques, safety standards, and new equipment.

Helmet: Arborists should always wear helmets to protect their heads from falling branches or tools.

Gloves: Specialized gloves protect against cuts and abrasions when handling tools or climbing.

Chainsaw Protective Clothing: Pants, jackets, and chaps made from cut-resistant materials will be worn to prevent injury from chainsaw accidents.

Eye and Ear Protection: Safety goggles or face shields protect against flying debris, and ear protection helps safeguard hearing from loud machinery like chainsaws and chippers.

High-Visibility Gear: In busy or high-traffic areas, workers will wear high-visibility vests or clothing to be seen by others.

Tree Assessment: Before any work begins, an experienced arborist should evaluate the tree’s health and structural stability to identify any potential hazards. This includes looking for signs of disease, rot, or structural weaknesses that could pose risks during removal or pruning.

Site Assessment: A full evaluation of the worksite should be conducted to identify potential hazards such as power lines, nearby structures, unstable ground, or traffic. Based on this evaluation, a work plan is created to minimize risk.

Safety Gear for Equipment: All machinery, such as chainsaws, stump grinders, and chippers, should be equipped with safety features like automatic chain brakes, emergency shut-offs, and protective guards.

Climbing Equipment: When climbing trees, arborists will use high-quality ropes, harnesses, lanyards, and carabiners, all rated for the specific weight load and conditions.

Crane and Rigging: For large trees, cranes or rigging systems are often used to control the direction of tree falls or to lift large branches. These systems will be used by trained professionals with proper safety checks in place.

Establishing a Safe Zone: A safety perimeter should be established around the work area to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering dangerous zones. Clear warning signs and barriers are used to keep bystanders at a safe distance.

Clear Communication: Crew members will always communicate clearly, especially when using chainsaws, rigging equipment, or climbing. Hand signals, radios, or other communication tools help ensure everyone is aware of movements and actions in real-time.

Weather Conditions: Tree work will be postponed in dangerous weather conditions such as high winds, storms, or electrical storms. Wet or icy conditions can also make climbing and working at height more hazardous.

Climbing Techniques: Proper climbing techniques, including the use of ropes and harnesses, help prevent falls. 

Rigging for Falling Trees: In some cases, controlled tree removal using rigging equipment is necessary to ensure that a tree falls safely in a predetermined direction. This minimizes the risk of damage to nearby structures or other trees.

Lifting Equipment: For larger trees or limbs, cranes may be used to safely lift and lower large sections of wood. Only certified crane operators ooperate these machines.

First Aid Kits: A well-stocked first aid kit is readily available on-site, and team members are trained in basic first aid and CPR.

Emergency Protocols: Clear protocols are in place in case of an accident, including emergency contacts, evacuation routes, and specific steps for handling injuries.

Preventing Damage to Property: We take care to avoid damage to surrounding property, structures, and landscaping. This may involve using protective barriers, rigging, drop zones, or cranes to carefully control where limbs fall.

Avoiding Environmental Harm: We take steps to minimize damage to the surrounding ecosystem. For example, we avoid disturbing wildlife habitats, limit soil compaction, and properly dispose of debris.

Chipping and Hauling: After tree work, branches and wood should be properly chipped or hauled away to prevent tripping hazards and maintain a clean worksite.

Safe Debris Handling: Care should be taken when handling logs, branches, and other debris, especially sharp objects like broken branches or stumps.

Liability Insurance: We carry appropriate insurance to cover accidents, damage to property, and worker injuries.

Written Estimates and Contracts: We ensure that all services are documented and agreed upon beforehand to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that safety standards are outlined clearly.

By following these comprehensive safety protocols, we  significantly reduce the risks associated with tree care, ensuring the safety of both the crew and the property owner while providing quality, professional service.