Tree Work Isn’t a DIY Job, Warns ArbWest Committee Member

For many homeowners across Western Australia, the thought of removing a tree themselves might seem like a way to save money. But experts warn that the hidden costs of DIY tree work can be far higher — and far more dangerous — than most people realise. 

“Tree work isn’t a DIY job,” says Joe Carriera, General Manager at Beaver Tree Services and member of ArbWest committee. “Every year, we hear heartbreaking stories of people who are seriously injured — or even killed — trying to do this kind of work themselves.”

While hiring a professional arborist may seem like an expensive option, Joe says it's a necessary investment in safety and quality.

The High Cost of DIY Tree Work

Attempting tree work without proper tools or training can result in damaged property, serious injury, medical bills, or a ruined garden — all of which far exceed the cost of hiring a qualified professional.

“Most homeowners don’t realise how technical and dangerous tree work really is,” says Joe Carriera. “It’s not just about cutting branches. It’s about understanding how trees grow, how they respond to stress, and how to safely manage all the hazards involved — especially around powerlines and buildings.”

Joe Carriera

Why Tree Work Is Best Left to Professionals

1. Lack of Knowledge and Training

Tree care isn’t something you can master in an afternoon. It requires years of hands-on experience and an understanding of tree biology and physics. Misjudging how a tree will fall or how a branch will move under stress can lead to catastrophic results.

“Cutting down a tree involves far more than grabbing a chainsaw,” Joe explains. “You need to control the direction of the fall, account for root tension, and evaluate internal decay or rot. One wrong cut can result in serious injury or worse.”

For example, if a fallen tree is still attached to an up-ended root plate, severing the trunk can release dangerous tension, potentially pulling the stump — and anyone nearby — back into the hole with crushing force.

2. Poor Situational Awareness

Even those with basic tree knowledge often miss critical hazards in the surrounding environment. Trees that grow near powerlines, fences, or other structures present significant risks.

“Powerlines are a major concern,” Joe Carriera says. “Every year, untrained people come into contact with live wires, either directly or through tools or branches. These accidents are often fatal.”

Many DIYers also make the mistake of working alone, further reducing situational awareness and increasing the risk of accidents. 

3. Improper Use of Equipment

Chainsaws, ladders, stump grinders, and wood chippers are all standard tools for arborists — but extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. 

“Using a dull chainsaw or standing on a dodgy ladder is a recipe for disaster,” says Joe. “We’ve seen people lose control of chainsaws, fall from trees, or have heavy limbs land on them. It’s just not worth the risk.”

Using inappropriate or poorly maintained equipment is one of the most common causes of injury in DIY tree work. Many homeowners also lack access to specialised machinery such as aerial lifts or cranes, which are often essential for safe removals.

Why Is Tree Work So Expensive?

If you’ve ever gotten a quote for tree removal and felt a bit of a shock — you’re not alone.

“I just want a tree removed, I don’t want to buy your truck!” one homeowner joked when the arborist turned up and told him the cost.

 But there’s a good reason for the price tag.

“People often ask why it costs so much to just ‘cut down a tree,’” says Joe. “But what they don’t see is the complexity involved. We often need to dismantle a tree piece by piece to avoid damage to homes or roads. That takes time, skill, and the right equipment.”

Tree removal jobs often require:

• Specialised machinery like cranes or elevated work platforms

• Traffic control permits and flagging when working near roads

• Highly trained crews who understand how to work around electrical infrastructure

• Comprehensive insurance to protect both the workers and the property owner

“Dead or storm-damaged trees are especially dangerous,” Joe adds. “They’re unpredictable. A limb might snap without warning or the whole structure could collapse while someone is climbing it.”

What Can Homeowners Do?

Joe Carriera encourages homeowners to seek qualified arborists who are members of ArbWest. All ArbWest members are carefully vetted and have the correct certification and insurance.

“Ultimately, it’s about protecting yourself, your property, and your family,” he says. “The cheapest option is rarely the safest — and when it comes to tree work, the stakes are just too high.”

Alarming facts

• In 2023, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector – which includes arboriculture – recorded 27 worker fatalities, the highest fatality rate across all industries in Australia (9.2 per 100,000 workers).

• Between February and July 2024, NSW alone recorded 7 serious tree work incidents, including falls from heights and workers being struck by branches.

• On average, 4–5 people die each year in Australia from falling tree branches, often in public or residential settings.

For more information or to find a qualified arborist near you, visit arbwest.com.au, and go to Find a Contractor. If you have received a notice from Western Power, you will need a powerline qualified arborist, which you will find here: https://www.arbwest.com.au/powerline-qualified 

** Tree work images provided by Arboriculture Australia with thanks to and ETS and Steve Bell Images