For many homeowners across Western Australia, the thought of removing a tree yourself might seem like a way to save money. But experts warn the hidden costs of DIY tree work can be higher, and more dangerous, than most people realise.
“Tree work isn’t a DIY job,” said Joe Carriera, General Manager at Beaver Tree Services and member of the ArbWest committee. “Every year, we hear heartbreaking stories of people who are injured, or even killed, trying to do this kind of work themselves.”
While hiring a professional arborist may seem like an expensive option, Joe said 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 yard. All of these things far exceed the cost of hiring a qualified professional.
“Most homeowners don’t realise how technical and dangerous tree work really is,” said Joe. “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.”
Why tree work is best left to professionals
Tree care isn’t something that can be mastered 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 explained. “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.
Even those with basic tree knowledge often miss hazards in the surrounding environment. Trees near powerlines, fences, or other structures present risks.
“Powerlines are a major concern,” Joe said. “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.
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,” said 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, often essential for safe removals.
Why is tree work so expensive?
“People often ask why it costs so much to just cut down a tree,” said 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; and
• comprehensive insurance to protect both the workers and the property owner.
“Dead or storm-damaged trees are especially dangerous,” Joe added. “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 encourages Western Australian 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 said. “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 seven serious treework incidents, including falls from heights and workers being struck by branches.
• On average, between four and five 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.
