Want to keep your garden safe without risking life and limb?
Every year thousands of householders face garden problems that are far bigger than a weekend project. Overgrown trees, diseased timber, unruly hedges…you name it.
Yet very few of these tasks should ever be taken on without professional help.
And with that being said…
Hiring a professional can be:
- Safer than doing it yourself
- Quicker than trying to figure it out on your own
- More cost effective than an amateur botch job
You’ll learn:
- Why Some Garden Jobs Are Not Safe For DIYers
- Common Garden Problems That Need A Professional
- Finding The Right Professional For The Job
- How To Maintain A Safe Garden
Why Some Garden Jobs Are Not Safe For DIYers
Some gardening jobs are never meant to be on your weekend to-do list.
While gardening itself can be relaxing and rewarding. Other jobs come with risks you should never take on DIY. Tree work, for example, has a Major Injury rate higher than the construction industry according to the HSE.
That’s right. You’re more likely to get seriously hurt taking on garden repairs than building a house.
Overhanging tree removal, in particular, is one of the leading causes of accidents in the home. Heavy branches that sit over houses can easily fall in unpredictable ways. Even the slightest error could result in falling timber damaging property or hurting bystanders.
That’s why hiring a trained tree surgeon company for overhanging tree removal is always the best idea. They have the knowledge, insurance and equipment to safely handle dangerous tree work. Don’t risk trying to take it on alone.
Fallen trees and branches kill thousands of birds each year. Imagine if it was your children:
A large branch does not care how “careful” you try to be. Make one wrong move and you could be left with a damaged roof, a crushed fence or a trip to the hospital.
Common Garden Problems That Require Professional Help
OK sure. Overhanging trees may be the most common problem. But there are plenty of garden jobs that are also not safe for the average DIYer.
Lets take a look at some of the situations that catch people out every year.
Diseased Or Damaging Trees
You may not see it right away, but dying trees are a garden hazard.
Decay, disease or insect infestation can silently weaken trees over time. You may not see any signs until its too late and the tree collapses, causing injury to people or damage to property.
If you suspect a tree may be rotten on the inside. Its best to call in a certified arborist who can assess the health of the tree. Trying to fell or trim a diseased tree yourself is dangerous. Weak timber can snap unexpectedly, which is why professionals should handle it.
Structural Damage From Tree Roots
Did you know roots can grow under paths and even through concrete?
Tree roots will search for moisture wherever they can. Which often leads to structural problems with paths, walls and drainage. But its not always obvious at first. The tell tale signs may not appear until its too late and you need to hire a landscaper. Not good.
Another problem most people don’t realise…
Tree roots are living things that continue to grow if they are not properly removed. Cutting them without understanding the impact on the tree or your property can cause serious long-term damage.
Large Hedge Removal
Busy cutting back that monster hedge with kitchen shears? Think again.
Larger mature hedges are a different beast entirely. They can have massive root systems, weigh tonnes per branch and contain protected wildlife. Cutting out an active bird nest is illegal. Simple.
Leave hedge removal or trimming to trained professionals who know how to spot hazards.
Drainage And Waterlogging Issues
Rainwater is nice. Until it decides to pool all around your house.
Whether its soakaways, French drains or invasive tree roots. Drainage problems should be handled by trained professionals. Not only will they know how to fix it. They can advise on how to prevent it from happening again.
Some landscaping companies will even come with a CCTV drain survey device. Meaning they can diagnose blockages WITHOUT digging up your garden first.
Bonus points if they offer a written quote too.
Unsafe Garden Walls And Fencing
Maybe you’ve seen it once or twice in your neighbourhood. A wobbly fence or garden wall that has gradually leaned over time.
Some may think its not a big deal. But you’d be surprised how many animals and children wander into gardens on a daily basis. Letting their guard down around an unstable structure puts them at risk of serious injury.
Garden walls and fences should always be kept in good repair. If you suspect a problem. Call a professional to check it over.
According to RoSPA, accidental deaths have increased by 42% in the last decade. Majority of these deaths occurred in and around the home. A falling garden wall is preventable. But only if you take action.
How To Choose The Right Professional For The Job
Look, finding the right professional to take care of your garden problem doesn’t need to be difficult. But trusting the wrong company can end up costing you.
Here are a few things you should always look for:
- Qualifications and accreditations: Do they have the qualifications required to do the job? Tree surgeons should always be able to provide NPTC qualifications.
- Insurance: How confident would you feel if they don’t have public liability insurance? Before they step foot on your property, you should feel 100% safe.
- Reviews / References: Check their Facebook page or Google reviews for feedback. Do they have a reputation for good work? Don’t be afraid to ask for past customer references either.
- Written Quotes: Speaking of quotes. Get it in writing! A verbal quote is worthless if something goes wrong.
Easy stuff right?
You don’t need to spend hours researching companies. But taking the extra time up front could save you money later.
Maintaining A Safe Garden Year Round
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. By keeping on top of your garden you’ll be able to spot potential problems before they arise.
Create a simple seasonal checklist and get into the habit of incorporating it into your yearly plans.
- Spring: Inspect trees for damage after winter storms. Check fences for wear and tear.
- Summer: Keep an eye on trees and hedges that grow thick throughout summer months. You don’t want them hovering over your house.
- Autumn: Clear your drains and gutters before the rain hits.
- Winter: Keep an eye out for leaning trees or walls. Frost can weaken structures over time.
If everything looks OK. Great! You’ve saved yourself some bucks.
If not. That’s when calling in a professional will benefit you.
Wrapping It All Up
No one wants to become a statistic by trying to “DIY” something they’re not qualified to do. When it comes to certain garden problems, health and safety should always be your number one priority.
Remember:
- Don’t be afraid to admit when a job is too big for you.
- Tree work is dangerous (even for professionals).
- Take your time finding the right professional for the job.
- Keep your garden in good repair to prevent issues.
- Double check everything with seasonal maintenance.