Don’t go out on a limb when trimming trees 

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HIRE a professional to prune, trim or remove trees on your property, make sure you understand the dangers before you tackle the task yourself: trimming and removing trees can be dangerous—even deadly. 

You can be seriously injured or killed if you come into contact with an electric line. Survey the area, and if there’s a chance power lines might be involved at all, call your electric utility first. 

If you have to get into the tree, use safety harnesses and ropes when climbing. Wear safety goggles, hard hat, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and appropriate work shoes. Before climbing, inspect the tree for power lines running through or near it. 

Improper cutting can cause the tree to fall where you hadn’t planned. Always have two escape routes planned in case the tree starts going the wrong way. Don’t turn your back to a falling tree. 

Branches and limbs can be flung when a tree hits the ground. Tie off limbs to be cut and lower them to the ground with rope. Always wear a hard hat when trimming and cutting. 

Tree trimming safety 

Common dangers to avoid before attempting a tree trimming project on your own: 

• Electrocution: If there’s a chance power lines might be involved at all, always call your electric utility first and its experts will come out and advise you. 
• Falling: If you have to get into the tree, always make sure you are using appropriate safety harnesses and ropes. Before climbing, inspect the tree to make sure no power lines run through or near it. 
• Being struck: Always have two escape routes planned in case the tree starts going the wrong way. Never turn your back to a falling tree, and always wear a hard hat when trimming and cutting. 
• Overestimating: Don’t overestimate your abilities.

Electrical dangers, detailed

Never place yourself or your equipment within 10 feet of a power line. You will you be shocked or electrocuted if you physically touch a line with any part of your body or clothing, or any material that is in contact with a power line. 

Pay attention to the wind: If you are cutting a branch and the wind blows it into a nearby power line, you can be electrocuted. If a cut tree or limb falls into a power line and dislodges it from the pole, the ground where the line falls can become electrified and electrocute anyone nearby.

If the area is within the utility’s right-of-way or a dead or dying tree can fall and threaten a power line, call your co-op and see if they can help.

STEVE HAMPTON Superintendent of Operations at Cumberland Valley Electric.