Why Tree Service Safety Standards Matter More Than You Think: Protecting Your Property and Peace of Mind
When you need tree work done on your property, the last thing you want to worry about is damage to your home, landscape, or worse—someone getting hurt. Professional arborists follow strict safety standards that go far beyond just knowing how to use a chainsaw. These comprehensive protocols are what separate legitimate tree service companies from weekend warriors with a pickup truck.
The Reality of Tree Service Risks
Tree care workers experience fatalities at an annual rate 30 times the all-industry average. According to data gathered by the Tree Care Industry Association, there were 243 tree care-related fatal occupational injuries in the U.S. for calendar years 2020 through 2023, yielding an average of 61 such incidents a year. Each year, tree care injuries account for about 80 worker deaths and at least 23,000 chainsaw injuries across the U.S. While landscape service workers comprise less than 1% of the total workforce, they account for about 3.5% of all workplace fatalities.
These sobering statistics highlight why professional arborists must adhere to rigorous safety standards. Arborists are exposed to many hazards, from passing traffic to operating at heights. Employers are required to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
The Regulatory Framework That Protects You
While arborists are not loggers, neither are we a profession with an OSHA safety standard that specifically applies to us. Instead, we are covered under a patchwork of general industry standards, such as one for aerial devices, under 29 CFR 1910.67, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms, and one for saws, under 29 CFR 1910, Subpart P, Hand and Portable Power Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment.
However, professional tree care companies don’t rely solely on these general standards. Stakeholders from all corners of the industry – employers, employees, organized labor, equipment manufacturers, academia, and others – came together to develop the ideal safety standard for tree care operations – the ANSI Z133 standard. Developed through a consensus process by an accredited standards committee representing the entire industry, the ANSI Z133 standard captures the collective wisdom and experience of the entire profession.
How Professional Arborists Protect Your Property
When you hire a legitimate tree service company, they implement multiple layers of protection that extend far beyond worker safety. Here’s what professional arborists do to safeguard your property:
Pre-Work Assessment and Planning
ISA Certified Arborists provide professional assessments to identify hazardous conditions during tree removal. The tree assessment considers the following hazards: Whether the tree can hit people, property, cars, power lines, etc., if it falls · The condition of the tree makes it more likely for dead branches to fall unexpectedly during the process · Fungus or organic growth can spread to other trees if not managed properly · If the tree is leaning dangerously and can fall at any time · Weather conditions that can increase the risk of property damage or injury, such as high winds.
Before beginning any tree care operation, employers need to check the health of the tree and assess the work site for fall and struck-by hazards. This thorough evaluation helps determine the safest removal method and identifies potential risks to surrounding structures.
Establishing Safety Zones
Mark an area on the ground at least two times the tree’s height to avoid working where trimmings or tree removal may fall. Establish a verbal and visual communication system that the trimmer can use to inform ground workers to stand clear when an overhead hazard exists. This creates a buffer zone that protects both workers and your property from falling debris.
Proper Equipment and Techniques
Professional arborists use specialized equipment designed specifically for tree work. Aerial lifts (e.g., bucket trucks or cherry pickers) are available in many configurations, some with booms of up to 46 meters. Aerial lifts with material handlers are also available, though generally not with the longest booms. Aerial devices used in compliance with 29 CFR § 1910.67, Vehicle- mounted elevating and rotating work platforms, are considered a safe method of positioning employees.
Electrical Safety: A Critical Concern
One of the most dangerous aspects of tree work involves proximity to power lines. Assume all power lines are energized. Keep work at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines (and more than 10 feet if the voltage to ground is over 50 kilovolts). Call the power company to de-energize and ground the power line when needed.
All arborists work within OSHA’s Electrical Safety Related Work Practices Standard, 29 CFR Subpart S, 1910.331-335. This is a horizontal standard that applies to any worker who may be exposed to the hazards of energized conductors during their workday.
Why Certification and Training Matter
TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program is the only individual safety credentialing program in the industry and is designed to address several of the safety challenges that tree care companies face. These certifications ensure that arborists understand both the technical aspects of tree work and the safety protocols necessary to protect your property.
When you’re looking for tree services in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, companies like serrano tree service understand the importance of following these professional standards. Our team combines skilled craftsmanship with top-tier customer service to make your landscaping vision a reality. From small residential yards to large commercial properties, we treat every project with care and precision.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all tree service companies follow proper safety standards. Be wary of contractors who:
- Don’t carry proper insurance or certifications
- Fail to conduct pre-work assessments
- Don’t establish clear safety zones
- Lack proper equipment for the job
- Can’t provide references or proof of training
Before hiring a tree service, ensure they are a licensed tree service with ISA-certified arborists and insurance. This verification step can save you from significant liability and property damage.
The Bottom Line
Professional tree service safety standards exist to protect everyone involved—workers, property owners, and the community at large. Despite the widespread recognition about the inherent dangers of tree care work, OSHA largely regulates tree care through a patchwork of standards intended for other industries. Equipped with standards that only peripherally address tree care issues, OSHA inspectors, small businesses, and tree care workers run the risk of overlooking serious work site hazards or misidentifying the practices and procedures that best mitigate the risk of work-related illness or injuries.
This is precisely why working with certified professionals who go above and beyond minimum requirements is so important. When you invest in proper tree care, you’re not just maintaining your landscape—you’re protecting your most valuable asset: your home and family’s safety.
Remember, the cheapest bid isn’t always the best value when it comes to tree work. Professional arborists who follow comprehensive safety standards may cost more upfront, but they provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done safely, correctly, and without damage to your property.