DIY Tree Maintenance: What Homeowners Can Safely Do

Some tree jobs are fine to do yourself, and some put people in the emergency room. Last time we compared the two sides of the bay in Hillsborough County Trees: How They Differ from Pinellas. This time we draw the line between what you can handle in your own yard and what should wait for a trained crew, whether that yard is in Largo, Oldsmar or anywhere else around the bay.

Reaching the high limbs of a tree like this is a job for a trained crew.

Safe DIY Tasks (With the Right Tools)

Ground-Level Pruning: You can safely prune branches you can reach while standing on the ground. Use clean, sharp pruning shears for branches under a quarter inch and loppers for branches up to an inch and a half. Make cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).

Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, pine bark) around the base of trees, keeping it 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk. This retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.

Watering Young Trees: Newly planted trees (in their first 2 to 3 years) need deep watering once or twice a week during dry periods. Use a slow trickle from a hose for 20 to 30 minutes, or install a drip irrigation system.

Visual Inspections: Walk your property monthly and note:

• New dead branches

• Changes in leaf color or density

• Cracks or wounds in trunks

• Mushrooms or conks at the base

• Leaning or soil heaving around roots

Cleanup After Minor Storms: You can collect and dispose of small branches that have fallen during typical afternoon thunderstorms.

A walk around the yard once a month is the easiest way to catch problems early.

When to Call Anthony's Tree and Stump Service Immediately

Anything Above Head Height: If you need a ladder to reach it, don't do it yourself. Ladder falls are a common cause of injury during yard work.

Branches Near Power Lines: Never attempt to prune branches touching or near power lines. Contact your utility company first, then Call Anthony's Tree and Stump Service.

Large or Heavy Branches: Any branch thicker than your wrist, or that would require significant force to cut, should be handled professionally. Improper cuts can cause branches to fall unpredictably.

Structural Issues: Cracks in trunks, significant leans, multiple trunks with weak unions, or branches with included bark need professional assessment.

Disease or Pest Infestations: If you notice unusual leaf drop, discoloration, oozing sap, or visible insects, get a diagnosis before taking action. Wrong treatments can make problems worse.

Trees Over Structures: Any tree with branches over your house, pool, driveway, or a neighbor's property requires professional evaluation and work.

Permit-Protected Trees: In both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, many trees are protected by ordinance. Removing or heavily pruning them may require permits.

The Cost-Benefit Reality

Yes, hiring a professional tree crew costs more upfront than doing it yourself. But consider:

• Medical bills from a fall or injury

• Property damage from a dropped branch

• Tree death from improper pruning

• Fines for violating tree ordinances

• Reduced property value from damaged or ugly trees

Professional work preserves your trees' health, safety, and beauty, and often saves money long term.

Coming Up Next

Next is Storm Season Prep: Protect Your Trees Before June 1st, a step by step schedule for getting your trees ready before hurricane season.

Talk to Anthony's Tree and Stump Service

If a tree on your property worries you, call us at (727) 254-0338 or request an estimate. We serve homeowners and businesses across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties from our Oldsmar office.