Thinking of Cutting a Tree Down Yourself? Why You Should “Leaf” It to the Professionals in Ipswich
Owner, Drew Brien, with a very large chainsaw.
Thinking of Cutting a Tree Down Yourself? Why You Should “Leaf” It to the Professionals in Ipswich
I’ll admit it — I’ve heard this plenty of times:
“It’s just a tree… how hard can it be?”
And I understand the thinking. You’ve got a chainsaw, a free weekend, and a tree that’s starting to worry you.
But here’s the honest reality:
Tree removal — especially large tree removal — is one of the most dangerous jobs in Australia.
And in Ipswich, with the size of gum trees we deal with, things can go wrong very quickly.
Trees Don’t Always Fall Where You Think They Will
On open rural land, dropping a small tree in a clear paddock is one thing.
But suburban Ipswich blocks are different.
You’ve got:
Houses
Fences
Sheds
Pools
Neighbours
Powerlines
Even experienced operators don’t just “eyeball it.” We calculate weight distribution, lean, wind direction, structural weaknesses and escape paths.
A small miscalculation can mean:
Roof damage
Broken fences
Cracked concrete
Insurance nightmares
Large Trees Are Under Tension
Big trees hold enormous internal tension.
When you start cutting:
Limbs can spring unexpectedly
Trunks can split vertically (barber chairing)
Sections can twist mid-fall
Heavy branches can drop without warning
I’ve seen DIY attempts where homeowners were lucky to walk away uninjured.
Climbing a Tree Is Not the Same as Removing One
Another common thought is:
“I’ll just climb up and cut it down in pieces.”
Climbing and dismantling a tree safely requires:
Rigging systems
Load-rated ropes
Anchor point knowledge
Controlled lowering techniques
Proper PPE
And when we’re dealing with large trees close to homes in Ipswich, we often use cranes because it’s the safest and most controlled option.
That’s not overkill — that’s experience talking.
Insurance Is a Big Factor
Here’s something many people don’t think about:
If you damage your own home while cutting a tree down yourself, your insurance may not cover it.
If the tree falls onto your neighbour’s property, things can become complicated very quickly.
When you hire a fully insured, professional team, that risk doesn’t sit on your shoulders.
The Hidden Costs of DIY
At first glance, DIY seems cheaper.
But once you factor in:
Equipment hire
Waste disposal
Time off work
Potential damage
Injury risk
It often ends up costing more — especially if a professional has to fix a half-finished job.
I’ve been called out to plenty of situations where someone started the job and quickly realised it was bigger than expected.
Large Ipswich gum trees have a way of doing that.
It’s Not Just About Cutting — It’s About Control
When we remove a tree at Brien’s Tree Solutions, especially a large crane-assisted removal, it’s not just about making it fall.
It’s about:
Controlling every section
Protecting your home
Protecting your neighbours
Protecting our crew
Leaving your yard clean and tidy
Anyone can cut wood.
Not everyone can remove a 20-metre tree over a house safely and professionally.
When DIY Might Be Fine
To be fair — small shrubs, tiny trees in open areas, or light pruning at ground level can be manageable for capable homeowners.
But if the tree is:
Taller than your house
Leaning
Close to structures
Storm-damaged
Near powerlines
It’s time to “leaf” it to the professionals.
(Sorry — had to.)
Unsure Whether to DIY or Call a Professional?
If you’re in Ipswich and considering removing a tree yourself, I’m happy to give honest advice.
Sometimes it’s simple.
Sometimes it’s not.
But when it comes to large or complex tree removals — especially the big crane jobs — safety should always come first.
And that’s exactly what we specialise in. Just contact us, don’t risk it.
