If you have a tree in your garden that needs to come down, doing it yourself can seem like the obvious way to save money. For a very small tree, it may even be a reasonable option. Once trees get bigger, though, the job changes quite quickly.

There's the weight of the tree to consider, where branches might fall, what's around it and whether the tree is actually safe to work on. Before any of that, you also need to know whether you're allowed to remove it in the first place.

Is It Legal to Cut Down a Tree Yourself?

Generally, having a tree on your property doesn't mean you can automatically remove it without any checks.

Some trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). There are also additional controls for trees in conservation areas. Carrying out work on a protected tree without the necessary consent can have serious consequences, so it's worth checking before any work starts.

Boundaries can complicate things too. A trunk might appear to be in your garden while actually sitting on or very close to a boundary. If there's any uncertainty about ownership, check that first rather than dealing with an argument after the tree has been removed.

Your local authority can advise on TPOs and conservation areas.

Bird nests and bat roosts are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Regulations 2017. It is an offence to damage or disturb an active nest or roost, carrying penalties of unlimited fines and/or imprisonment.

Works to vegetation must be scheduled outside the main nesting season (1 March – 31 August) where possible. If this is not feasible, a competent person must inspect the site immediately before works begin. If an active nest is found, the area must be marked off and works postponed until the young have fledged and the nest is no longer in use.

Note: Bats are protected year-round. If a bat roost is suspected, works must stop immediately, and a qualified ecologist must be consulted before any further action.

When Is DIY Tree Removal Realistic?

There's a big difference between removing a young ornamental tree and taking down a mature tree that towers above the house.

DIY might be realistic for a genuinely small tree where everything can be done from ground level. You also need plenty of space around it, with no buildings, cars, fences or overhead cables nearby and nobody else at risk.

Once you need to climb, use a chainsaw at height or control where heavy branches land, you're into very different territory.

The size of the trunk isn't the only thing to consider either. A relatively small tree in an awkward corner can be a more complicated job than a larger tree standing in an open space.

What Can Go Wrong?

Quite a lot, unfortunately.

Wood is heavy. Even branches that don't look particularly large can cause serious damage when falling from height. Larger sections of timber can weigh far more than you might expect.

Trees aren't always predictable either. Decay can be hidden inside a trunk or branch. The weight may be unevenly distributed through the crown, while wind and the tree's natural lean can affect how it behaves once cutting starts.

Then there's everything underneath it.

If a branch isn't properly controlled, it could land on a greenhouse, shed, fence, car or neighbouring property. More importantly, it could hit somebody.

Chainsaws bring another obvious risk. Professional tree surgeons aren't simply people who own bigger chainsaws; training, experience and knowing how a tree is likely to react are all important parts of the job.

How Do Professionals Remove Trees?

One common misconception is that tree removal always means cutting through the bottom of the trunk and shouting "timber".

In a large garden with plenty of clear space, controlled felling may be appropriate. But that's not an option for many trees in residential gardens.

Trees near homes and other obstacles often have to be dismantled in sections. Tree surgeons can use climbing equipment, ropes and rigging systems to control branches and pieces of timber, lowering sections when letting them fall would be too risky.

Professional tree removal may involve chainsaws, protective equipment, harnesses, ropes, rigging equipment and wood chippers. The exact setup depends on the tree and the site.

Is DIY Actually Cheaper?

For a small, straightforward job, perhaps.

For anything more substantial, it's worth considering the full cost rather than just the price of hiring a tree surgeon. You may need the right equipment and protective gear, as well as a way to process or dispose of everything once the tree is down.

One mistake can cost far more than you save. A damaged fence is inconvenient; damage to a roof, vehicle or neighbouring property could be much more expensive.

There's also your time. Removing the tree is only part of the job. You're still left with branches, logs and potentially tree stump removal afterwards.

What About Insurance?

Don't assume your home insurance will automatically cover damage caused while carrying out tree work yourself. Policies and circumstances vary, so check your own cover before starting.

Liability is especially important if your work damages someone else's property or, worse, causes an injury.

When hiring a tree surgeon, ask about the insurance they have for the work they're carrying out. It's one of several reasons to use an established professional rather than simply choosing whoever offers the cheapest quote.

When Should You Call a Tree Surgeon?

If the tree is large, leaning, damaged, diseased or dead, a professional assessment is the best place to start.

The same applies when it's close to your house, a neighbour's property, a road or pavement, or where access is restricted. If doing the job means climbing or cutting above ground level, the risks are much higher.

Sometimes you're just not sure. That's a perfectly good reason to ask.

Tree Removal in Dagenham and Essex

At Kings Cut Trees, we provide professional tree removal throughout Dagenham, Essex, and the surrounding areas.

Every tree and garden is different, so we assess the tree and its surroundings before deciding on the safest and most practical way to carry out the work. If space is limited, trees can be carefully dismantled rather than felled.

If you have a tree that needs to come down and you're wondering whether you can tackle it yourself, get in touch with Kings Cut Trees. We can take a look, explain your options and provide a quotation for the work.