Should You Remove a Tree Yourself or Call a Professional?

The sun is shining, and you have a free Saturday arvo ahead — so naturally, you’re contemplating tackling that overgrown gum tree in your backyard. It’s a pretty common idea. Plenty of homeowners consider a bit of DIY tree removal to save money and get the job done quickly. But before you fire up the chainsaw, it’s worth knowing what’s really involved in pro tree removal services.

Tree removal is more than just cutting a few limbs and yelling, “Timber!” There’s serious risk to your safety, property, and even your legal standing if you don’t go about it properly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of going DIY versus when it’s smarter (and safer) to call in the experts for tree removal in Melbourne.

The Appeal of DIY Tree Removal: When Going Solo Seems like a Good Idea

Let’s be honest: it’s super satisfying to do a job yourself. You save a bit of cash, you don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment, and if the job looks small enough, it feels manageable. Here’s where DIY can have a place:

Pros of DIY Tree Removal

1. You can save money on labour.
2. There’s no need to wait around for quotes or bookings.
3. For small trees or branches, it can be relatively low-risk — when you know what you’re doing.

But here’s the catch:

Cons of DIY Tree Removal

1. Big (BIG!) safety risks. Falling branches, unstable trunks, and misused tools can do serious damage.
2. It’s pretty likely that you don’t have the right gear. Tree removal needs ropes, chainsaws, stump grinders, and proper harnesses.
3. You might be breaking the law. Melbourne councils have strict tree maintenance guidelines. You might need a permit, and removing protected trees without one could lead to hefty fines.
4. One wrong move and you could damage your roof, fence, or even underground pipes and utilities. The council won’t thank you for that, either.

Melbourne’s local tree regulations can be confusing at the best of times. If you don’t know the rules, you could remove a tree that’s meant to stay and wind up having to replace it later.
When it comes to the tree removal services Melbourne locals trust, it’s best to have someone who knows the ropes — literally.

Why Hiring a Professional Tree Removal Service Is the Safer Choice

DIY might sound doable…right up until something goes wrong. The truth is, tree removal is a technical and dangerous job.
Here’s why bringing in the pros is often the smarter move:

Benefits of Professional Tree Removal

1. Qualified arborists know how to handle trees of all sizes, including those in tight spots near homes or fences.
2. We use specialised equipment: wood chippers, stump grinders, safety harnesses — you name it, we use it.
3. We understand Melbourne tree removal laws and handle any necessary permits.
4. Our process ensures trees fall in the right direction and don’t damage your property.
5. We carry insurance that protects you from accidents, injuries, or unexpected damage.

If something goes pear-shaped during a DIY job, you’re on the hook for repairs and hospital bills. With MTS, you get peace of mind from the start. Sound good? You might like to check out our tree removal service areas. Whether you’re in the thick of the suburbs or on a tighter city block, tree removal in Melbourne is best left to the professionals who do it day in, day out.

When to Call a Professional: Signs You Shouldn’t Attempt Tree Removal Yourself

You should be on the lookout for these clear red flags that you shouldn’t touch that tree with a ten-foot pole:

1. The tree is taller than your house.
2. It’s within falling distance of power lines, fences, sheds, or the neighbour’s property.
3. You don’t have a proper chainsaw, harness, ropes, or PPE.
4. You don’t have the training to operate a chainsaw (YouTube doesn’t count). 
5. The tree is sick or dying and could break apart unpredictably.
6. You don’t know whether you need council permission to remove it.

Tree removal in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and tree removal in south-east Melbourne each come with their own local rules and risks. If you’re not sure what’s allowed, don’t risk it.

For commercial sites or workplaces, safety is even more critical. You really don’t want that tree coming down on an office building and leaving you liable for the workplace’s lost earnings. The government has guidelines surrounding tree maintenance for office spaces, which you should check before even thinking about starting work.  

What’s the Best Option for Your Melbourne Property?

If you’re dealing with a very small, manageable tree and you’re confident in your skills, DIY might be an option — especially if you have a license to use the chainsaw that’s rusting in your garage. But when the job is bigger, riskier, or legally grey — it’s time to call in the pros.

Tree removal in Melbourne isn’t something to mess around with. From the safety risks to council laws, the stakes are as high as the branches. Getting it done right the first time can save you a lot of headaches.

Need help? The team at Melbourne Tree Specialists are here to make your tree problems disappear — safely and efficiently. Contact us today for a quote or advice.