Pruning trees is a common landscaping practice that can improve the look of your yard and the health of your trees. But did you know that pruning can also pose a liability risk?
That’s right – if you prune a tree in a way that damages property or injures someone, you could be held liable. So, before you grab your pruning shears, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved. This blog post will shed light on professional tree pruning liability and the important information you need to know about it.
What Is Tree Pruning
Tree pruning is the process of trimming or cutting branches from a tree. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including improving the tree’s appearance, removing damaged or diseased branches, or promoting new growth. Pruning can be done by hand with pruning shears or with power tools like a chainsaw.
What Are the Risks of Tree Pruning
The risks of tree pruning come into play when the pruning is done improperly. This can damage the tree and surrounding property or injure people.
Some of the specific risks to be aware of include the following:
• Damaging the tree: If you cut too much off of a branch, you can damage the tree. This can make the tree more susceptible to disease, insect infestation, or wind damage.
• Injuring people: If a branch falls and injures someone, you could be held liable. This is especially true if the branch was improperly cut and you knew or should have known that it was a danger.
• Damaging property: If a branch falls and damages property, you could be held liable for any damage sustained because of the fallen branch.
Determining Professional Tree Pruning Liability
As a tree pruning professional, you likely understand the importance of maintaining the health and safety of your trees. However, you may not be aware of the potential liability you could face if something were to go wrong during the pruning process. The trick is making sure everyone is covered in case of an emergency. Here are the steps you can take:
1 – Verify Credentials
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company to handle your tree pruning needs. This will ensure that you are protected should any damage occur while they are working.
2 – Review Insurance
Ask to see a copy of the company’s insurance and make sure that it will cover any damage that could occur.
3 – Review the Contract
Before signing the contract, make sure that any language regarding liability is included. This will protect you should any damage occur.
4 – Ask Questions
If you are unsure about anything, ask the company to explain it. This will ensure that you are covered in case of an accident.
5 – Document
Make sure to document any damage that does occur. This will help with any insurance claims that need to be filed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining professional tree pruning liability can be complex. Factors such as the type of tree, the severity of the damage, and the jurisdiction in which the tree is located all play a role in who is ultimately responsible for the costs of tree pruning. However, by understanding these factors and consulting with an experienced tree pruning professional, you can ensure that your tree is properly pruned and that you are not held liable for any resulting damage.
If you are looking for emergency tree services in Dunwoody, contact ATL Tree Work. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality tree services that come at reasonable prices. Let us handle your tree care for you today!
