Technological Improvements in Tree Trimming equipment are amazing.
When you think you have seen the newest and greatest, something better comes along. But with improvements in technology comes safety but at a cost, literally! At a recent trip to a cemetery, I encountered dead trees that were being removed. The company was using a boom with and automated claw and saw mechanism that was being controlled remotely from the ground. As someone who use to climb trees, I thought to myself, this approach is so much safer than climbing. In addition, the tree service was using a bucket truck with a worker running a chain saw. The trucks had outriggers for stability, and even had flashing indicator lights on the outriggers!
In speaking with the owner of Jarrett Tree Service Inc, out of Clyde, Ohio, everything has a cost. But with technology come greater employee safety and efficiency. All workers seemed to be very safety conscious as the wore head, eye, and ear protection.
Now is a perfect time to schedule tree work before the winter storms. In addition, dormant pruning tends to be less stressful on trees, and is a must when considering trimming oaks to reduce to chances of Oak Wilt.
The following fact sheet contains more details on Oak Wilt: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-tree-02
In addition, attached is another BYGL article: https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2081
So, either contact an arborist or prune your oaks while they are dormant. Remember, pruning can be dangerous! If you think the job is too big, call a professional. You can search for an International Society of Arborists (ISA). Calling on an ISA certified arborist may be your “BEST” call.
You can find International Society of Arboriculture arborists here: https://www.ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/trees4ohio_find-an-arborist
In addition, if you have fears on whether your tree is or be at risk of falling, ISA offers credentials to arborists that have completed the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). This is not for just oaks but any tree which may present you with concerns.
The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) is a voluntary qualification program designed to train and assess candidates in a specialized field of arboriculture. When a professional earns the ISA TRAQ credential, they should be recognized by their peers and the public as a tree care professional who has specialized knowledge in tree risk assessment.
So, as you contemplate trimming of felling trees for you winter firewood supply, consider your personal safety not only related to chain saw danger,
but also getting hit by a falling tree. Keep safety first in your mind. Be safe out there!