Tree cutting requires the use of both sharp tools and safety gear. Tree surgeons in Illinois use chainsaws, pole pruners, hand saws, climbing ropes, and wood chippers. You need to have proper training to handle them safely. Safety gears like helmets, gloves, eye and ear protection, and harnesses are equally important.
DIY tree work is often risky due to the use of such sharp equipment. This blog explains what tools are used so that you know the tree service you hired is really an expert in their task.
What Tools Are Used for Cutting Tools?
You will need various tools to cut trees. Arborists bring them with them and save you from renting these tools. Here are commonly used tools for cutting trees in Illinois.
Loppers
Loppers feature long handles with sharp blades at the end. These tools cut branches up to two inches thick. The extended handles give you the reach and power needed for medium-sized branches without climbing.
How To Use Tree Loppers?
It’s better not to give it a DIY try without proper training. Nonetheless, you need to position the branch deep in the blade opening for a clean cut:
- Hold handles firmly apart
- Place the branch near the base
- Squeeze handles together smoothly
- Cut at slight angles
- Remove one branch completely
Pruning Saws and Shears
Pruning saws have curved blades with aggressive teeth that cut on the pull stroke. Hand shears work like scissors for smaller branches and precise cuts. You’ll find both tools light enough for extended use throughout the day. Saws handle branches from one to four inches thick, while shears manage anything under three-quarters of an inch.
Chainsaws and Hand Saws
Chainsaws power through large trunk sections and heavy limbs quickly. Hand saws offer more control for detailed work in tight spaces. You’ll need both tools for the different cutting situations you face daily.
What Safety Steps Should You Take When Using Chainsaws and Handsaws?
More than 36,000 people receive emergency treatment for chainsaw-related injuries each year. Therefore, you must be careful while using the tool. Proper precautions prevent most chainsaw and hand saw accidents on the job:
- Wear cut-resistant chaps always
- Keep both hands secure
- Check chain tension regularly
- Clear your cutting zone
- Maintain sharp blade edges
- Never cut above the shoulders
Pole Pruners
These telescoping tools extend your reach up to 15 feet without a ladder. A cutting head sits at the top with either a saw blade or a bypass pruner attachment. The lightweight aluminum or fiberglass poles collapse for easy transport. You control the cutting action through a rope or trigger mechanism from the ground, making them perfect for branches between half an inch and two inches thick.
Wood Chippers
Wood chippers grind branches and debris into small chips for disposal or mulch. These powerful machines reduce pile volume by up to 90 percent. Gas or electric motors spin sharp blades that pull material through the feed chute automatically.
How Thick Can A Wood Chipper Cut?
Most professional chippers handle branches between three and six inches in diameter. Residential models typically max out at three inches, while commercial units process material up to 12 inches thick.
Wedge and Hatchet
Wedges are triangular metal or plastic pieces you drive into cuts to control the falling direction. Hatchets serve as compact axes for trimming small branches and driving wedges. Both tools fit easily in a belt holster for quick access. The wedge prevents your saw from binding during felling cuts, while the hatchet handles detailed work that doesn’t require full-size tools.
Bucket Trucks
These specialized vehicles lift you safely to tree canopies in insulated buckets. Hydraulic booms extend 30 to 75 feet, depending on the truck model. Experts control movement from inside the bucket using joystick controls. Bucket trucks work best on properties with clear access and level ground for stabilization.
Felling Levers
Heavy steel bars with a curved hook grip tree trunks during directional falling. The five to six-foot length provides maximum leverage when you’re guiding large trees. Most levers feature a pointed tip for ground purchase and a textured handle for secure grip. You need to position the hook against the trunk and push to direct the fall path precisely.
What Safety Gears Are Needed During Tree Cutting?
Having good tools is not enough for tree services, especially for cutting. You also need some safety equipment to protect yourself during the work. Also, avoid professionals who appear without any protection.
Gloves
Gloves protect your hands from cuts, blisters, and rope burns during tree work. You need different types for climbing, chainsaw operation, and general handling tasks.
How To Choose Durable Gloves For Tree Service?
You will find different variations in gloves. Some are great for tree trimming, while others are better for grinding stumps. Look for gloves that match your specific tree service tasks:
- Leather for climbing work
- Kevlar for chainsaw protection
- Synthetic for wet conditions
- Reinforced palms for durability
- Snug fit without restriction
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
Eye Protection
Safety glasses or goggles shield your eyes from wood chips, sawdust, and branches. You should wear wraparound styles that seal against your face for complete coverage. Clear lenses work for most situations, while tinted versions help on bright days. Anti-fog coating keeps your vision clear during physical work in humid Illinois weather.
Hearing Protecting
Earplugs and earmuffs reduce harmful noise from chainsaws and chippers. These devices prevent permanent hearing damage from prolonged equipment exposure.
How to Implement an OSHA Hearing Conservation Plan for Tree Work?
OSHA requires hearing protection programs when noise levels exceed 85 decibels for eight hours. You need to test workplace noise levels first, then provide appropriate protection to your crew. Training sessions should cover proper earplug insertion and earmuff adjustment. Regular hearing tests help you track any changes in your hearing ability over time.
Boots
Steel-toed work boots protect your feet from falling branches and equipment. You’ll want waterproof leather with aggressive tread patterns for grip on wet bark and uneven ground. Ankle support prevents injuries during long days on unstable surfaces.
What Are Tree Climbing Shoes Called?
Tree climbing shoes go by the name “climbing spurs” or “tree spikes” when they include metal gaffs. Professional arborists also use specialized climbing boots with reinforced shanks and narrow profiles. These boots feature lace-up designs that secure tightly around your ankles. The soles provide flexibility for feeling branch surfaces while maintaining protection from sharp objects.
Hard Hats
Hard hats deflect falling branches and protect against overhead hazards. The suspension system inside absorbs impact energy before it reaches your skull. Most models meet ANSI Z89.1 standards for Type I protection. You’ll find vented versions that keep you cooler during summer work in Illinois.
Helmets
Arborist helmets combine head protection with integrated face shields and earmuff attachments. These specialized designs protect you from multiple hazards at once.
What Is The Best Helmet For An Arborist?
The best arborist helmet depends on your specific work conditions and preferences. Tree care professionals will bring their helmets themselves. However, if you want to buy a helmet, then prioritize these aspects:
- Lightweight, ventilated shell design
- Integrated visor attachment slots
- Comfortable adjustable padding inside
- Compatible earmuff mounting points
- ANSI Z89.1 safety certification
Can You Wear Ear Protection With Tree Service Helmets?
Yes, most tree service helmets feature built-in slots for attaching earmuffs directly to the shell. These mounting points sit on both sides of the helmet at ear level. You can snap compatible earmuffs on and off quickly as noise levels change.
Chaps
Chainsaw chaps wrap around your legs with layers of cut-resistant fibers. The material jams chainsaw teeth instantly if contact occurs, stopping the chain before it reaches your skin. You should wear chaps whenever you operate a chainsaw, regardless of your experience level. Most professional models extend from the waist to the boot top for complete leg coverage.
Chainsaw PPE
Chainsaw personal protective equipment includes specialized gear designed specifically for saw operation. This category covers all body protection needed during cutting tasks.
What PPE is required for chainsaws?
OSHA and ANSI standards specify minimum protection for chainsaw operators:
- Cut-resistant chaps or pants
- Steel-toed protective boots
- Safety glasses or a visor
- Hard hat or helmet
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Hearing protection devices
Why Is It Important to Use Proper Tree Cutting Tools?
Professional arborists arrive with complete tool sets for every job. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment when you work with experienced tree care companies. They maintain and transport all necessary tools.
- Increased Safety: Professional tools include built-in safety features that prevent accidents. Proper equipment reduces injury risks and protects your property from damage.
- Faster Completion: Quality tools cut through wood efficiently and complete jobs quickly. You save money on labor when crews use the right equipment.
- Better Results: Sharp, well-maintained tools create clean cuts that help trees heal properly. Poor cuts from inadequate equipment lead to disease and decay problems.
- Professional Standards: Hire an arborist who uses industry-approved equipment meeting ANSI requirements. These professionals understand which tools work best for different species.
- Cost Efficiency: Professional-grade tools last longer and require less frequent replacement. Companies spread equipment costs across jobs, making professional services more economical.
Why Is Tree Service Safety Gear Necessary During Cutting Trees?
Professional tree service crews arrive fully equipped with complete safety gear for every team member. You don’t need to worry about protective equipment when hiring qualified arborists. They provide and maintain all required safety items.
- Injury Prevention: Safety gear protects workers from falling branches, flying debris, and equipment contact. Proper protection reduces emergency room visits and keeps crews working safely.
- OSHA Compliance: Professional companies follow federal safety regulations to protect their workers. Compliance prevents fines and ensures your property owner liability stays minimal.
- Professional Performance: Workers focus better on precise cuts when they feel protected and secure. Quality safety gear allows crews to work confidently in dangerous positions.
- Reduced Liability: Properly equipped crews protect you from potential lawsuits after workplace accidents. Insurance companies require documented safety programs for coverage.
- Long-Term Health: Hearing protection and respiratory equipment prevent cumulative damage over career spans. Safety gear protects workers from noise-induced hearing loss and lung problems.
Call Clean Green Tree Service for Safe Tree Cutting Service with Advanced Tools and Safety Gears
Clean Green Tree Service handles all your tree cutting needs across Champaign County. Our arborists arrive with professional-grade equipment and complete safety gear for every job. You get expert tree removal, precise trimming, and thorough cleanup from our experienced crews.
With the right tools and safety gears, we cut down trees like oaks, pines, walnuts, sweetgums, elms, maples, and other local species. We show up on time and treat your property with respect. Call 217-688-1857 today for safe, reliable tree service in Monticello, Champaign, and surrounding Illinois communities.
