DIY Tree Service vs. Professional Tree Service in Georgia: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Getting Out the Chainsaw
- Marsel Gareyev
- Jul 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2025
In Georgia, where the trees grow tall, wide, and often a little wild, it’s pretty common for homeowners to roll up their sleeves and take on a few yard projects themselves. And hey—we get it. If you own a chainsaw or a pair of loppers, you might think, “Why not just take care of this tree myself?”
But there’s a big difference between trimming a few twigs and taking down a 60-foot pine leaning toward your garage. Before you grab the ladder and some gloves, it’s worth asking: when does DIY tree service make sense, and when is it time to call the pros?
Let’s walk through the real differences between doing it yourself and hiring a certified tree service in Georgia—so you can make the safest (and smartest) choice for your property.
The Allure of DIY: Why Homeowners Take Tree Care Into Their Own Hands
It’s Cheaper… Right?
One of the biggest reasons people try DIY tree service is the upfront cost. You think, “I’ve already got some tools and a free weekend—why not?” And for small jobs like light trimming, that might work out just fine.
But here’s the thing: tree work isn’t like painting a fence or fixing a garden bed. When things go wrong, they go very wrong—and suddenly that “free” weekend turns into a broken fence, an ER visit, or a tree stuck in your neighbor’s driveway.
I once had a buddy in Cobb County try to cut down a dead tree on his property. He watched a few videos, borrowed a chainsaw, and figured it’d be quick. That tree twisted the wrong way and crushed part of his deck. His savings on labor? Gone in one loud crack.
DIY Tree Work: What’s Actually Safe to Handle?
Light Trimming & Pruning (Low Branches)
If you're working with small branches you can reach from the ground (or safely from a short step ladder), light pruning can usually be done safely—especially if the tree is young, healthy, and not near structures or power lines.
You can handle:
Removing dead twigs or small branches
Cutting away light growth from the base of trees
Light shaping of hedges or small ornamental trees
Anything Taller, Heavier, or Unpredictable? That’s a No-Go
Once you introduce heights, weight, or instability, the risks multiply quickly. Tree limbs may look small from the ground, but even a medium-sized branch can weigh hundreds of pounds. And when it’s moving at speed? That’s real danger.
Professional Tree Service: What You Get That DIY Can’t Match
1. Training and Certification
Certified arborists (like the ones at All For One Tree Service) go through extensive training to understand tree biology, structural integrity, disease signs, and proper cutting techniques. This isn’t guesswork—it’s science and experience combined.
They’re trained to spot:
Internal decay that isn’t visible from the outside
Risk of tree or limb failure
Insect infestations or fungal disease
Root problems caused by poor drainage or soil erosion
2. The Right Tools for the Job
Pros don’t show up with a rusty ladder and a Home Depot saw. We use:
Ropes, rigging, and climbing harnesses
Pole saws and extension equipment
Commercial-grade wood chippers
Cranes (for dangerous or tall tree removals)
Stump grinders and root removal systems
And perhaps most importantly, we bring safety gear and knowledge that’s hard-earned through hundreds (sometimes thousands) of tree jobs.
Risks of DIY Tree Service in Georgia (That People Rarely Talk About)
Personal Injury
Falls from ladders, chainsaw accidents, and falling limbs are all among the top causes of ER visits during DIY projects. And yes, even experienced homeowners can slip up when the angle is wrong or the wind picks up.
Property Damage
We’ve seen it all—trees dropped on cars, fences knocked flat, and entire sections of roof crushed because someone miscalculated the fall direction. Trees rarely fall “perfectly.” Pros use ropes, not luck.
Electrical Hazards
Georgia Power won’t give you a pass just because you didn’t know the branch you cut was near a live wire. Working near power lines without proper clearance training is dangerous and often illegal.
Liability
If your DIY tree work damages a neighbor’s property or injures someone—even by accident—you could be held legally responsible. Professional tree services carry insurance for a reason.
The Insurance Side: What Most Homeowners Don’t Realize
Here’s the thing—homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage you cause during DIY work. If you drop a tree and it damages your home or someone else’s, and you weren’t qualified or insured to do the work, you’re on the hook.
On the flip side, when you hire a licensed and insured professional, you’re protected. If something goes wrong (rare, but possible), their insurance handles it. You get peace of mind.
Professional Services That Are Worth Every Penny
If your tree situation involves any of the following, pick up the phone:
Taking down a whole tree—especially if it’s large, leaning, or near structures—is never a DIY job. Tree removal in Georgia requires skill, planning, and the right equipment.
Branches near power lines? Over the roof? Hanging 20 feet in the air? That’s a pro job. We offer tree trimming services across Georgia to keep your property safe and trees healthy.
Just not sure if a tree’s dead, dying, or still salvageable? A certified arborist can evaluate root health, disease, decay, and structural risk. Early detection saves you money—and your trees.
After a storm, things can get hectic. If a tree or limb has fallen, let us handle the clean-up. We offer emergency tree services to restore your yard safely and quickly.
Making the Right Choice: DIY or Pro? Ask Yourself
These Questions
Can I reach it from the ground without risk?
Is the branch smaller than my wrist?
Is the tree away from the house, cars, and power lines?
Do I have proper tools and safety gear?
Do I have experience doing this safely?
If the answer to any of these is no—call in the pros. You’ll thank yourself later.
What It’s Really Like to Work with All For One Tree Service
We’re not here to oversell. We’re here to help. We live and work right here in Georgia, and we treat your yard like it’s our own.
When you work with us, you get:
Friendly, honest communication
Clear evaluations and recommendations
Safe, respectful service
Fully licensed and insured crews
Fast scheduling and reliable work
Whether you need one tree looked at or a full yard cleared out, we’ve got your back—and your property covered.
Final Thoughts: DIY Pride Is Great, But Tree Work Is Different
There’s no shame in wanting to handle things yourself. But trees are big, heavy, and often unpredictable—especially in Georgia’s storm-prone climate. If something goes wrong, the consequences are huge. If you’re even a little unsure, don’t risk it.
Instead, let us do the heavy lifting—literally. We're here to keep your trees healthy, your home safe, and your weekends stress-free.
📞 Call All For One Tree Service today. We’ll help you figure out what needs trimming, what needs removal, and what can be left to grow strong and beautiful.
