Safety in High Pruning: Why You Should Never Do It Yourself

Every year, falls from height remain one of the main causes of serious accidents in forestry and gardening work. Climbing an 8 or 10-metre tree with a chainsaw, without a harness, without training and without help, is one of the riskiest decisions a homeowner can make in their own garden. In this article we explain why safety in high pruning is not optional and what separates a professional job from an avoidable accident.

The real risks of pruning large trees without training

High pruning combines several hazards at once, and not all of them are obvious until it is too late:

• Falls from height: the most serious risk, made worse if there is no lifeline or safe anchor points.
• Branches and trunks falling uncontrollably, endangering both the person pruning and people and property below.
• Using a chainsaw while off balance, an especially dangerous combination without the right technique.
• Proximity to power lines, common with urban trees and plots next to overhead cables.
• Heat stroke and fatigue, which slow reflexes during long jobs in summer.

Essential personal protective equipment (PPE)

A professional arborist never climbs a tree without certified, inspected equipment. The minimum includes:

• CE-certified climbing harness, specific to tree work (arboriculture), not a generic construction harness.
• Certified dynamic and static ropes, inspected before each use and replaced according to their service life.
• Helmet with face protection, against falling branches and chainsaw chips.
• Certified karabiners and ascenders, for climbing, descending and positioning in the tree.
• Independent lifeline, as a backup system if the main anchor point fails.
• Cut-resistant gloves and trousers, designed to stop the chainsaw chain in case of accidental contact.

Cherry picker or climbing technique: two methods, the same standard

When access allows, a cherry picker or aerial work platform removes much of the risk by eliminating the need to climb, although it still requires training in operating the equipment and using a chainsaw at height. When the climbing technique is used, the demands increase: every move depends on well-calculated anchors, double securing and years of practice in reading the tree's structure before cutting.

Liability insurance: non-negotiable

Beyond the equipment, there is one element that is often overlooked: the liability insurance of the company doing the work. If a branch falls on a car, a swimming pool or a neighbour's house, without insurance the owner may end up paying for the damage. Hiring an insured company is not an extra; it is basic protection for whoever commissions the work.

What a trustworthy high pruning company should have

Before hiring, check that the company has:

• Certified protective equipment in good condition, visible on the job itself.
• Valid liability insurance.
• Proven experience in high pruning, not just general gardening.
• A clear written quote before starting.

At Jardines Costa Blanca we work with our own certified equipment, liability insurance and years of experience in high pruning in Alicante. If you have a large tree that needs attention, ask for a free quote through our high pruning service in Alicante and leave it in the hands of professionals.