Menu

Our Reviews
Ashley Langridge
google

I had a large oak tree taken down near power lines and an outdoor kitchen. I was well informed about the work they were going to do and how long it should take. The team was professional, fast and dropped the tree safely. They used a bucket truck and climber to trim branches from the top half of the tree with no damage to the yard around the tree.  I am extremely pleased with Driscoll Tree service work.

Ryan Hunt
google

Driscoll Tree Service and its team are professional, friendly, and excellent at tree removal. Their prices are the best. We had them remove a completely dead tree and a super large branch. For both experiences, they came out fast and did an Incredible job. Highly recommend.

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

What Can Go Wrong With Untrained Tree Removal

If you’ve ever stood in your yard and looked up at a big and diseased or aging tree, then you know the mix of feelings it can stir. On one hand, that tree has probably given your home shade, beauty, and countless memories. On the other hand, maybe it’s leaning toward your roof, dropping limbs in every storm, or threatening your years to come.

secondary

At some point, a tree removal become less of a “maybe someday” and more of a “today’s the day.” But do you pull out the chainsaw or call in the pros?

In this brief article brought to you by Driscoll Tree Service, we highlight the risks of trying to DIY a removal. In many cases, it’s simply not a viable – or legal – option.

Permits Matter

secondary

Believe it or not, that tree might not be ‘yours’ per se. Many trees are considered part of the “urban forest” that helps keep our communities green, cool, and healthy. They improve air quality, provide shade (which is no small thing during Georgia summers), and even maintain property values.

In fact, cities like Atlanta, Decatur, and Sandy Springs have rules in place about which trees can be removed and when. Permits are designed to strike a balance between a homeowner’s needs and the community’s interest.

Falling Trees and Limbs Don’t Fall Predictably

Even if you are permitted, a standing tree stores enormous energy. Once it’s cut, that energy releases fast… and not always in the direction that you expect.

Without professional training, it’s easy to misjudge weight distribution, internal decay, wind direction, and branch tension. The tree can very well fall sideways, split unexpectedly, or kick backward toward you. Falling limbs – darkly called “widowmakers” – are especially dangerous since they can snap loose from above without warning.

Power Lines Turn Mistakes Into Fatal Accidents

Georgia neighborhoods are filled with utility lines. If you’ve been skipping tree service like trimming and pruning, those lines may be running directly through tree canopies. Even if a branch appears far away, it can arc toward a live line once cut.

Remember, electricity can travel through branches, tools, and even the ground. You don’t have to touch the wire directly; even closeness to power lines can result in electrocution, fires, or explosions.

Injuries Are Often Severe or Fatal

It’s not just falling branches and electrocution that threaten your life. Chainsaws, ladders, and unstable footing form a deadly combination. According to national safety data, tree work consistently ranks among the most dangerous occupations

Unlike other home projects, there is little margin for error when removing a tree. Common injuries include severe lacerations, crushed limbs, head and spinal injuries, and fatal blunt-force trauma.

Property Damage Happens in Seconds

Let’s hope you can dodge any falling branches, but roofs and fences aren’t so nimble. One miscalculation is all it takes to crush these or shatter a windshield.

To make matters worse, insurance companies often deny claims if the work was done without professional credentials. That means the repair costs come straight out of your pocket. You can be sure that replacing a roof is going to cost more than hiring a tree company in Stone Mountain.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Now, what if that tree or some branches fall on your neighbors property? Well, you’re legally liable. Without proper insurance – and even with it – homeowners can face lawsuits, denied claims, and long-term financial consequences.

Professional crews from companies like Driscoll Tree Service carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation for exactly this reason.

Bring in the Local Pros

Professional tree removal specialists don’t just yell timber; they assess lean, load, decay, weather, soil conditions, and surrounding hazards before making a single cut. They also use specialized equipment to control the descent of limbs and trunks, and they carry insurance – just in case.

At Driscoll Tree Service, our trained crews handle even the most complex removals with precision, care, and full insurance coverage. When a tree must come down, we make sure that it happens the right way.

Still have questions or concerns? Call or message Driscoll to consult with a knowledgeable member of our team today.

Other News

blog1
Mar 29,2023
Factors That Affect Tree Removal Cost

Factors That Affect Tree Removal Cost Trees are valuable additions to any landscape, but sometimes you must remove them. Whether it’s a dying, dead, or potential hazards tree, you should immediately hire a professional tree care company to address the…

Read More
blog1
Feb 21,2025
How Proper Tree Care Can Support Wildlife

How Proper Tree Care Can Support Wildlife Trees are magnificent additions to any landscape and the environment. Like most living things, proper care and maintenance go a long way to enhance aesthetics, health, and longevity. A healthy tree provides shelter…

Read More
blog1
Oct 24,2024
How to Help Flooded Trees & Shrubs

How to Help Flooded Trees & Shrubs Flooding can cause significant damage to trees and shrubs, especially if water remains stagnant for long. While these plants are resilient, excess water can weaken their root systems and affect their growth, causing…

Read More
blog1
Oct 16,2025
The Top Signs Your Tree Is a Safety Hazard

From the towering oaks that shade our driveways to the graceful magnolias that perfume our summers, trees are part of the charm of Georgia. They give our landscapes shade, color, oxygen, and sometimes fruit. While trees are a blessing, they…

Read More
blog1
May 16,2024
5 Tips to Maximize Your Curb Appeal

5 Tips to Maximize Your Curb Appeal First impressions matter, especially in your home. Whether you plan to sell your house or stand out in the neighborhood, enhancing your curb appeal is an excellent way to achieve your goals. As…

Read More
blog1
Jun 17,2025
Top Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services

Top Reasons to Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Services Trees are among the best investments you can make in your property. They offer aesthetic, provide shade, increase home value, and can even give you delicious fruit to enjoy. However,…

Read More
blog1
Feb 13,2025
Essential Tree Care Tips for Every Season

Essential Tree Care Tips for Every Season Trees require regular care and maintenance to thrive. However, different seasons call for specific care to prevent irreversible damage and premature tree removal emergencies. With that in mind, hiring a professional tree care…

Read More
blog1
Apr 06,2024
Why Topping is Harmful for Trees

Why Topping is Harmful for Trees Tree topping is often regarded as a controversial practice in arboriculture. This haphazard tree trimming exercise often causes severe disfigurement, compromising the overall aesthetics of your landscape. While tree topping offers a quick solution…

Read More
blog1
Aug 01,2023
Tree Maintenance Tips to Prevent Property Damage

Tree Maintenance Tips to Prevent Property Damage Trees on your property can enhance its beauty and provide many environmental benefits. However, without proper maintenance by a professional tree care company, trees can become a liability, leading to property damage and…

Read More
blog1
Feb 28,2023
4 Signs of Tree Root Damage

4 Signs of Tree Root Damage Trees are valuable additions to any landscape and offer various environmental benefits. Regular care is critical to maintaining healthy and durable trees, like most living things. If you suspect deterioration in your trees, the best…

Read More