Why chainsaws rock

Kofi Myler

DETROIT, MICH — Chainsaws are an indispensable tool when it comes to tackling neglected landscapes. Pruning overreaching tree limbs or cutting down trees altogether is sad but necessary if we want to prevent safety hazards in our yards. And safety. of course, is always the top priority for us, our family, friends, and service people who access our outdoor living space.

Tree limbs left unchecked can pose a grave danger. Limbs can tangle or disrupt both power and cable lines spanning from the utility pole to your house. A serious issue when harsh rains, winds, and snowstorms occur, resulting in severed power lines as well as exterior property damage. Also, in many cases when there are storms, trees, and their limbs will cause the not-always-small inconvenience of your home’s loss of power.
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Tree limbs too will butt up against your home’s aluminum or vinyl siding, not only causing superficial damage but also creating bridges for invasive critters, particularly but not exclusive to squirrels.

And with each passing season, tree limbs and their trunks increase in diameter. This process of nature will of course damage your home’s fencing, foundations, roof, and sewer lines, thanks to far-stretching underground tree roots. 

So in all these cases, there are a variety of tools used to solve these problems. But the most dandy of all will certainly be the corded, battery, or gas-powered chainsaw. In the video above I showcase a gas-powered one although I honestly have no preference for a fuel-powered tool over a corded or battery powered. And as much as I love eco-friendly alternatives, the most important thing to consider here is how involved is the tree-felling job. You may need to consider if your chainsaw is either portable enough, has enough batteries to complete the job, or is it a plain old safety hazard because of the cord.

ABC’s video gives a breakdown of how to get started using a chainsaw. Remember safety first, wear gloves, eye, and head protection. Be purposeful when operating chainsaws. Walk carefully. Remove debris as you go along so as not to trip over limbs. And I always recommend having a friend or assistant present to help out. Good luck with tackling your landscape and making your community better for it. #ilovetolandscape ​Feel free to join our new landscape enthusiasts group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/ilovetolandscape

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