Australian weather can be so volatile. One moment you're basking in the sun, and the next minute there's a ferocious thunderstorm surrounding your home. When we moved to our first property, we had a near-miss when part of a tree came down during a storm. Luckily, it missed our house, but it did flatten my gorgeous rose garden. Tree maintenance is very important in Australia, and my blog deals with all the different ways you can maintain the health of your trees. From pruning to identifying tree rot, find out how to look after your trees, so they don't come tumbling down when the winds pick up.
Keeping Children Safe While You Have a Tree Removed
It's no secret that cutting down a tree is a pretty dangerous job. For one thing, there's the hazard of the tree itself falling, which can land on people or buildings if you don't know what you're doing. Then there's the tools and equipment needed to remove a tree, many of which are dangerous in the wrong hands.
Having professionals perform the tree removal for you is the best way to avoid serious accidents, but it doesn't mean you don't still need to look out for your own safety. Even more important is to consider the safety of your children, if you're a parent. Here are some things to remember so you can ensure your kids' safety.
Explain what will be happening
Children will often go along with restrictions more readily if you take the time to explain why it will keep them safe. Tell them that the tree is going to be removed, what the work will involve and the exact area they need to stay away from.
It's also helpful to tell them that if they want to watch, they should only do so with you from a safe place you choose. This is usually enough to satisfy children's curiosity and stop them putting themselves in danger investigating for themselves.
Don't leave them unsupervised
If you're at home while the tree is being removed, you might not always be able to keep an eye on the kids, especially if you have other tasks to do or you're going back and forth liaising with the workers.
When you're in this situation, it's a good idea to get someone else to keep an eye on your children to make sure they don't wander anywhere they shouldn't.
Protect their hearing if you need to
Tree removal involves loud equipment like chainsaws. Depending on how close to the work your children are, this can put their hearing at risk. Remember to make them wear ear defenders if they're near to any noisy tools.
Consider getting them out of the house
The layout of your home might make it difficult to keep an eye on the children or make sure they're a safe distance away from the work when you're not present. If it's looking tricky, arrange for them to go to a friend or family member's house until the tree removal is finished.
Don't forget any post-removal hazards
Once the work is complete, there may be hazards like tools or branches left on the ground or a large stump. Make your children aware of these dangers, and supervise them if they're playing in the garden before you can make it safer.