A New Zealand coroner has issued a safety warning against high-risk DIY tree felling following the tragic death of a Southland man struck by a falling branch.
New Zealand’s coronial services have issued a stark safety warning regarding the nation’s ingrained “do-it-yourself” culture following a thorough investigation into the tragic death of a Southland man during a backyard tree-felling attempt.
The incident, which took place at a residential property in Invercargill, claimed the life of 54-year-old Edwin Coulter. Associate Coroner Dan Moore released his official findings, highlighting the immense hidden dangers associated with amateur property maintenance and high-risk tree removal.
A Fateful Afternoon in the Backyard
According to the coronial findings, Coulter had been utilizing a pruning belt and chainsaw to climb and top pine trees situated at the rear of his mother-in-law’s section.
In an effort to direct the fall of the heavy timber away from surrounding structures and into an empty paddock, the couple employed an assisted felling technique. Coulter cut directional notches into the trunk while his wife utilised a rope attached to a four-wheel-drive vehicle to pull the tree.
Working roughly eight metres off the ground on the largest tree on the property, Coulter encountered complications when the top failed to budge. As his wife stopped the vehicle and stepped out to alert him that the top was stationary, the tree section suddenly shifted sideways. The heavy falling top struck Coulter directly in the chest, inflicting fatal injuries. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but he could not be saved.
The Dangers of the ‘Kiwi DIY’ Attitude
In his ruling, Coroner Moore noted that the couple had struggled to secure the services of a professional arborist, a common hurdle that pushed them to tackle the dangerous job independently. However, he emphasised that Coulter lacked the necessary training and formal experience required for high-risk felling.
“This ‘do-it-yourself’ attitude is not uncommon in New Zealand; as a previous ad campaign has noted, it is practically part of the Kiwi DNA,” Coroner Moore stated.
“It is also an approach that works perfectly safely in many circumstances. However, it also needs to be tempered with recognising when it is appropriate to engage someone with expertise and training.”
The coroner urged homeowners to carefully evaluate structural risks before picking up a chainsaw, stressing that trees featuring a lean, requiring climbing, or demanding mechanical pull-assists should strictly be left to certified professionals. The tragic case serves as a sober reminder of the fine line between routine domestic property maintenance and life-threatening danger.
