Trees are invaluable. Felling of trees should always be a last resort in any neighbourhood. However, untrimmed trees can be an nuisance with their wayward branches that often grow towards residential windows. Cutting off those branches requires you to use a scissor lift. Here are three myths that shouldn't stop you from trimming your prized possessions.

Rental Scissor Lifts Are Expensive

The cost of hiring a scissor lift varies from one equipment rental agency to its rival. It might therefore be difficult to quote exact figures. Regardless of the figure, this myth fails to take various factors into consideration. For example, the various indirect benefits that your neighbourhood gets from the presence of trees are not taken into account. Protection from harsh weather is perhaps the best example of these benefits. Trees serve as obstacles that reduce the strength and speed of string winds that often blow through your neighbourhood. Without this 'wind-breaking' effect, strong winds could easily blow off your roofing panels. By reducing the speed and strength of flowing storm water, trees also help to reduce surface-run off. Renting out a scissor lift for tree trimming is an investment rather than expense if this is taken into consideration.

They're Too Bulky

The underlying principle that supports this myth is developed by comparing the size and weight of the lift to the size and height of the tree. Industrial scissor lifts are indeed bulky with some weighing well over 1000kgs. It might not seem like a good idea to rent out equipment that heavy in order to trim a tree that's not even as tall as your house. The myth buster here is the invention commonly referred to as the scissor lift table. Scissor lift tables and the actual lifts are of similar construction and design. However, lift tables are much smaller and less powerful with some tables weighing in at less than 200kgs. One would argue that they are the domestic version of industrial scissor lifts.

Scissor Lifts Are Not Safe

Perhaps this myth was coined by an acrophobic person. Consider this:

• Their struts (the scissor-like arms supporting the work platform) are designed with the capacity to carry weights heavier than the maximum weight that hydraulic cylinders used on this equipment can lift.
• Their hydraulic cylinders are designed not to collapse in the event of power loss, and because these cylinders essentially power the lift mechanism, chances of the lift tumbling down upon loss of power are eliminated.
• Lift tables often have protective bellows that prevent contact with working components of the lift, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury.