Events: Mark Chisholm and STIHL

Trees and Storms: A Recipe for Hazards

When a powerful storm rolls through, trees are often left in shambles. To assess and remedy the damage, identifying key threats is important. While some storms may cause damage that a rake and blower can fix, others may make an area unsafe to even stand in. Here are a few tips to help you to remain safe after a storm.

One of the biggest threats to your safety is downed utility lines. When professionals arrive at a scene where severe tree-damage has occurred, the first course of action is to locate all utility lines present. While an electrical conductor lying on the ground may appear harmless, it should never be considered as such. Any professional trained to work in proximity to electrical hazards will tell you, they are all “hot” unless tested and grounded! Do not touch it—no matter what!

Phone lines can also be energized. An electrical conductor could be crossed onto a phone line that can be carrying a deadly current. Lines that are disconnected from the “feed” side could be receiving a backfeed or may become re-energized from a local generator. Assuming that a downed phone line is harmless can be a fatal mistake.

The second safety tip when entering a treed area after a storm is to look up. It is critical to determine if there are broken limbs or tree sections lodged in the air. Professional woodsman call these “widow-makers” and for good reason! These branches are unstable and can let loose at any moment. To overlook one may prove deadly.

When a tree is uprooted or knocked down, things become more complicated. This is due to an unnatural pattern of pressure points. An unknowing chain saw operator may be in severe danger if he or she is not able to locate where tension may be. If a limb or trunk is bent or tensioned it may have a violent reaction when being cut. These situations are often called spring-poles and can be deadly. You should never cut into a spring-pole unless you understand how to alleviate the tension before making the cut. Professionals should receive specialized training on working with spring-poles.

Another potential problem with uprooted trees is attempting to analyze weight, fulcrum points and the effect of gravity. If you begin to cut sections of wood from the trunk of an uprooted tree, the weight may shift. Aside from creating more damage, you could also get hurt. In one case, you may be in danger of a crushing injury from a falling log that you cut or from a shifting trunk. On the other hand, if the root mass is heavy enough or if the roots are full of energy from bending, you could be injured by the trunk as the root causes it to stand back upright. Envision a catapult-like action—the forces can be very intense.

Undertaking storm cleanup is a hazardous task, even for professional arborists. A damaged tree is always more difficult to deal with than one that is standing on its own. Removing the wrong branch or section at the wrong time can be dangerous. Know and work within your personal limitations. Understanding when a professional may be needed and taking the steps to contact one is the best tip I can give. To help you decide who to call, look for qualified professionals that carry the ISA Certified Arborist credential. Other local qualifications may also be a good sign of the right company to hire. If electrical conductors are nearby, remember to ask if they are “line clearance approved” and don’t be afraid to ask for a certificate of insurance. If a person you hire to work on your property sustains an injury, in certain circumstances you could be liable if they are not properly insured.