Dead, decaying, and pest-infested trees can pose a significant threat to both people and property. And while the dangers are very real, the signs of a problematic tree aren’t always so obvious. Read on to learn how to spot a potentially dangerous tree on your property or during a jaunt through the woods.
Uneven Growth
Trees exhibiting uneven growth, wherein one side has a heavier concentration of branches and leaves, possess a higher risk of instability. This is called an unbalanced crown, and trees with this problem are more susceptible to falling, potentially causing significant damage to anything beneath it. While an unbalanced tree does not inherently pose a danger, the risk amplifies if the tree contracts a disease or encounters a strong storm. The additional weight or stress from these factors can compromise the tree’s stability, elevating the potential for harm. Monitoring such trees closely and taking preventative measures when necessary is crucial.
Widow-Maker Branches
Widow-makers are dead branches that are caught in tree canopies and could fall at any moment without announcing the fall with a snapping or cracking sound. The absence of a snapping sound, which usually signals a branch’s impending fall, increases the risk of injury or property damage, as people may not have sufficient warning to move out of the way.
Spotting these branches before they become potentially dangerous falling projectiles isn’t so simple, but a few signs indicate widow-makers in the canopy above. First, if you notice many fallen and dead branches beneath your tree, inspect them for a light-colored interior or signs of rot. Once you identify the fallen branches as widow-makers, hire a professional to remove any loose branches in the tree canopy safely.
Learning to spot widow-makers in the wilderness is a vital camping and hiking skill. Never set up your campsite underneath a tree with many fallen branches and a high-up canopy.
Decayed or Damaged Bark
Damaged or decayed bark often manifests as discolored patches, deep cracks, or areas where the bark is missing entirely, revealing the inner wood of the tree. This damage can signify the tree is suffering from a disease, pest infestation, or physical trauma. The bark of a tree serves as its protective shield, safeguarding it from external threats, such as harsh weather conditions and pests. When this shield is compromised, it exposes the tree to these threats, weakening its overall health and stability. Over time, severe damage or decay can lead to the death of the tree. A tree with damaged or decayed bark poses a hazard, as it becomes more susceptible to falling, especially under strong winds or heavy snowfall. This can result in significant property damage or personal injury. Noticing a decaying or damaged tree is one of the great reasons to call for emergency tree services.
- 16 INCH BAR: 120 Mark III Chainsaw with 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauage is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight and efficient cutting tool
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT: 38-cc Husqvarna chainsaws with X-Torq engine delivers a great power and torque thanks to highly efficient combustion
- INERTIA ACTIVATED CHAIN BRAKE: intertia activated chain brake for safety while operating
- LOWVIB TECHNOLOGY: Dampeners between the engine and chassis significantly reduce vibrations so you can work more comfortably
- SEPARATE CHOKE/STOP SWITCH CONTROLS: Stop switch automatically resets when the choke is pulled out to help prevent accidental flooding
- Powerful Performance: This 62cc gas chainsaw features a 3.8 HP (2.8 kW) engine with a 12,000 rpm Max speed, making it ideal for home and professional logging. The 20 in (508 mm) guide bar cuts...
- Easy Start Function: Our 62cc chainsaw offers cold and hot start options, adapting to different working environments. Use the choke switch, start switch, and pull the rope to begin, quickly entering...
- Emergency Stop for Security: The gas chain saw features an emergency stop function. Just press the stop lever, and the chainsaw will immediately cease operation. Additionally, the guard design...
- Adaptable to Outdoor Conditions: The PA6+30%GP composite body provides excellent impact-resistant ability and high-temperature durability. Whether in cold winter or hot summer, this gas-powered...
- Thoughtful Design Features: The chainsaw has a 550 ml (0.14 gal) fuel tank and 260 ml (0.07 gal) chain oil tank for extended use. The 40:1 fuel mixture ensures continuous lubrication, reducing wear....
- TEETH ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CHAIN -This double-sided chain enables cutting from both sides. No matter which side the chain is placed on the branch, the user can start cutting right away without having...
- BI-DIRECTIONAL TEETT - CUTS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS - The teeth are bi-directional, meaning that they cut in both directions when the chain is being pulled back and forth.
- TEETH ON EVERY SECOND LINK – 28 cutting teeth on each side. This design offers the perfect balance: enough teeth to cut quickly and efficiently, but without the risk of getting stuck. A higher...
- END LINK HOLE SIZE 1/8 INCH - The end link hole on this model is larger than on others on the market. This makes it easier to fit different carabiners or ropes.
- INCLUDED: 1x Double Sided Saw Chain 41 inches long. Hole size on the end link is 1/8 inch. Sharpen with 11/64 inch round file and lubricate the chain every now and then with standard chain oil.
- ✔【Upgraded High-Efficiency Pure Copper Super Motor】Ceepuy 6-inch cordless mini chainsaw boasts an 880-watt high-power motor. 28.6 FT/s high speed can efficiently cut a 6-inch diameter log in...
- ✔【Auto Oil Filling System】The Ceepuy mini cordless chainsaw features an Auto Oil Filling System, compatible with all brands of oil. Fill the tank with oil, and with a simple press, you can...
- ✔【Lightweight,Portable & Female Friendly】The Ceepuy mini chainsaw is designed with a lightweight and portable slim body, making it easy to control with one hand and access to narrow areas. Its...
- ✔【Rechargeable Large Capacity & Long Life Battery Pack】The Ceepuy mini electric chainsaw is equipped with 2pcs 21V 2000mAh high-energy lithium battery pack that's removable and rechargeable. A...
- ✔【5 Security & Safety Protection】1: It includes a safety lock button that requires simultaneous activation with the start button to prevent accidental operation. 2: A rotatable top protective...
- AWESOME CUTTING POWER - GARDENER FRIENDLY: Super mini chainsaw is equipped with 880 watts high power motor, manganese steel chain & auto oiler system. Cut 6-inch branches with no effort, like a hot...
- NOT INTIMIDATING, WOMAN FRIENDLY: Slim & lightweight (only 3.3lb, 25% the weight of a bulky larger gas chainsaw), easy to handle and work like a champ, friendly to the elderly, women, arthritis...
- AUTO OILER-SYSTEM: This mini chainsaw cordless is equipped with auto chain lubrication system. Just pour oil (general motor oil is fine) into the tank, then you can freely lubricate the chain by...
- LARGE CAPACITY BATTERY: Equipped with 2000mAh removable & rechargeable battery, the cordless mini chainsaw will finish all your cutting, even in the field! It's suitable for wood cutting, garden...
- SECURITY DESIGNS: 1. Security lock prevents accidental activation (The security lock & start button need to be pressed simultaneously for the chainsaw to start); 2. Safety baffles to prevent the wood...
- 【ONE HAND USE CHAINSAW】Our lightweight battery chainsaw, just 2.62 lbs, is perfect for one-handed use without fatigue. Easy for beginners, its cordless design ensures portability in small spaces
- 【LARGE CAPACITY BATTERY PACK】Our mini cordless chainsaw comes with 2 Pack 2.0 batteries and a fast charger for extended usage. Equipped with self-overload and temperature protection, these...
- 【EASY to USE】The battery chainsaw comes fully assembled. Simply adjust tightness with the provided wrench. No separate chain installation needed, but monitor chain tension and watch our video for...
- 【EFFICIENT CUTTING】Seesii's mini chainsaw, with its powerful motor and dual batteries, effortlessly slices through 5.91-inch logs in just 8 seconds. Perfect for wood cutting, pruning, and...
- 【BEST GIFTS】This chainsaw is not only a practical tool but also a thoughtful gift for husbands or fathers, making it the perfect Father's Day present
- EXTENDABLE CORDLESS POLE SAW: Assembles into two sections for trimming lower branches. When height is insufficient, attach the extension pole for a maximum reach of 15 feet (based on a 5.5-foot-tall...
- 20V HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY: Electric pole saw battery capacity 2AH, fully charged in 1.5 hours, can be used continuously for 30 minutes, powerful lithium-ion battery with overload and temperature...
- EXCEPTIONAL CUTTING PERFORMANCE: This battery powered pole saw features an 8-inch guide bar with a chain speed of 18 feet per second. Cordless Pole Saws optimised fixed-angle cutting head ensures...
- SAFETY PROTECTION DESIGN: This pole saw with anti-self-locking safety button can only be activated when the safety lock and trigger are pressed, thus preventing accidental injury to the operator.
- AUTOMATIC OILING AND TOOL-FREE ADJUSTMENT: The pole saws for tree trimming is equipped with an automatic oiling system, which keeps the chain running perfectly under 16FT/S and greatly extends the...
- 【Quick Setup, Ready in One Minute】: No screwdriver needed—assemble this mini chainsaw cordless in just one minute. The lightweight design and PE carrying case make it easy to store and carry,...
- 【Powerful Motor for Smooth Cuts】: Equipped with an 850W pure copper motor and a 65Mn steel chain running at 39ft/s, it cuts 6-inch wood in seconds with clean, precise results. A great helper for...
- 【Dual Batteries for Longer Runtime】: Comes with two 21V 2000mAh lithium batteries, each lasting up to 40 minutes. Easily swap batteries for uninterrupted work—ideal for extended outdoor trimming...
- 【LED Light & Battery Indicator】: Work confidently even in dim light with the built-in LED lamp. The battery indicator keeps you informed of remaining power (0%-25%-50%-75%-100%). Compact and easy...
- 【Safety Design & Gift-Ready Packaging】: Features a safety lock, hand guard, and double-button start to prevent accidental activation. Includes safety goggles and level-5 cut-resistant gloves....
- POWERFUL MOTOR: 12-Amp motor of corded electric chainsaw helps with tough cuts
- LOW KICKBACK: This electric chainsaw features a 16-inch low kickback bar and chain
- AUTO-OILING: Built-in oil window and no priming required
- TOOL-FREE CHAIN TENSIONING: Easy to adjust chain for ideal cutting performance
- 3 Year Limited Warranty, refer to "Warranty & Support" section below for full details
- 18'' CHAIN AND BAR : Perfect for professional users
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY : 2X more torque. Provides more power, longer runtime, quiet operation, and extended motor life
- AUTOMATIC OILER : Delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity
- EASY ADJUST TENSIONING : For easy bar and chain maintenance
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE : Get up to 150 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge and comparable to a 42CC gas chainsaw
- Husqvarna 450 Rancher gas chainsaw 20 inch combines exceptional ergonomic features for easier handling and mobility with the superior power of a gas chainsaw—recommended for use with bar lengths...
- Effortless Start-Up: Smart Start allows this Husqvarna chainsaw to quickly and easily start up with minimal effort, while the inertia-activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to...
- Powerful and Efficient Engine: Gas powered chainsaw delivers superior performance with a powerful and efficient 50.2-cc, 3.2-HP X-Torq engine
- Air Injection Technology: Equipped with a centrifugal air cleaning system that expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter for improved engine life
- Easy Handling and Ergonomic Design: This 20 inch chainsaw features a soft inlay, ergonomic trigger and asymmetrical handle for increased comfort, plus LowVib technology for easier handling of...
Knowing how to spot a potentially dangerous tree in your yard or while out on a trek is an essential skill that can save loads of money and even lives! Look out for these signs throughout your property or favorite hiking trail to stay safe and comfortable while outdoors.
