The beauty of the landscape is deceptive as a chainsaw is lifted in preparation to amputate the damage left behind in this winter wonderland. It is a scene of fantasy with ice glazing trees, buildings, power lines and any surface it can find to cling to. Ice storms, also known as glaze storms, usually occur from December through March, with January having the most. It can cause disruption in electrical service, block roadways, create safety hazards due to downed power lines and fallen trees, property damage and general disruption to community living. Total damages to trees and property run in excess of $225 million annually.

Having the right tools is essential for proper storm clean-up. Chainsaws are not just for pruning trees in the spring and fall or cutting firewood for cozy winter fires. They are essential for clean-up from ice storms that come through and damage trees, leaving potentially hazardous situations to life or property. These storms cause ice to gather on branches increasing the weight of the branch ten to one hundred times its original weight. Now is definitely not the time to find out that your chainsaw needs servicing or does not work at all.

Storm damage to trees varies from small limbs being wounded to the trunk splitting or the tree completely uprooting. In assessing the damage, there are certain trees that can wait to be harvested until emergency storm clean-up has been done: a tree that has a broken top, but four or five living limbs; a tree leaning 45 degrees or less; or a tree windblown but still rooted. Trees that are creating a hazard to person or property should be removed immediately and carefully with the help of a chainsaw. To prevent splintering or peeling remove large branches with three cuts. Make sure the stub is smooth not ragged. Do not use tree paint on trunk or limb wounds. Research shows that the trapped moisture will cause rot and decay. Secondary to personal safety under slick icy conditions, be careful not to wound healthy trees with the chainsaw or falling branches during storm clean-up or they may become vulnerable to insect damage and disease.

These harvested trees or limbs, although storm damaged, still have purpose and can be recycled. They can be cut for firewood or chipped and shredded for compost or landscaping. Chainsaws also prove to have continual purpose. When properly cared for according to manufacturer’s recommendations, the chainsaw will be ready to wield in an emergency.