Working in your woods

Many Connecticut woodland owners find fulfillment in working on their own land. Fresh air, exercise, a sense of accomplishment, and being a good steward are powerful motivators. Whether your task is forest improvement, firewood harvesting, habitat enhancements, trail construction, or invasive species control, the following safety guidelines are essential for the "do-it-myself" landowner.

Safety First: The Y.E.S. Framework

Use the Y.E.S. acronym to ensure a safe day in the woods. This framework was developed in coordination with J.P. Barsky (CT Agricultural Experiment Station) and Bill Girard (Game of Logging). Also consider that directional felling (cutting down a tree) and limbing (removing branches) techniques are best learned from a certified instructor. We highly recommend participating in a "Game of Logging" class to gain hands-on experience in tension assessment, wedge placement, and order of cuts.

Y: Yourself

Success begins with your physical and mental state. Are you alert, well-rested, and properly nourished?

Minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Leather boots with ankle protection
  • UL-approved chainsaw chaps or leg protection
  • Hard hat (head protection)
  • Hearing protection
  • Eye and face protection

E: Equipment

Are you familiar with your equipment’s intended use? Always read the owner’s manual before operation.

Conduct a Five-Point Saw Safety Check:

  1. Maintenance: Does the saw appear in good working order?
  2. Chain Brake: Must be fully functional.
  3. Muffler: Spark-arrestor must be in good condition.
  4. Throttle Lock: Must be functional.
  5. Chain Catch: Must be present.

S: Surroundings

Before felling any tree, assess your environment and ensure others know your location and work plan.

The Felling Assessment (5 Steps):

  • Overhead hazards: Scan for "widow-makers" or hung-up branches.
  • Tripping hazards: Clear the ground area around the trunk.
  • Work space: Remove brush and "spring-poles" (bent saplings under tension).
  • Escape route: Plan a path at least 15 feet from the stump at a 45-degree angle away from the fall direction.
  • Final Look: Before the final cut, verify the area is free of unexpected visitors.
Head, face and ear protection.
Hard boots.
Felling a tree.
Infographic directional felling techniques.

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Additional Safety Considerations for Urban & Suburban Tree Work

Working around homes, roads, and infrastructure increases risk. In urban and suburban settings, tree work often involves structures, utilities, pedestrian traffic, and legal liability. In forest settings, risk is often limited to the operator. Meanwhile, in urban and suburban settings, risk extends to neighbors, pedestrians and infrastructure. The presence of structures significantly reduces your margin for error. When felling a tree in a developed area:

  • Establish a drop zone free of vehicles and people
  • Notify neighbors
  • Use cones or temporary barriers if near sidewalks
  • Consider traffic control if near a roadway
  • Never work alone

It is important to consider that not all trees should be handled by a landowner. In many cases, hiring a qualified professional is the safest and most responsible decision. Strongly consider hiring a licensed and insured arborist if:

  • The tree is within falling distance of a house, garage, fence, or road
  • There are overhead utility lines nearby
  • The tree is leaning, cracked, hollow, or storm-damaged
  • The work requires climbing
  • Cabling or bracing is being considered
  • You are unsure about structural stability

Look for professionals who are licensed through the state and who hold an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification. A licensed arborist with a TRAQ certification has training in tree biology, risk assessment, pruning standards, and structural support systems such as cabling and bracing. You can learn more about tree risk and on finding a licensed arborist through our disaster preparedness page.