Fire & Storm Damage

Though the northeastern US is sometimes called "the asbestos forest" for its fire resistance, the region's fire towers are evidence of its wildfire history. Be especially vigilant during the region's main fire season of March through May.

It doesn't take a tornado or hurricane to break limbs and uproot trees. Every woodlot is vulnerable to damage from windstorms. Learn how to make your woodlot more resistant to wind damage and what to do when a windstorm hits your land.

Ice storms are the most dangerous winter weather for trees. The added weight of ice on branches can break limbs and topple trees. But ice storms can also increase tree growth if the damage is minor and even create new nesting sites for animals.

Limbs and small trees bent by a fallen neighboring tree contain explosive tension. These spring poles can snap back or even shatter if cut haphazardly. Special techniques and training are required to cut them safely.

An uprooted tree can be safe when lying on the ground, but it can become a hazard if someone attempts to cut it. The heavy roots, stump and stem contain dangerous crushing force. Special techniques and training are required to cut up-rooted trees safely.

Widow-makers are broken branches or fallen trees suspended in your woodlot's canopy. They can also be rotten trees on the verge of falling. Widow-makers can fall without warning. Know what to look for so you can avoid these hazardous limbs and trees.

A natural event affecting a large portion of your woodlot can be overwhelming. Safety, access or the value of your timber are a few examples of things to consider. Contact a professional forester to explore your options and start reclaiming your land.

Old-growth forests once dominated New York. Now they're among the rarest habitats. New old-growth forests can't be created, but the large standing dead trees, downed logs, and gaps in the canopy created by storms are a great starting point for restoring old-growth characteristics to your woodlot.

As the years after a natural disaster pass, your woodlot will change. You’ll see new trees, shrubs, and animals. Set up a few photopoints, then take pictures over the seasons and years to capture nature’s subtle recovery work.

A chainsaw is a useful tool, but they also send more than 30,000 people to the ER every year. Get the basics on chainsaw safety, and then attend a class for hands-on training.