Rodgers and Hammerstein weren’t wrong when they said this is “where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.”
We Okies see more than our fair share of extreme weather – ice, wind, and tornadoes affect more than just the people and wildlife. From the piney woods of the southeast to the oaken Cross Timbers of the central region to the native junipers adorning Black Mesa, Oklahoma is home to over 12 million acres of forested habitat.
So, what happens when we mix all those trees with severe weather? Widowmakers.
What is a Widowmaker?
A “widowmaker” is a term for something with the potential to cause sudden, serious injury – or worse. In the woods, it refers to suspended branches up to entire trees that are at risk of falling. These hazards may be the aftermath of last fall’s ice storm, this spring’s winds, or even a tree felled improperly.
I often say the No. 1 rule of going outdoors is coming back inside safe. So how do we stay safe while walking the woods or improving forest stands? Just like when crossing a street, being aware of your surroundings - this time looking up as well as around - can help you spot dangers like widowmakers. Whether you’re hanging a treestand for the fall or scouting for turkey roosts in the spring, keep an eye out for broken limbs overhead that could come down with the next strong gust.
When You Find a Widowmaker, Don’t Panic – Plan!
Assess the situation: Is it a small branch? A tree top? An entire tree?? Each will likely require different tools, steps, or methods to render it safe. A smaller limb might be handled with a pole saw, while larger hazards may require chainsaws, ropes, pulleys, and additional helpers. Safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) can be easily overlooked when we’re focused on getting outdoors, and our Oklahoma humidity can make wearing chainsaw chaps and hard hats uncomfortable.
But the best way to stay safe is to be safe. Take a few moments to make a plan, prepare, and handle the situation safely. If you feel you’ve found a widowmaker you can’t handle yourself, mark the area with some flagging or caution tape, warn others that use the property, and contact a professional.
Our weather could create new widowmakers any day. Like the weather, widowmakers aren’t something to fear – but they do deserve respect. If we identify them and handle them safely, we’ll leave the woods better – and safer – than we found them. Removing widowmakers from a forest stand can also be a great first step to improving your wooded habitat, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor.
Stay safe out there on your habitat improvement projects, and remember to look up for those potential widowmakers!