A “widow maker” is a term used in forestry and arboriculture to describe a severe tree hazard that can cause sudden, devastating injury or death. This common industry term refers to a broken, dead, or partially detached tree limb or tree top that is lodged precariously in the upper canopy. Recognized by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this danger poses a significant risk to anyone working or recreating beneath a tree.
The Specific Anatomy of a Widow Maker
A widow maker hazard is a piece of wood that has fractured but has not yet fallen to the ground. This could be a large branch snapped by high winds, an ice storm, or a limb weakened over time by internal decay or fungal growth. Instead of falling immediately, the detached section becomes “hung up” or supported by surrounding, healthy branches or the tree’s crown.
These suspended limbs are unstable and can drop without warning, often triggered by a light breeze, vibration, or even a slight shift in weight. The name reflects the severity of the hazard, derived from the historical frequency of these falling branches killing loggers and forest workers. The weight and height of the fall mean that even a relatively small piece of wood, sometimes as little as three inches in diameter, can deliver a lethal blow.
Essential Techniques for Identifying the Danger
Identifying a widow maker requires a systematic visual inspection of the tree canopy before entering the area underneath. Look for any signs of disruption or irregularity in the natural pattern of the tree’s crown. Broken, suspended branches are the most common type of widow maker.
Look for wood that appears light-colored, white, or gray, which indicates the limb is dead and the inside wood is exposed from the break. Healthy branches will retain their natural bark color and typically have leaves or needles, depending on the season. The absence of bark or leaves, especially in deciduous trees during the summer, is a clear sign of dead wood that is highly prone to breaking. It is particularly useful to scan the canopy after severe weather events, such as heavy snow, ice, or high winds, as these conditions significantly increase the likelihood of limbs fracturing and becoming suspended. Also, whole dead trees can become widow makers if they fall and become trapped against the branches of a neighboring tree.
Safety Protocols When Encountering a Hazardous Tree
The most important protocol upon identifying a widow maker is to evacuate the area and maintain a safe distance. Avoid walking, working, or setting up camp underneath any tree that exhibits signs of a suspended branch. The general guideline is to stay at least one and a half times the height of the tree away from the hazard zone.
It is imperative that an untrained individual never attempts to dislodge or remove a widow maker themselves. Attempting to shake, pull, or cut the suspended branch is extremely dangerous. If the hazardous tree is on your property, contact a certified arborist or a professional tree removal service. These professionals possess the necessary training and equipment to safely assess and mitigate the risk. If the hazard is in a public area, report the location to the relevant local authorities or park service immediately to warn others.