Storm-Damaged Trees on Farms: Why Your Chainsaw and Tractor Might Not Be Enough

THE TREE MAY STILL BE UNDER PRESSURE

A tree lying on the ground can look harmless.

That doesn’t mean it is.

Bent branches, partly fallen trunks and trees caught against other trees can hold enormous amounts of stored energy.

Make a cut in the wrong place and that pressure can release suddenly.

• Branches can spring upwards
• Logs can roll or rotate
• Stems can split
• Timber can move towards you
• A chainsaw bar can become trapped
• Another part of the tree can move unexpectedly

That’s one of the biggest differences between storm clean-up and cutting ordinary firewood.

WHAT DOES A STUCK CHAINSAW TELL YOU?

If your chainsaw bar starts getting pinched while you’re making a cut, the timber is moving.

The cut may be closing because the weight of the tree is shifting or because part of the stem is under compression.

That isn’t the time to simply force the saw through or start another cut somewhere else.

WorkSafe has specifically highlighted unsafe attempts to free stuck chainsaw bars during storm-damaged tree clean-up. Storm-damaged timber can contain hidden forces that release very quickly.

If you aren’t sure which way those forces are acting, stop before making another cut.

“I’LL JUST PULL IT OUT WITH THE TRACTOR”

It’s an understandable thought.

You’ve got a large machine with plenty of pulling power and a tree that needs moving.

The problem isn’t necessarily whether the tractor can pull it.

The problem is knowing what the tree is going to do when it starts moving.

A damaged tree may:

• Rotate as tension is released
• Pull another tree or branch with it
• Drag material sideways
• Roll unexpectedly
• Damage nearby fencing or buildings
• Move towards the tractor or another person

WorkSafe guidance for farm forestry also advises against using wheeled tractors to directly pull trees. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}

THE ROOT PLATE CAN BE JUST AS DANGEROUS

Partly uprooted trees need extra care.

A large root plate can weigh tonnes, and it may still be carrying part of the weight of the tree.

As the trunk is cut or moved, the root plate can shift, rotate or drop back towards its original position.

That means the area around the base of the tree should be treated as part of the hazard zone — not as somewhere to stand while you work.

DON’T ONLY LOOK AT WHAT’S ON THE GROUND

The fallen section may be the most obvious problem.

But before doing anything, look up.

There may be:

• Broken branches hanging above you
• Another tree leaning into the damaged tree
• Branches caught higher in a shelterbelt
• Split stems that haven’t fallen yet
• Dead limbs that may move when the tree is disturbed

WorkSafe specifically warns that moving a tree during forestry work can bring dead limbs down unexpectedly. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}

WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP?

There are plenty of light clean-up jobs around a farm that experienced property owners can safely manage.

But storm-damaged trees deserve a different level of caution.

Stop and reassess if you’re dealing with:

• Partly fallen trees
• Hung-up trees
• Large stems under tension
• Split trunks
• Large branches caught overhead
• Movement around the roots
• Trees beside buildings, roads or farm tracks
• Trees near powerlines
• Anything you can’t confidently predict

WorkSafe classifies wind-thrown and wind-affected trees, large shelterbelt trees, heavily leaning trees and trees near buildings, roads or powerlines as hazardous felling situations. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}

IT’S NOT ABOUT WHETHER YOU CAN USE A CHAINSAW

Plenty of farmers are very capable with a chainsaw.

The issue with storm-damaged trees isn’t simply knowing how to make a cut.

It’s understanding how the tree is loaded, where the weight is being carried and what will move when that load changes.

Even experienced people can be caught out by timber under tension.

WorkSafe’s July 2026 warning made exactly that point: storm clean-up is not the same as routine firewood cutting or dealing with ordinary fallen branches. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="4"}

CORDON IT OFF IF YOU CAN’T DEAL WITH IT SAFELY

Not every damaged tree needs to be dealt with immediately.

If the tree isn’t blocking essential access and you aren’t confident it can be handled safely, isolate the area and keep people, stock and vehicles away from it.

That gives you time to get the right equipment and the right person involved rather than trying to fix everything at once.

WorkSafe recommends fencing or cordoning off dangerous areas and waiting for somebody with appropriate skills and equipment where necessary. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="5"}

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT IT WILL DO NEXT, DON’T MAKE THE CUT

That’s probably the simplest rule.

If you’re looking at a damaged tree and you aren’t confident where the weight is, what is holding it up or which direction it will move, step away.

Kirkwood NZ works with difficult tree removals, large trees, shelterbelts and vegetation management throughout South Auckland.

We can assess the situation and work out whether the tree needs removing, securing, pruning or simply monitoring.

For more information, see our tree maintenance services, vegetation management, or read our earlier article on what to do with a storm-damaged tree.