After the Storm: Risk Management for Hazard Trees

To report a property loss, please use the following contact information:

Online: CIRMA ClaimCentral

E-mail: lapnewclaims@ccm-ct.org        Phone: 800.526.1647  |  After-Hours Emergency Line: 203.823.6896
Sherri Adams, Liability-Auto-Property Claims Unit Manager  Business: 203.946.3752 

(Report Workers' Compensation claims online at CIRMA ClaimCentral)

After the Storm: Hazard Trees

After a major wind storm, many dangerous hanging branches ("hangers" or "widow-makers") and other defects to trees may remain in public areas. They pose a hazard to workers performing clean-up operations and to the general public. 
According to the Connecticut General Statute 23-59, Powers of Tree Warden, Section D - Discretionary Removal or Pruning of Trees:

• The Tree Warden has the power to remove or prune any tree extending into the public right of way whenever, in his or her opinion, public safety demands removal or pruning. If the tree is an immediate hazard, the tree warden can remove it immediately. (A posted notice and the 10-day waiting period are not required.)
• There is no mandatory inspection requirement.
• The Tree Warden is not obligated to remove or prune any specific tree. This power is discretionary; however, once a tree or tree debris is determined by the Tree Warden to be a hazard, it should be pruned or removed as soon as possible to minimize liability exposure to the Town.
• The Tree Warden has the option to retain private tree services to accomplish removal.

CIRMA advises that a person trained in hazard tree assessment review trees and assess them for dangerous conditions. CIRMA recommends that members act promptly on reports of problems and when problems are identified; when in doubt, remove the tree or limbs.

The Connecticut Tree Wardens manual is a good source of information for conducting tree risk hazard assessment. If you have questions or require additional information on tree surveys and tree risk assessments, please contact Robert Ricard, Extension Educator, Urban & Community Forestry at Robert.Ricard@uconn.edu.

If your municipality or school district hires third-party contractors to perform tree cutting operations and debris removal, please consult the CIRMA Best Practice Guide on Risk Transfer for information on contracts and indemnity agreements.

Please contact your Risk Management Consultant with any questions.

Removing Fallen Trees

Crews should use follow these precautions during tree clean-up:  Tree Removal-Brush; Chain Saws;  Chippers;  Refueling Equipment.