Hanging Limbs (“Widowmakers”) in Tulsa:
Why They’re So Dangerous
A widowmaker is a broken, dead, partially detached, or suspended tree limb that may fall from the canopy. It may look firmly lodged while hanging by bark or another branch. Never stand beneath it or try to pull, shake, climb, or cut it.
This guide covers visible warning signs, common Tulsa causes, professional removal, and when the remaining tree may still be preserved.
Key Takeaways:
- A hanging limb may shift even when it looks lodged.
- Its fall path may extend beyond the area directly below it.
- Cutting or pulling it can release stored tension.
- A Certified Arborist can assess the limb and remaining tree.
What Is a Widowmaker Tree Limb?
A widowmaker is a broken or dead overhead limb that remains attached, lodged, or suspended in a tree canopy and presents a falling-branch hazard. OSHA uses the term for broken limbs hanging freely in a tree or nearby trees.
It may hang by bark, rest across another limb, become caught in a neighboring tree, or sit partly hidden by leaves. The term can also describe attached deadwood above a driveway, sidewalk, roof, or other occupied area. Its remaining attachment may be difficult to judge from the ground.
Why Are Hanging Tree Limbs Dangerous?
Hanging limbs can be dangerous because their attachment, weight, tension, and possible fall path may be hard to judge from below. Movement elsewhere in the canopy may also affect a branch that appears stable.
They May Fall After the Storm Has Passed
A broken limb can stay wedged in the canopy after the wind dies down, which can make it look more secure than it is. Its position may change as bark tears further, wood dries, rain adds weight, or nearby branches move during later weather.
Their Weight Is Hard to Judge
From the ground, a suspended branch may look smaller because of height, leaves, and the angle of view. A limb that seems manageable can still carry enough weight to damage roofing, vehicles, fences, sheds, or anything else within its possible path.
The Fall Path May Change
A hanging branch does not always drop straight down. It may turn as it falls, slide across another limb, swing toward the trunk, or strike nearby branches before reaching the ground. That means the possible danger area may extend well beyond the space directly below the visible break.
The Wood May Be Under Tension
Split or bent wood can hold stored force, especially when part of the limb remains attached or pressed against another branch. Cutting, pulling, or shifting one section may release that force and change the position of the branch or other nearby growth.
What Should You Do If You Spot a Hanging Limb?
Stay outside the possible drop zone and arrange the right professional or utility assessment.
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Keep People and Pets Away
Keep people and pets away from the tree and the area around it.
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Move Vehicles Only From a Safe Position
Move a vehicle only if it can be reached without entering the possible fall path. Do not walk beneath the limb to protect property.
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Do Not Pull, Shake, Climb, or Cut It
Do not use ladders, pole saws, chainsaws, ropes, or a vehicle to pull the limb. These methods may disturb its attachment or change the canopy load.
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Check for Utility-Line Involvement
If the limb touches or hangs near a power line, stay away and contact PSO. Property owners should NOT trim or remove trees near electrical lines.
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Contact a Tree-Care Professional
Professional evaluation may be appropriate when the limb hangs over a home, driveway, sidewalk, entrance, play area, or another occupied space. Emergency tree services in Tulsa may include assessment and controlled removal.
What Causes Widowmakers in Tulsa?
Spring and early summer bring much of Tulsa’s thunderstorm activity, with the city averaging about 50 thunderstorm days per year. One storm may not create the entire problem. In some cases, repeated canopy movement exposes an older crack, weak attachment, or dead branch that had stayed caught above.
Common contributing factors include:
- Severe thunderstorms and high winds.
- Ice accumulation or lightning damage.
- Dead or decaying branches.
- Cracked or weak branch unions.
- Earlier storm damage.
- Poor pruning or tree topping.
OSU Extension notes that topping can weaken tree structure and produce new growth that may break during later wind or ice events. Tree topping is actually against industry standards because of this.
Warning Signs of a Suspended or Damaged Limb
Some signs can be seen from the ground, though leaves may hide part of the defect.
Look for:
- A limb hanging at an unusual angle.
- Pale wood, torn bark, or splintering.
- Cracks near the trunk or branch union.
- A branch resting across another limb.
- Dead leaves on one large branch.
- Cavities or visible decay.
- New cracking or creaking sounds.
- Bark, twigs, or wood beneath the canopy.
Inspect only from a safe distance. Do not walk beneath the branch for a closer view.
Why Widowmaker Removal Is Not a DIY Job
A suspended limb may shift when cut, pulled, or climbed. Professional removal may require equipment and planning that help manage the branch as its weight changes.
Depending on the tree and property, the work may involve:
- Aerial lifts or climbing systems.
- Professional rigging and controlled lowering.
- Crane assistance.
- Multiple crew members.
At TREES BY JAKE, we assess the attachment, stored tension, surrounding branches, possible fall path, nearby targets, and the remaining tree before recommending a method. A limb may rest on several contact points, so disturbing one can change its balance. At TREES BY JAKE, all crews are led by an ISA Certified Arborist with extensive experience to help protect your property.
Does the Whole Tree Need to Be Removed?
A hanging limb does not automatically mean the entire tree needs removal. Corrective pruning or deadwood removal may be enough when the trunk, roots, and remaining canopy retain suitable structure.
An arborist may review decay around the break, root and trunk condition, canopy balance, other cracks, and nearby targets.
The recommendation may include pruning, monitoring, cabling for a separate defect, or removal when the remaining tree presents too much residual risk.
How Can Future Hanging-Limb Risk Be Reduced?
No maintenance plan can remove every chance of branch failure, but several practices may help identify defects or reduce avoidable stress.
- Check the canopy from ground level after major storms.
- Arrange professional assessments for mature trees near occupied areas.
- Remove deadwood when recommended.
- Use structural pruning to manage weak unions and excess limb weight.
- Monitor trees near homes, driveways, entrances, and sidewalks.
- Avoid tree topping and improper cuts.
Need a Hanging Limb Assessed in Tulsa?
Keep people, pets, and vehicles away from the damaged area. Do not climb, pull, shake, or cut the limb. If utility lines are involved, remain clear and contact PSO.
For a hanging limb in Tulsa, TREES BY JAKE can provide a certified arborist assessment. The recommendation may include hazardous-limb removal, corrective pruning, emergency tree service, monitoring, or removal when the remaining structure presents too much risk.
Request an estimate to have the tree evaluated.
Client Reviews
Absolutely the best! They had a small area to work with and valuable property all the way around them. Nonetheless, their technical skill combined with their state-of-the-art equipment was beyond comforting to watch. The man power behind the skill and equipment was just as impressive! No labor shortage here! I feel so smart for picking Trees By Jake.
(My husband came in and saw all the equipment and teams working, and said, “This is so impressive. Where did you find this team!?”)
angi bowman
A large crew spent 2 fulls days at our property removing trees, trimming trees that were not removed, and installing multiple cables to help with stability. We were impressed every step of the way - from our initial contact with Allison in the office to completion. Jake is a certified arborist and came out and spent a good deal of time with us to discuss options. The estimate we received was professional and made it very easy to approve the work. Any questions we had were answered in a timely manner and we received an insurance certificate showing all of their policies. The men working were friendly and very professional. Our property looks amazing and we will continue to hire them for maintenance.
Lisa Wishman
Wow!! So impressed! From the quote to the time they left, it was totally impressed. Great value for the money. Their equipment is top notch. The techs were professional. I had 6 trees removed, all very close to the house. They made me feel safe as they knew what they were doing.
Would definitely use again and highly recommend Trees by Jake.
Jim Greenlee
We have used Jake Tree Service several times for various projects and have been very impressed with their professionalism and quality of their work each time. We had a very large tree branch blown down after the last storm, blocking our gate. Jake's crew was out the next day to remove it. Thank you, Jake! Your are the best.
Thomas McCoy
I had a large limb fall on my house. The job was more than I could tackle my self. I knew I needed an expert. I called Trees by Jake and they got me taken care of. Great service, cleaned up after the job. Simply great. I highly recommend them. I will be sure to use them again. The price was very reasonable considering the work that had to be done.
John Scatamacchia
We loved our experience with Trees by Jake. Jake and Allison were professional, easy to communicate with, and so personable. The price was very reasonable for the amount of work they did. 10/10 experience. We will definitely use them again!
Cassidy Pierce
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Contact Your
Tulsa Tree Service
TREES BY JAKE has been providing tree removal services in Tulsa for over a decade. Jake is a Tulsa Certified Arborist and we have a variety of equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Call or text us today for your free estimate at 918-500-9955 and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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