Autumn is one of the most demanding seasons for arborists. Wet ground, shorter days, high winds and sudden storms all bring unique challenges to tree work. To keep your crew safe and efficient, it’s worth taking a moment to review chainsaw essentials and best practices for this busy season.
Seasonal Risks
Autumn winds often create storm damage, leading to weakened or fallen trees. These present hidden dangers such as twisted tension wood, hung up limbs, and root plates ready to shift.
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Always assess before cutting. Look for tension and compression in storm damaged wood.
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Use wedges and proper positioning to reduce kickback risks.
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Never underestimate the hazards of windblown or partially uprooted trees. Falling branches and loosened, torn trees can be incredibly dangerous.
Keep Chains Sharp in Heavy Duty Conditions
Cutting storm damaged hardwoods, crotched branches, or root balls can dull a chain quickly.
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Carry files or a full file kit in your climbing bag or truck for quick on-site sharpening.
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Rotate chains often; having a chain reel in the workshop means you can cut custom lengths and keep the team stocked without needing to store dozens of individual packets.
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Inspect guide bars and sprockets regularly. Worn components can reduce performance and create safety hazards, especially when working with damaged, precarious trees where precision is key.
Oils & Lubrication in Cold, Wet Weather
Autumn brings damp timber and cooler mornings. Without proper lubrication, saws work harder and wear faster.
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Professional chainsaw oil is vital for wet wood cutting, ensuring smooth operation.
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2-stroke oil keeps engines running reliably under heavier workloads.
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Tip: start each day with freshly filled tanks. Don’t risk moisture contaminating your mix overnight and damaging it's effectiveness.
Protective Gear: Non-Negotiable in Autumn
With slippery ground, reduced daylight, and unpredictable conditions, PPE becomes even more critical.
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Chainsaw chaps protect against accidental contact when footing is unstable. Rotatech apron chaps come with 9 layers of protection and handy tooling pockets, so you can work confidently and safely.
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Chainsaw gloves improve grip in wet weather and help prevent fatigue on longer jobs.
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Always pair with helmet, visor, and ear defenders. Conditions might tempt you to take shortcuts and work quickly, but autumn is not the time for rushing a job or taking risks - as in any season.
Managing Fatigue & Shorter Work Windows
Arborists often feel pressure to clear storm-damage quickly, but fatigue is one of the biggest risks.
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Rotate crew members on heavy saw work.
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Prioritise jobs realistically, and don't continue when it gets dark.
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Build extra time into schedules for slippery terrain and wet rope systems. Be prepared that plans may change at short notice, and always keep safety as a top priority over finishing a job.
End-of-Day & Seasonal Maintenance
Autumn conditions leave saws clogged with wet debris and bar oil residue. A little extra care goes a long way:
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Clean saws thoroughly after each job. Read our handy guide here to discover how to clean your chainsaw the right way.
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Check chain tension before storage. Learn how here.
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Dry gear properly to prevent corrosion and prolong service life.
Final Thoughts
For arborists and tree surgeons, autumn isn’t just another season; it’s a test of readiness. The right preparation, maintenance, and safety habits keep teams productive and protected when the weather turns unpredictable. With sharp chains, reliable oils, protective gear, and a disciplined approach, arborists can tackle the toughest seasonal challenges with confidence.
Rotatech is a UK-based arborist and DIY brand who specialise in tree care gear, chainsaw parts, wood chipper blades, PPE, pruning saws & more.