Picture this: It's December, and Zimbabwe's rainy season is in full swing. The winds pick up during a thunderstorm, and that large branch you've been meaning to trim finally gives way—bringing down power lines, or worse crashing through your roof and shattering windows.
As a homeowner, storm damage is expensive. Prevention is cheap. Zimbabwe's rainy season runs from October to March, with the heaviest rainfall and strongest winds typically hitting between November and February. The time to act isn't after the damage happens. It's now, before the first serious storm arrives. Here's how to protect your property before the storms come calling.
Why Pre-Season Tree Pruning Matters for Homeowners
When high winds hit, weak branches become projectiles—all preventable with proper tree pruning. Dead and damaged branches are especially prone to breaking off under pressure, and even in calm weather they pose a risk.
Think about the cost difference : hiring someone to trim a few problematic branches might run to a few hundred dollars. However emergency tree removal after a storm can start at thousands of dollars, with some large tree removals costing upwards of $5,000.
Then there's the property damage itself—roofs, cars, fences, and power infrastructure.
Zimbabwe's 2025-2026 rainy season is forecast to bring average to above-average rainfall, with an elevated risk of flooding in some areas and potential tropical cyclones affecting eastern regions. Heavy rain means saturated soil, which means less stability for tree roots during high winds. Trees that might normally hold firm can topple when the ground softens—putting your home directly in harm's way.
Identifying Trees That Need Attention on Your Property
Not every tree on your property needs immediate attention, but some warning signs demand action from homeowners:
- Dead branches are the obvious culprits—they're brittle, unpredictable, and likely to snap under the slightest pressure.
- Look for splits in major limbs or visible cracks in the trunk. These are structural weaknesses waiting to fail.
- Check for branches overhanging your home, garage, or driveway. Are there limbs growing too close to power lines? Those need to go.
- Trees with V-shaped branch unions (where two branches meet at a narrow angle) are weaker than those with wide, U-shaped angles.
- Leaning trees, especially those that have recently started tilting, signal root problems.
Here's a quick inspection homeowners can do: walk around each major tree on your property. Look up. Are there dead limbs you can spot from the ground? Are branches hanging over structures where they could cause damage if they fall? Is the tree leaning more than usual?
For smaller trees and accessible branches, you might handle basic trimming yourself. But if you need a ladder, if the branch is thicker than your arm, or if it's anywhere near a power line, call a professional. Tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs out there.
The Right Chainsaw Tool Makes All the Difference for Homeowners
If you do decide to handle some of your own tree pruning work, having the right equipment is essential for both safety and results. Many homeowners try to get by with basic, consumer-grade chainsaws that simply aren't built for the job. They lack power, they vibrate excessively, and some safety features are questionable.
This is where professional-grade equipment like the STIHL MS series makes a real difference for homeowners serious about property maintenance.
STIHL chainsaws are built with features that matter when you're doing serious tree work. Every STIHL chainsaw comes equipped with a Quickstop chain brake—a safety system designed to stop the chain's rotation if the saw kicks back with sufficient force.
Kickback is one of the most dangerous things that can happen when using a chainsaw, and having a brake that can stop the chain within fractions of a second can prevent serious injury.
Beyond safety, these saws are designed for efficiency. Anti-vibration systems reduce operator fatigue, which matters when you're spending hours trimming branches. Ergonomic designs make the saw easier to control. Reliable engine performance means the saw starts when you need it and runs consistently throughout the job.
It’s vital to have equipment you can depend on when you're working with a dangerous tool in potentially hazardous conditions.
7 Essential Chainsaw Safety Tips Every Homeowner Must Follow
No matter what chainsaw you use, safety must come first for every homeowner. Improper chainsaw use can result in severe injury or death. Every single time you pick up a chainsaw, you need to follow proper safety protocols. Here are seven critical safety rules:
1. Wear Complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
You need gloves—not gardening gloves, but proper work gloves that protect your hands. Eye protection is non-negotiable. Flying wood chips, sawdust, and debris can cause serious eye injuries. Hearing protection matters too. Chainsaws are loud enough to cause hearing damage after extended exposure. Wear sturdy boots with good traction and ankle support. And if you're doing any significant chainsaw work, invest in chainsaw chaps or pants. Leg protection should comply with safety standards and is essential for chainsaw operations.
2. Clear Your Work Area Before Starting
Before you even start the saw, clear your work area. Remove any obstacles you might trip over. Make sure you have a clear path to move away if something goes wrong. Check the weather—never operate a chainsaw in wet conditions. The saw can slip, visibility decreases, and the risk of electrocution increases if you're anywhere near power lines.
3. Maintain Proper Stance and Grip at All Times
When you're ready to cut, maintain proper stance and grip. Keep both hands on the saw at all times. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability. Never cut above shoulder height—that's when you lose control and kickback becomes most dangerous. If you can't reach it safely from the ground, you need different equipment or professional help.
4. Never Work Alone—Always Have a Spotter
This is a critical rule: never work alone. Have someone else present who can call for help if something goes wrong. Keep a first aid kit nearby and make sure someone knows basic first aid. If you're working with a ladder (which you should avoid if possible), make sure it's secured and stable. Better yet, leave elevated pruning to professionals with proper equipment.
5. Plan Every Cut Before You Make It
Plan your cuts carefully. Know which direction the branch will fall. Make sure no one is in the fall zone. Use proper cutting techniques—never just hack at a branch.
6. Stop If You're Uncertain
If you're ever uncertain about a cut, stop. Reassess. If it feels dangerous, it probably is.
7. Know When to Call a Professional
Some jobs are simply too dangerous for DIY work. If the branch is near power lines, requires a ladder, or involves cutting above shoulder height, it's time to call a professional tree service.
6-Step Chainsaw Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
A well-maintained chainsaw is a safer chainsaw for any homeowner. Follow this simple maintenance routine:
1. Pre-Use Inspection
Before each use, check the chain tension—too loose and it can come off, too tight and it will wear quickly or damage the bar. Inspect the chain for sharpness, the condition of the bar, and ensure all nuts and bolts are tight. A dull chain is dangerous because it requires more pressure to cut, increasing the chance of the saw binding or kicking back.
2. Check Oil Levels
Check your bar oil level before starting work. The chain needs constant lubrication to run smoothly and safely.
3. Clean the Air Filter
Clean the air filter regularly—a clogged filter reduces power and efficiency.
4. Use Correct Fuel Mixture
If you're using a petrol-powered saw, use the correct fuel mixture. Running the wrong fuel ratio can damage the engine and the chainsaw will not operate efficiently.
5. Post-Use Cleaning and Storage
After each use, clean sawdust and debris from the saw. Store it properly in a dry location away from children. Check for any loose parts or damage that occurred during use.
6. Monitor Performance
Pay attention to how the saw is running. If it's not starting easily, if it's losing power, or if anything feels off, get it serviced.
One advantage of professional-grade equipment like STIHL is reliability and parts availability. When you need service or replacement parts, they're accessible through authorized dealers who know the equipment. Regular professional servicing extends the life of your chainsaw and keeps it running safely and efficiently. Don't wait until something breaks—preventive maintenance is always cheaper than repairs.
Get Prepared Before the First Storm Hits Your Property
The November 2025 to March 2026 season has already begun, this weekend is the perfect time to walk your property and inspect your trees. Identify the branches that pose risks to your home. Decide what you can safely handle yourself and what requires professional help.
If you need equipment, don't wait until you're in a crisis. For Zimbabwe homeowners looking for reliable chainsaw equipment, Sawpower Blades is the exclusive local provider of STIHL products. Every STIHL product purchased from Sawpower comes with significant benefits that protect your investment:
- Full Warranty: Complete coverage on all STIHL equipment
- Full Backup, Spares & Servicing: Access to genuine parts and professional servicing for all STIHL products.
- Free Product Training: Complimentary operator training to ensure you use your equipment safely and effectively
Make tree safety a priority now, not after disaster strikes. Gather your protective equipment. Schedule professional help for the bigger jobs. Take care of what you can handle safely. Your future self—and your wallet—will thank you when the storms come through and your home stays intact while others are dealing with damage that could have been prevented.
The rainy season waits for no one. But with proper preparation, the right equipment, and a commitment to safety, you as a homeowner can face it with confidence.
The team at Sawpower Blades understands that choosing the right chainsaw can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to this type of equipment. That's why they make it easy to get expert advice. Simply WhatsApp +263779099733 to connect with a Sawpower Blades representative who can answer your questions about products and pricing.
