A standing dead tree, a broken top, or a large detached limb caught up in the branches of other trees. Chicots are highly unpredictable and can dislodge with the slightest vibration from a chainsaw or a gust of wind. Identifying and safely mitigating them is a critical part of a faller's hazard assessment before beginning work in a stand.
Heard on the job
Keep an eye on that chicot up in the maple when you start your backcut.
Also heard as
- snag
Do not mix it up with
- Widow-maker: A widow-maker specifically refers to a detached, hanging limb or top, whereas chicot can also refer to the entire standing dead tree.