Careful with that axe, Eugene

The notion that the average homeowner shouldn't tackle certain types of home and yard chores became mightily apparent when the arborist from the tree service I use referred to a seemingly innocent tree on my property as a "widowmaker."

I was familiar with the term—a coworker used it last year when were working on a buying guide to chain saws. But it wasn't until I heard the word in context that I understood what widowmaker really means: An overmatched, ill-equipped homeowner decides to take down a tree with a chain saw. As the saw cuts, vibrations shoot up the tree trunk and cause loose dead limbs and branches to cascade down, fatally striking the would-be lumberjack. Result: a new widow.

Not wanting to become a statistic—chain saws are involved in 36,000 emergency-room-treated injuries and 20 deaths each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—I've decided to limit myself to mowing, planting, weeding, and other tasks and let the professionals handle the riskier projects. (Still, I'm pretty sure I could have dealt with that tree...)

The New York Times ran a compelling piece on May 3 that highlights the perils of homeowners undertaking work they should consider leaving to the pros. "Easy, Mr. Fix-It" serves up cautionary tales that could keep you out of the ER. It's a worthwhile read especially now that the nice weather's here and you might be tempted to get up on the roof to attempt shingle repair or place a new cap on your chimney.

My advice: Know your limits as a DIYer, and don't be ashamed to hire a pro for jobs that you can't manage. When you read our reports, do so not only for the buying information, Ratings, and Brand Repair History but also for the expert advice we include on how to safely and properly use the products we cover.

Along with tips for safe use of chain saws (be sure to watch the video on that page), check out our recent stories on:

• ladders and ladder safety;
• lawn mowers and tractors and how to use them; and
• remodeling safety and hazards to avoid during a renovation.

Finally, subscribe to the Consumer Reports On Safety blog. The expert writers cover a host of important topics, including safety issues around the home and yard.—Steven H. Saltzman

Bonus question: If you know the source of the headline above, drop me a line.