(WPRI) — Professional arborists are urging homeowners to exercise caution while working in their yards after a tree fell on top of and killed a West Warwick man last week. West Warwick Deputy Assistant Fire Chief Eric Norberg told 12 News the man was cutting the tree when it fell and crushed h im. The man suffered several traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. RELATED: Man dies after being crushed by tree in West Warwick Affordable Stump Grinding and Property Management's Joseph Porter told 12 News homeowners should always consult a professional before cutting down a tree on their property. Porter said trees and their limbs can be heavier than they look, which is also why no one should ever cut down or trim a tree by themselves. "I notice a lot of people do cut alone," Porter said. "It's just not the smart thing to do." "You should always have somebody with you and have the proper gear, you know, at least have a helmet on," he continued. "Try to get a rope in the tree and have someone pulling on it, so you know it's going to go in the direction you want." Wind and severe weather can also be large factors in tree-related injuries. To prevent these accidents from happening, it's important to be aware of wind advisories or warnings, avoid extended periods of time underneath trees when winds are high, and keep up with tree maintenance on your property, as long as proper safety precautions are in place. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less