Based on the results of research and on the experience gained after the storm Vivian, the Swiss Forest Agency has developed a decision-support tool for managing windthrow in mountain forests. It helps to reach a transparent, replicable decision as to whether, on a specific windthrow area, the fallen timber should be harvested or left. Our present knowledge of the relevant criteria, such as hazardous natural events, forest damage, forest management, nature conservation, social aspects, costs and profitability, is compiled. For each criterion, a list of possible arguments supporting either harvesting or leaving the fallen timber on the ground is given. All the issues relevant to the specific windthrow area are recorded and evaluated in a checklist, which provides a visual impression of the pros and cons of the final decision.