Tree felling technique, Safe distance

WORKING TECHNIQUES

inadvertently getting a kickback, as well as increasing the risk of losing your balance while working.

The log is lying on the ground. There is little risk of the chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a risk that the chain will touch the ground when you ﬁnish the cut.

Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting the chain touch the ground as you ﬁnish the cut. Maintain full throttle but be prepared for what might happen.

If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about 2/3 of the way through the log.

Turn the log and ﬁnish the cut from the opposite side.

The log is supported at one end. There is a high risk that it will split.

Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way through).

Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts meet.

The log is supported at both ends. There is a high risk that the chain will jam.

Start by cutting from above (about 1/3 of the way through).

Finish by cutting from below so that the two cuts meet.

Tree felling technique

IMPORTANT! It takes a lot of experience to fell a tree. Inexperienced users of chain saws should not fell trees. Do not attempt any task that you feel unsure of!

Safe distance

The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and anyone else working nearby is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths. Make sure that no-one else is in this ”risk zone” before or during felling.

Felling direction

The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can limb and cross-cut the log as easily as possible.You want it to fall in a location where you can stand and move about safely.

Once you have decided which way you want the tree to fall you must judge which way the tree would fall naturally.

Several factors affect this:

•Lean of the tree

•Bend

•Wind direction

•Arrangement of branches

•Weight of snow

•Obstacles within the reach of the tree: for example, other trees, power lines, roads and buildings.

•Look for signs of damage and rot in the stem, this makes it more probably that the tree will break and start to fall before you expect it to.

You may ﬁnd you are forced to let the tree fall in its natural direction because it is impossible or dangerous to try to make it fall in the direction you ﬁrst intended.

Another very important factor, which does not affect the felling direction but does affect your safety, is to make sure the tree has no damaged or dead branches that might break off and hit you during felling.

The main point to avoid is letting the tree fall onto another tree. It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and there is high accident risk. See instructions under the heading Freeing a tree that has fallen badly.

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