Tree Felling Techniques, Felling Large Trees

NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch. If us- ing saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw chain from contacting ground to prevent dull- ing of the chain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE TREE

S Make notch cut by cutting the top of the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter of the tree. Next complete the notch by cut- ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra- tion. Once the notch is cut remove the notch of wood from the tree.

Final cut here 2 inches above center of notch.

First cut

Notch

Second cut

S After removing the wood from the notch, make the felling cut on the opposite side of the notch. This is done by making a cut about two inches higher than the center of the notch. This will leave enough uncut wood between the felling cut and the notch to form a hinge. This hinge will help prevent the tree from falling in the wrong direction.

Hinge holds tree on stump and helps control fall

Opening of felling cut

Closing of notch

NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use wedges to open the cut if necessary to control the direction of fall. To avoid kickback and chain damage, use wood or plastic wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.

S Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell-

SRelease the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the en- gine to idle. If you run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load, unneces- sary wear can occur to the chain, bar

and engine.

STo avoid losing control when cut is com- plete, do not put pressure on saw at end

of cut.

SStop the engine before setting the saw down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

WARNING: Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cutting causing serious injury. Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, at night since you will not be able to see well, or during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. If tree makes con- tact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.

SCarefully plan your sawing operation in ad-

vance.

SClear the work area. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can have secure footing.

S The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.

SStudy the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direction.

Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a particular direction include:

SThe wind direction and speed.

S The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might not be apparent due to uneven or sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to de- termine the direction of tree lean.

SWeight and branches on one side. S Surrounding trees and obstacles.

Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the operator.

Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2tree lengths from the nearest person or other objects. En- gine noise can drown out a warning call.

Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.

Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diago- nal to the line of fall.

Plan a clear retreat path

Direction of Fall

45_

FELLING LARGE TREES

(6 inches in diameter or larger)

The notch method is used to fell large trees. A notch is cut on the side of the tree in the de- sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall into the notch.

ing cut, or movement in the upper branches.

SAs tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down, and get away quickly on your planned re- treat path.

S DO NOT cut down a partially fallen tree with your saw. Be extremely cautious with partially fallen trees that may be poorly supported. When a tree doesn’t fall com- pletely, set the saw aside and pull down the tree with a cable winch, block and tackle, or tractor.