Basic Working Techniques
ENG
SHAPE OF
CROWN
WIND
DIRECTIONSNOW LOAD
LEAN
BEST
KEEP TWICE THE TREE LENGTH AS DISTANCE
CLEAR AWAY THE UNDERBUSH
RETREAT
DIRECTION
OF FALL
Felling
Felling is more than merely cutting down a tree.
You must also decide where you want it to fall and bring it down as close as possible to the intended line of fall without damaging the tree or anything else.
Before Felling
Carefully consider everything which may affect the direction of fall, including:
1.Direction and degree of lean.
2.Shape of crown.
3.Snow load on crown.
4.Wind direction.
5.Obstacles within tree range: e.g. power lines, roads, buildings, other trees, etc.
CAUTION!
Always observe the general condition of the tree.
Look for weakened or rotten sections in the trunk which will make it more likely to give way and start to fall before you expect. Look for dry branches which may break and hit you while you are working.
Always keep animals and people at a distance of at least twice the length of the tree while felling.
Clear away shrubs and branches around the tree.
A path of retreat should be planned and cleared if necessary before beginning to cut. The path of retreat should lead diagonally backwards from the intended line of fall, as illustrated in the figure.
LISH
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