ditions that can cause the tree to fall in a par- ticular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a particular direction include:
S The 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
determine the direction of tree lean. S Weight 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. Check for broken or dead branches which can fall on you while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for tree to fall. Maintain a distance of
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta- ples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diag- onal to the line of fall.
Plan a clear retreat path
Direction of Fall
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WARNING: Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direc- tion 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.
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 desired direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall into the notch.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE TREE
SMake 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 cutting the bottom of the notch. See illus- trated. 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
SAfter removing the cutout of wood, 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 when necessary to control the direction of fall. Use wood or plastic wedges, but never steel or iron, to avoid kickback and chain damage.
SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell- ing cut, or movement in upper branches.
As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,S
and get away quickly on your planned re- treat path.
S Be extremely cautious with partially fallen trees that may be poorly supported. When a tree doesn’t fall completely, set the saw aside and pull down the tree with a cable winch, block and tackle, or tractor. To avoid injury, do not cut down a partially fallen tree with your saw.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fall- en tree to the desired log size. WARNING: Do not stand on the log be- ing cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of footing and control. Do not stand downhill of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS
SCut only one log at a time.
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