SThe 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. These conditions 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 di- rection of tree lean.
S Weight and branches on one side.
S Surrounding trees and obstacles. |
S Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is |
rotted, it can snap and fall toward the |
operator. |
S Make sure there is enough room for |
the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of |
person or other objects. Engine |
noise can drown out a warning call. |
Felling cut here
First cut
Notch
Second cut | Hinge |
SAfter removing the 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 fell- ing 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
S Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, |
nails, staples, and wire from the tree |
where cuts are to be made. |
Closing of notch
Opening of 
felling cut
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 desired direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall in the direction of the notch.
NOTE: If tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch. If using saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw chain from contacting ground to prevent dulling of the chain.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING 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. See illustration. Once the notch is cut, re- move the wedge of wood from tree.
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use wedges to open the cut when necessary to control the direction of fall. To avoid kickback and chain damage, use wood or plastic wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.
SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall: cracking sounds, widen- ing of the felling cut, or movement in
the upper branches.
SAs tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it
down, and get away quickly on your planned retreat path.
SDO NOT use your saw to cut down a partially fallen tree. 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.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE (BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log size.
WARNING: Do not stand on the log being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of footing and control. Do not stand downhill of the log being cut.
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