S Study the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direc- tion.
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
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta- ples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
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.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch.
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.
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.
Final cut here 2 inches above center of notch.
First cut
Notch
Second cut
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. To avoid kickback and chain damage, use wood or plastic wedges, but never steel or iron.
SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell-
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.
SBe 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 fall- en tree with your saw.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log length.
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.
IMPORTANT POINTS
SCut only one log at a time.
SCut shattered wood very carefully; sharp
pieces of wood could be flung toward oper- ator.
SUse a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never allow another person to hold the log while cutting and never hold the log with your leg or foot.
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