13
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Tree felling
Note! Protective equipment should always be used for forestry work: Helmet with ear defenders
and visor, trousers with cutting protection, boots or shoes with cutting protection and of course
a first aid kit. Also use work clothes in a visible colour that stands out.
Small trees can often be felled with a cut almost entirely through the whole trunk and pushed in
the correct direction by hand or by a shoulder. (Do not cut completely through, save a little of the
trunk to be used as a hinge).
Larger trees demand directional felling. Directional felling determines the direction of the fall.
45º
A
B
Figure 18
Warning! Always make sure that you have an escape
route ready. If needed take away bushes and
branches that are in the way. The best escape route
(A) is diagonally behind the felling direction (B).
Warning! Always make sure to stand on the uphill
position of the tree if the ground is uneven at the site
of felling, as it with great probability that the tree will
glide or roll downward after felling.
Note! The tree’s felling direction (B) is determined by
directional felling. Check before felling if the tree leans
somewhat towards one direction or another or if the bran-
ches are much larger on one side of the tree so that the
tree has a natural fall direction.
Warning! Never fell a tree alone or if there is risk for it falling onto something which can
be damaged, house, fence etc. Get help from a professional. Never fell a tree close to a
power line or telephone line. Check that there are no onlookers or pets close by before
you begin cutting. Look up often and check that no one is approaching the risk area.
Normal tree felling consists of two cutting phases, directional cutting (C) and felling cut (D).
3-5 cm
3/4
D
1/4
F
C
E
Figure 19
Start with the top directional cut (C) on the side
of the tree which is facing the felling direction (E).
Then make a botton directional cut horizontally
so that it will meet the top directional cut (do not
cut too far). The directional cut should be broad
enough so that it will steer the tree during a large
part of the fell as possible.
Warning! Never walk in front of a tree where
you have made a directional cut.
Make the fell cut (D) from the other side of the tree
and 3-5 cm over the botton directional cut.
NEVER cut through the remaining trunk completely. Always leave a hinge (F). It is the hinge that
steers the tree during the fell. If the tree is completely cut through you will loose control of the
direction of the felling and the tree can fall towards whichever direction. Place a felling wedge or
breaking bar in the felling cut before the cutting has been completed. If you cut the entire fell cut
before placing a felling wedge or breaking bar in the cutting track the tree can bend backwards
and clamp down on the guide bar. Before felling the tree check that no onlookers or pets are
within the risk area.
Warning! Before making the final cut check again that there are no onlookers, pets or
other obstacles within the area.
