23
OPERATION
LIMBING
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
•
Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chainsaw with a firm grip. Always make sure your
footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
•
Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground while cutting.
•
Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs from the work area often to help.
• Keep the work area clean and safe.
•
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the chainsaw.
•
Keep the tree between you and the chainsaw while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree
opposite the branch you are cutting.
PRUNING
Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.
•
Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chainsaw with a firm grip. Always make sure your
footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
•
Do not cut from a ladder. This is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for
professionals.
•
Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback.
•
When pruning trees it is important not to make the finishing cut next to the main limb or
trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This prevents stripping
the bark from the main member.
•
Underbuck the branch 1/3 through for your first cut.
• Your second cut should overbuck to drop the branch off.
• Now make your finishing cut smoothly and neatly against the main member so the bark will
grow back to seal the wound.
Cut Limbs One At A Time And
Leave Support Limbs Under
Tree Until Log Is Cut
Load Second
cut
First Cut 1/3
Diameter
Finishing
Cut
