ENGLISH
27
Basic Working Techniques
CAUTION!
Always observe the general condition of the tree.
Look for weakened or rotten sections in the trunk which
will make it more likely to give way and start to fall before
you expect. Look for dry branches which may break
and hit you while you are working.
Always keep animals and people at a distance of at
least twice the length of the tree while felling.
Clear away shrubs and branches around the tree.
A path of retreat should be planned and cleared if
necessary before beginning to cut. The path of retreat
should lead diagonally backwards from the intended
line of fall, as illustrated in the figure.
Felling
Felling is more than merely cutting down a tree.
You must also decide where you want it to fall and bring
it down as close as possible to the intended line of fall
without damaging the tree or anything else.
Before Felling
Carefully consider everything which may affect the
direction of fall, including:
1. Direction and degree of lean.
2. Shape of crown.
3. Snow load on crown.
4. Wind direction.
5. Obstacles within tree range: e.g. power lines, roads,
buildings, other trees, etc.
SHAPE OF
CROWN
WIND
DIRECTION
SNOW
LOAD
LEAN
BEST
KEEP TWICE THE TREE LENGTH AS DISTANCE
CLEAR AWAY THE UNDERBUSH
RETREAT
DIRECTION
OF FALL
