30
Felling a tree
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two
or more persons at the same time, the felling operations should
be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least
twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled
in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line
or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with
any utility line, the company should be notified immediately.
The 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.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as necessary
before cuts are started. The escape path should extend back and
diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall as illustrated in
Figure 1.
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the
location of larger branches and the wind direction to judge which
way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire from the
tree.
Notching undercut
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the
direction of falls as illustrated in Figure 2.
Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid
pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second
notch is being made.
Retreat
Path
Direction of Fall
Retreat
Path
Tree
45o
2 inches
Diretion of fall
Felling back cut
Hinge
(50 mm)
2 inches
(50 mm)
Figure 2
Figure 1
