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Felling back cut
Make the felling back cut at least 50 mm higher than the
horizontal notching cut as illustrated in Figure 2. Keep the felling
back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling
back cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood
keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do
not cut through the hinge.
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin to fall.
If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in desired direction
or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the
felling back cut is complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or
aluminium to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line
of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chain saw from the cut,
stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then use the retreat path
planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch
your footing.
Limbing a tree
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing
leave larger lower limbs to support the log off the ground. Remove
the small limbs in one cut as illustrated in Figure 3. Branches
under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding
the chain saw.
Limb cut
Figure 3
