14
Operation Cont …...
FELLING
Felling is the term for cutting down a tree. Small trees up to 6-7 inches (15-18cm) in diam-
eter are usually cut in a single cut. Larger trees require notch cuts. Notch cuts determine the
direction the tree will fall.
WARNING:
Do NOT fell trees unless you have received the appropriate training.
WARNING:
A retreat path (Fig 17- A) should be planned
and cleared as necessary before cuts are started. The
retreat path should extend back and diagonally to the
rear of the expected line of fall, as illustrated.
Fig 17
NOTE:
Direction of fall (Fig 17-B) is controlled by the
notching cut. Before any cuts are made, consider the
location of larger branches and natural lean of the tree
to determine the way the tree will fall.
Fig 18
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR FELLING TREES:
Normally felling consists of 2 main cutting opera-
tions, notching (Fig 18-C) and making the felling cut
( Fig 18-D).
Start making the upper notch cut ( Fig18-C) on the
side of the tree facing the felling direction (Fig18-E).
Be sure you don t make the lower cut too deep into
the trunk.
The notch (Fig 18-C) should be deep enough to
create a hinge (Fig18-F) of sufficient width and
strength. The notch should be wide enough to direct
the fall of the tree for as long as possible.
