To fell a tree
1. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails,
staples and wire from the tree.
2. Make a notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree,
perpendicular to the direction of the fall.
3. Make the lower horizontal notch cut. This
will prevent either the saw chain or the
guide bar from being pinched when the
second notch is made.
4. Make the felling back cut (X) at least 50
mm (2 in) higher than the horizontal
notching cut. Keep the felling back cut
parallel to the horizontal notching cut so
enough wood is left to act as a hinge. Do
not cut through the hinge. The hinge wood
keeps the tree from twisting and falling in
the wrong direction.
X
Y
5. As the felling back cut nears the hinge, the
tree starts to fall. Make sure that the tree
can fall in the correct direction and not rock
rearward and pinch the saw chain. Stop the
cut before the felling back cut is complete
to prevent this. Use wedges of wood,
plastic or aluminium to open the cut and let
the tree fall along the necessary line of fall.
6. When the tree begins to fall, remove the
product from the cut, stop the engine, put
the product down, then use the retreat path
planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling
and watch your footing.
20
