17
English
Before cutting, clear the area around the tree. You will need good
footing while working and you should be able to work the saw
without hitting any obstacles. Next, select a path of retreat. When
the tree begins to fall you should retreat away from the direction
of fall at a 45 degree angle and at least 3m from the trunk to avoid
the trunk kicking back over the stump.
Begin the cut on the side to which the tree is to fall. Cut a notch
about 1/3 of the way into the tree as shown. The position of this
notch is important since the tree will try to fall “into” the notch. The
felling cut is made on the side opposite the notch and at a level
about 2” above the bottom of the notch. Do not try to cut through
to the notch with the felling cut. The remaining wood between the
notch cut and felling cut (about 2”) will act as a hinge when the
tree falls, guiding it in the desired direction. When the tree starts
to fall, kill the engine, place the saw on the ground and make your
retreat quickly.
To fell big trees with a diameter exceeding twice the bar length, start
the notching cuts from one side and draw the saw through to the
other side of the notch. Start the back cut on one side of the tree,
pivoting the saw through to form the desired hinge on that side.
Then remove the saw for the second cut. Insert the saw in the
first cut, very carefully so as not to cause kickback. The final cut is
made by drawing the saw forward in the cut to reach the hinge.
Limbing a fallen tree is much the same as bucking. Never limb on
the tree that you are standing. When limbing, caution is the word.
Be careful of the tip touching other limbs. Always use both hands.
2”
45°
2”
FELLING A TREE
DIRECTION
OF FALL
Direction of fall
Hinge
Felling cut
First cut
Notch
Second cut
One-third tree
diameter
LIMBING
WARNING
DANGER
A falling tree can seriously damage anything it may hit: a car, a
house, a fence, a power line, or another tree. There are ways to
make a tree fall where you want it, so first decide where that is!
Felling big trees
Select path of retreat
Cutting, continued
