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13.1.1
Felling
Felling is the term for cutting down a tree. Small trees up to 6-7 inches (15-18cm) in diameter
are usually cut in a single cut. Larger trees require notch cuts. Notch cuts determine the
direction the tree will fall.
Felling a tree:
Warning: a retreat path (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 in fig. 2
Caution: if felling a tree on sloping ground, 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.
Note: direction of fall (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.
Warning: do not cut down a tree during high or changing winds or if there is
a danger to property. Consult a tree professional. Do not cut down a tree if
there is a danger of striking utility wires; notify the utility company before
making any cuts.
General guidelines for felling trees:
Normally felling consists of 2 main cutting operations, notching (C) and making the felling cut
(D). Start making the upper notch cut (C) on the side of the tree facing the felling direction (E).
Be sure you don t make the lower cut too deep into the trunk.
The notch (C) should be deep enough to create a hinge (F) of sufficient width and strength.
The notch should be wide enough to direct the fall of the tree for as long as possible.
WARNING: Never walk in front of a tree that has been notched. Make the
felling cut (D) from the other side of the tree and 1.5 - 2.0 inches (3-5 cm)
above the edge of the notch (C) (Fig. 3)
Never saw completely through the trunk. Always leave a hinge. The hinge guides the tree. If
the trunk is completely cut through, control over the felling direction is lost.
Insert a wedge or felling lever in the cut well before the tree becomes unstable and starts to
move. This will prevent the guidebar from binding in the felling cut if you have misjudged the
falling direction. Make sure no bystanders have entered the range of the falling tree before you
push it over.
Warning: before making the final cut, always recheck the area for
bystanders, animals or obstacles.
Felling cut:
Use wooden or plastic wedges (A) to prevent binding the bar or chain (B) in the cut.
Wedges also control felling (fig. 4)
When diameter of wood being cut is greater than the bar length, make 2 cuts as shown
(fig. 5).