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instructions concerning the proper techniques for
basic felling, limbing, and cross-cutting
Felling a tree
When bucking and felling operations are being
performed by two or more persons at the same time,
the felling operations should be separated from the
bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the
height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be
felled in a manner that would endanger any person,
strike any utility line or cause any property damage.
If the tree does make contact with any utility line,
the company should be notified immediately.
The chainsaw operator should keep on the
uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely
to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as
necessary before cuts are started. The escape path
should extend back and diagonally to the rear of
the expected line of fall as illustrated in Figure I.
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean
of the tree, the location of larger branches and the
wind direction to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails,
staples and wire from the tree.
Felling Direction
Danger Zone
Danger Zone
Escape
route
Escape
route
Figure i: Escape routes
notching undercut
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree,
perpendicular to the direction of falls as illustrated in
Figure J. Make the lower horizontal notching cut first.
This will help to avoid pinching either the saw chain or
the guide bar when the second notch is being made.
Felling Back cut
Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches higher
than the horizontal notching cut as illustrated in
Figure J. 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 chainsaw
from the cut, stop the motor, put the chainsaw
down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert
for overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.
Direction of Fall
2"
2"
Felling Back cut
Hinge
notch
Figure J: undercutting
