22
OPERATION
LIMBING
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain saw with a firm grip. Always make
sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground
while cutting.
• Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs from the work area
often to help.
• Keep the work area clean and safe.
• Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the
chain saw.
• Keep the tree between you and the chain saw while limbing. Cut from the side of
the tree opposite the branch you are cutting.
PRUNING
Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain saw with a firm grip. Always make
sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
• Do not cut from a ladder. This is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for
professionals.
• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against
kickback.
• When pruning trees it is important not to make the finishing cut next to the main
limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This
prevents stripping the bark from the main member.
• Underbuck the branch 1/3 through for your first cut.
• Your second cut should overbuck to drop the branch off.
• Now make your finishing cut smoothly and neatly against the main member so
the bark will grow back to seal the wound.
Cut Limbs One At A Time And
Leave Support Limbs
Under Tree Until Log Is Cut
Second
cut
First Cut
1/3 Diameter
Finishing
Cut
Load
