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Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the back cut to ensure the tree is
going to fall in the desired direction.
If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up
during the fall, leave the saw and save yourself!
PROPER PROCEDURE FOR TREE FELLING
See Figures 23-26.
i.
Pick your escape route (or routes in case the intended route is blocked). Clear
the immediate area around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions in
your planned path of retreat. Clear the path of safe retreat approximately 135°
from the planned line of fall.
ii. Consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree,
and the location of large limbs. These things influence the direction in which the
tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line different from its natural line of
fall.
iii. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk in the side of the tree. Make the
notch cuts so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. This notch should be
cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw,
always make the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut.
iv. Make the back cut level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. above the
horizontal cut of the notch.
Note:
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the
notch and back cut (approximately 2 in. or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is
called a “hinge” or “hinge wood.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping
or twisting or shoot back of the tree off the stump.
v. On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is deep enough for the tree to
either fall or settle back on the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges
into the cut so they do not touch the chain. Drive wedges in, little by little, to help
jack the tree over.
vi. As the tree starts to fall, stop the chainsaw and put it down immediately. Retreat
along the cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls your way.
WARNING
Never cut through to the notch when making a back cut. The hinge controls the fall of
the tree; this is the section of wood between the notch and back cut.
REMOVING BUTTRESS ROOTS
See Figure 27.
A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of the tree above the ground.
Remove large buttress roots prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut into the buttress
first, followed by the vertical cut. Remove the resulting loose section from the work area.
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