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OPERATION
FELLING TREES
See Figures 16 - 19.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
WARNING:
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or
heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous
weather has ended.
WARNING:
Closely check for broken or dead branches, which
could fall while cutting and do not cut near build-
ings or electrical wires if you do not know the direc-
tion of tree fall. Do not cut at night or during bad
weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or strong
winds, which can reduce visibility and control of
the chainsaw. If the tree you are felling makes con-
tact with any utility line, you should discontinue use
of the chainsaw and immediately notify the utility
company. Failure to follow these instructions could
result in death or serious personal injury.
When felling a tree, it is important that you follow these
warnings and instructions to prevent possible serious injury.
Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large
trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have
these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equip-
ment, then cut them up.
Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could
fall and hit you during felling.
Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the
backcut to assure 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!
Felling a tree - When bucking and felling operations are be-
ing performed by two or more persons, at the same time,
the felling operation 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 utility company should be notified
immediately.
Before any cuts are started, 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
paths of safe retreat should extend back and diagonally
(45°) to the rear of the planned line of fall. When the tree
begins to fall, you should retreat away from the direction of
fall along a retreat path and at least 20 feet away from the
trunk in case it kicks back over the stump. See Figure 16.
Before felling is started, consider the force and direction
of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the lo-
cation 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.
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.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire
from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.
Notched Undercut. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter
of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of fall. Make the
cuts of the notch 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. See Figure 17.
Felling Backcut. The backcut is always made level and
horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. above the horizontal
cut of the notch. See Figures 17 - 18.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of
wood between the notch and backcut (approximately 2 in.
or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called "hinge" or
"hingewood." It controls the fall of the tree and prevents
slipping or twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump.
See Figures 17 - 18.
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. The wedges
can be driven in, little by little, to help jack the tree over.
See Figure 19.
As 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. Be alert for
overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your
footing.
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a
backcut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree,
this is the section of wood between the notch and
backcut.
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