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Consider the force and direction of the wind. Consider the lean
and balance of the tree. Consider the location of large branches.
All of these factors influence the direction that the tree will fall. Do
not try to fell a tree in a direction other than its natural fall line.
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Do not fell trees during periods of precipitation or high winds.
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Determine a safe and expedient escape route. Clear the area
around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions
blocking the escape route. Establish a 90º corridor of escape,
approximately 135º from the line of fall (Fig. 10).
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Stay uphill from the tree; it will most likely roll or slide after it falls.
FELLING: PROCEDURE
Small trees, up to 6 - 7 inches (15 - 18 cm) in diameter, are usually
felled in a single cut. Larger trees require a sequence of two cutting
operations: a notched undercut followed by a felling back cut. It may
also be necessary to remove buttress roots.
Step 1: Removing Buttress Roots
Buttress roots are large roots that extend above the ground and help
support the tree. If the tree has large buttress roots that might
impede the felling process, follow these steps to remove them:
1. Make a horizonal cut into the buttress root (Fig. 11). To prevent
the guide bar from being pinched by the weight of the wood,
always make this cut first.
2. Make a vertical cut into the buttress root (Fig. 11).
3. Remove the loose section from the work area.
Step 2: Making the Notched Undercut
WARNING:
Never walk in front of a tree with a notched
undercut.
This cut determines which direction the tree will fall. Always make
this cut on the side of the tree facing the direction where the tree
should fall. Make the cut at 90º to the line of fall.
1. Make a horizontal cut into the trunk of the tree (Fig. 12). The cut
should be about 1/3 the diameter of the tree and close to the
ground. To prevent the guide bar from being pinched by the
weight of the wood, always make this cut first.
2. Make a 45º cut into the trunk of the tree, above the first cut (Fig.
12). Continue cutting until the two cuts meet.
3. Remove the loose section from the work area.
Step 3: Making the Felling Back Cut
WARNING:
Always recheck the area for bystanders,
animals and obstacles before making the felling back cut.
This cut fells the tree.
1. Make a horizontal cut into the opposite side of the tree from the
notched undercut (Fig. 13). Make the cut approximately 2 inches
(5 cm) above the bottom of the notched undercut (Fig. 13).
2. As the cut gets close to the notched undercut, only a thin band of
wood will support the tree. This band of wood is referred to as
the hinge (Fig. 13). The hinge helps control the fall of the tree.
Leave approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of hinge in place. Do not
cut through the hinge. Cutting through the hinge could cause the
tree to fall in any direction.
Path of Safe
90°
Retreat
1/3 Diameter
Felling
Back Cut
2 inches
(5 cm)
13
135º From Planned
Line of Fall
Planned
Line of Fall
135º From Planned
Line of Fall
Fig. 10
Second Cut
Buttress Root
First Cut
Fig. 11
Direction of Fall
Second Cut
Notched
Undercut
First Cut
Fig. 12
2 inches
(5 cm)
Hinge
Fig. 13
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