Tips For Safe Tree Felling

Tree Felling is a specialized job that requires the skillful use of a saw and a rigorous commitment to safety. It is a task that can have serious consequences for people and property if done incorrectly. For this reason, it’s often best to leave the felling of large or otherwise complicated trees to a professional.

Whether a tree needs to be felled because it’s dead, diseased or just taking up too much space in your yard, you may want to consider hiring a professional tree feller rather than attempting the job on your own. Incorrect felling techniques can lead to a number of hazards, including damaging your home or injuring you and nearby bystanders. Incorrectly wielding a chainsaw can also lead to serious injuries and even death.

One of the most common mistakes made by people trying to fell a tree is not making a proper notch. A good notch encourages the tree to fall in the direction you want it to go. Typically, this involves cutting an angled notch into the trunk of the tree using a saw. This notch should be about a third of the way into the tree’s circumference.

Once you’ve made the wedge cut, you should then make a back cut to release the tree and guide its fall. It’s important to ensure the back cut is aligned with the apex of the wedge cut and has a uniform width, as this is vital for maintaining control over the direction of the tree’s fall.

Another advanced technique used by some professional tree fellers is the Very High Back Cut and Uneven Notch technique. This method is particularly effective for trees that are leaning or heavily loaded on one side, as the higher back cut alters the center of gravity and provides more precise control over the direction of the tree’s fell.

If you’re unsure where the tree will fall, use the “ax handle trick.” Place an ax handle on the ground to indicate where the falling tree will hit. This will help you avoid any dangerous situations that might otherwise arise if you were to misjudge the direction the tree is going to fall or underestimate how long it will take for the tree to fall.

Before you start felling a tree, be sure to clear two escape routes and familiarize yourself with their locations. These should be a safe distance away from the fallen tree and should be free of obstacles that could prevent an easy exit in case the tree suddenly veers off course or kicks back. It’s also a good idea to test-out these escape routes beforehand, physically walking down them to ensure they’re clear and easily accessible.

source https://realtreesolutions.wordpress.com/2024/03/30/tips-for-safe-tree-felling/