Tree Felling involves the removal of a tree by cutting its trunk at its base. This is a dangerous task and should only be undertaken by trained professionals who have the correct equipment. The process is complex, and mistakes can lead to serious injury or death for the feller or members of the public. To avoid these risks, it is vital that a comprehensive plan is put in place before starting the process. This should include assessing the ground condition and soil moisture as well as identifying any hazards that may be present. Clearing vegetation from around the site will also help to ensure a safe escape route is available should things go wrong during the felling process.
The ‘conventional’ method of felling involves making what is known as a notch cut on the side facing the intended direction of fall. The notch cut penetrates about 20% of the trunk’s diameter and, when combined with a back cut on the opposite side, creates a hinge which allows the sawyer to control the descent of the tree. If the notch is not made deep enough or if too much hinge wood is removed, the tree will be free to fall in any direction it wants.
Depending on the circumstances, other types of cuts can be used to control the direction of fall. A directional notch or felling wedge can be used in conjunction with the conventional notch to guide the tree’s fall, and this can be particularly useful for larger trees.
Sometimes it is necessary to fell a tree due to structural problems, such as subsidence damage or to make way for development. In other cases, a tree might be unsuitable for its location, such as if it has grown too close to a building. Trees that have become infested with pests, such as invasive species or wood-boring insects, can also be safely removed through felling, as can trees that are damaging the ground environment.
Tree felling can also have positive environmental impacts, as it can remove a significant amount of biomass from the landscape and reduce the risk of erosion. It can also provide a source of timber and other forest products, which can benefit local economies. Finally, deforestation contributes to climate change and loss of biodiversity, and therefore felling trees can help to address these issues.
As with all work, there are some health and safety issues that must be taken into account when performing tree felling. For example, the manual handling of large branches can cause musculoskeletal problems and injury to the hands and arms. It is therefore important that a qualified person supervises the felling and checks that appropriate safety precautions are in place.
It is also essential that the correct equipment is used, including a chainsaw and an axe for chopping and slicing respectively. This ensures that the operator has the best possible control over the process and that all potential hazards are addressed. All processes should be documented and clearly understood by all involved, and any on-the-job deviation from planned procedures is recorded in a hazard register to help manage the risk.
source https://realtreesolutions.wordpress.com/2025/05/23/what-is-tree-felling/
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