Tree Felling is a specialized skill that requires precision and a stringent commitment to safety. A combination of careful planning, continuous observation and clearly defined escape routes are paramount for a safe felling operation.
There are a variety of reasons why trees may need to be felled. They can be a hazard when they are obviously leaning in one direction or heavily loaded on one side, if they are dead or dying, or if they are infected with pests such as mites, moths or fruit flies. They can also be a health and safety hazard if they are in close proximity to buildings, power lines or fences.
When a tree is felled it should be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. The wood can be used for firewood or lumber, the stump can be left as a feature or ground down and the branches can be mulched for landscaping. A professional tree service will be able to advise on the best options for removing your unwanted trees.
The first thing to do before starting a felling operation is to examine the tree carefully and prepare the ground around it for safe removal. This includes clearing any limbs, roots or debris that could fall in the process and ensure that there are no buildings, fences or other structures within its path when it falls. A sounding of the wood is also a good idea to check whether the tree has live or dead wood. A hollow sound means the wood is dead and cracks or solid sounds indicate that it is living.
Once the preparations have been made it’s time to start making the cuts that will fell the tree. A directional notch should be cut about 1/3rd of the diameter away from the base of the tree. This is important because a directional notch will allow the sawyers to cut in front of the tree and not behind it, thereby giving them better control over the direction of the fall.
A back cut should then be sawn into the directional notch at a point parallel to and even with the apex of the notch on both sides. The back cut will help to keep the hinge from separating and to prevent the butt kick that can occur when a tree is falling.
Once both of the cuts have been completed, the sawyer should test the directional notch by pushing up against it with his foot. If it doesn’t hold, the sawyer should cut more of the directional notch and repeat the test. This will be the most accurate way to determine if there is sufficient wedge to overcome the back lean of the tree.
It’s important to always keep an eye on the wind and the movement of the tree during the felling process. A sudden change in wind direction or a shift in the tree’s lean can quickly lead to an uncontrolled fall and potentially serious injury.
source https://litchfieldtreeservices1.wordpress.com/2024/04/17/tree-felling-how-to-safely-fell-a-tree/
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