Tree Felling – How to Safely and Accurately Fell a Tree

Tree Felling is an intricate process that involves bringing down a tree safely and accurately. It is not a job for beginners, and if not done properly can result in serious property damage and injury to those performing the work. If you are considering felling a tree, it is recommended that you contact a licensed tree feller to get the job done.

The most common technique for felling a tree is to cut a notch in the side of the trunk, followed by a back cut and a hinge cut. These cuts position the static load of the tree in a way that allows the sawyer to reliably control the direction the tree will fall. However, the proper execution of these cuts is not easy and requires training, practice, and experience. The failure to correctly execute these cuts can cause the tree to fall on a building, power lines, or people, with potentially catastrophic results.

Even the most experienced and skilled tree fellers can suffer severe injuries if they are not careful or prepared for this dangerous work. To avoid this risk, it is important to check local ordinances and have the proper safety gear before undertaking this type of work. Some areas require you to have a permit to fell a tree, and you should never perform this work without proper permission or risk being fined.

Those who attempt to fell trees themselves often fail, either because they underestimate the difficulty of the task or they lack the necessary equipment and safety precautions. In addition, many DIYers overestimate their capabilities and try to do more than they can handle, which can lead to disastrous consequences. This can include property damage, serious injury, and even death.

When you have determined that the tree is safe to fell, it is essential to prepare the area around the base of the tree. This includes clearing obstacles and establishing escape routes. In general, it is recommended that you plan and clear two escape routes that are at a 45-degree angle from the tree’s fall line. This will allow you to escape from the falling tree in case it falls in a different direction than expected.

Before cutting any felling cuts, it is also important to note the condition of the ground and soil moisture. This is important because you should be aware of any hazards that may exist on the site, such as underground utilities or loose rocks. Also, you should take the time to assess the surrounding trees for structural weakness and areas that may have interlocked branches.

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