(A\
Cutting
Techniques
Felling
Felling
is cutting
down a tree.
Before
felling
a tree, consider carefully
all conditions which
may
affect
the direction of fall,
including:
The
intended direction
of
the fall.
The
natural
lean of the tree.
Any
unusually
heavy
limb
structure.
Surrounding
trees and obstracles.
The
wind direction
and speed.
Warning!
Always
observe the
general conditions of the
tree. Look for
decay
and
rot in the trunk.
If it is rotted inside, it could
snap
and
fall
toward the
operator
while
being cut.
Also
look for broken
or dead branches
which could vibrate
loose
and fall
on the operator.
When felling
on a
slope, the
operator should
stand
on
the uphill side if
possible.
When
felling
in the vicinity of roads, railways
and power li-
nes,
etc., take extra precautions.
Inform the police,
utility
company
or railway authority
before beginning
to cut.
When
felling,
maintain a distance of at least
21/2 tree
lengths
from the nearest
person (see ill. 18).
Note:
The noise of
your engine
may
drown
any warning call.
19
r711 -
Escape path
Direction
of fall
Felling Instructions:
First clear the tree base and work area from interfering
limbs and brush and clean its lower portion with an axe.
Then, establish
a
path of
escape
and
remove all obstacles.
This path should be generally opposite to the planned di-
rection of the fall of the tree and about
at a 45° angle (ill.
19). An alternate path
must also be
selected. Place all
tools and equipment
a
safe distance
away
from the
tree,
but not on the escape path.
17
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