14
Felling
Danger Zone
Danger Zone
Escape
Route
Escape
Route
FELLING A TREE
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or
more people at the same time, the felling operations should be separat-
ed from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height
of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would
endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property dam-
age. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the company
should be notified immediately.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as
the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts
are started. The escape path should extend back and diagonally to the
rear of the expected line of fall (Fig. 10).
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the location
of larger branches and the wind direction to judge which way the tree
will fall. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire from
the tree.
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direc-
tion of fall (Fig. 11). Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This
will help to avoid pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar when the
second notch is being made.
FELLING BACK A CUT
Make the felling back cut at least 50mm higher than the horizontal
notching cut (Fig. 11). Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal
notching cut. Make the felling back cut so enough wood is left to act as
a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the
wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If there
is any chance that the tree may not fall in desired direction or it may rock
back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is
complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminum to open the cut
and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chainsaw from the cut, stop the
motor, put the chain saw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be
alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.
OPERATION
OPERATION
Undercutting
Direction of Fall
Felling Back-cut
Notch
50mm
50mm
Hinge
Fig. 11
Fig. 10
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