Cut a v-shaped notch into the tree on the side you want the tree to fall. It’s a potentially dangerous job that’s best left to trained professionals. Felling trees. side scars. Special Techniques for Felling Difficult Trees A large tree may be felled against its natural lean by inserting one or more wedges in the back cut. 4. If you notice that the timber is discolored and soft, or if the lower part of the trunk looks swollen or diseased, you need to be very careful. In tree felling procedure, we don’t want to cause injuries to anyone. FELLING TECHNIQUES 20 4.1 Introduction 20 4.1.1 Definition 20 4.1.2 Objectives 20 4.1.3 Team 20 4.1.4 Equipment & Materials 20 4.2 Considerations before felling a tree 21 4.3 Nine principles surrounding felling direction 21 4.4 Assessment of a standing tree (Fig. Actual retail prices are established by the applicable re-seller. If you plan the felling and which forestry equipment to bring, not only are you in for a safer working session, but your post-felling work will also be a lot easier. Determine the height of the tree. Always use wedges made out of plastic or aluminum, so that you don’t risk damaging the chain if you accidentally cut into them. Always look at the top of the tree for widow-makers, lodged trees, wires, and other hazards. of tree). However, depending on the circumstance and environment, fellers need to know some advanced tree felling techniques. Study the tree and its surroundings closely to determine which way to fell it. A good cut can save a life. Tree felling is cutting a tree down but is more in depth that just putting a chainsaw through the bottom of the trunk. Make sure the area is clear of people and animals before beginning. Connect with us and other Husqvarna fans. In extreme cases, you can use a rope and a winch, which is the safest and most powerful way to fell a tree. 2. Also clear about 45 degrees behind the tree in both directions, creating your path of retreat. Also look for hazardous, dead branches or rot on the tree being felled. Endless possibilities. Input into the development of this guide has been received from industry stakeholders and Competenz. This guide is a practical way of meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (the Act), and the recommendations in the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations (ACoP). With leaning or larger diameter trees, this can lead to the danger of a "Barber Chair" developing, where the tree splits vertically up the trunk. The goal is to make the angles as shown in the diagram (or as close as you can). Example: a 100 foot tree 24 inches in diameter (2 feet) would yield 50 segments (100 � 2). Highlights of Manual Felling Techniques: An undercut must be made in each tree being felled. The five-step felling plan incorporates up-to-date cutting methods, is widely used by professional chainsaw operators worldwide and has recently been adopted into the ANSI Z-133.1 Standard for tree-care operations. The safest way to prune is to work with a pulling chain (underside of the chainsaw guide bar) from the top down. Several basic safety techniques should always be used when felling a tree. Hand force is enough, possibly with the help of a long pole. When felling a tree, you'll need to evaluate the dynamics of the tree. of the tree may be used. Hands-on techniques for felling trees Basic Felling Techniques. Move to the other side of the tree and start slowly cutting into the tree until you meet your notch cut. A large tree may Folding Techniques. The notch should be at roughly knee-height, should cut to the center of the tree and should look like a shallow “v”. Note: on this page, ‘front’ and ‘back’ are arbitrary terms, the front being the side towards which the tree is intended to fall. STIHL recommends two ways to fell a tree: the conventional cut and the open-face cut. So be sure to properly prepare and plan before you fell a tree. A Glance at Tree Felling. The impact bar is used in the same way as the breaking bar, but can also be used as a striking tool when using felling wedges. [ 29 CFR 1910.266 (h) (2) (v)] A backcut must be made in each tree being felled. The number three cut is made at the same plane as the former cuts, leaving the standard thickness of hinge. A direct pull setup winch system is set up about two tree lengths behind the tree to pull it against its natural lean. 4. TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES MANUAL This manual is an excerpt from the Forest Industry Safety and Training Alliance “Loggers’ Safety Training Guide” compiled by the Sustainable Resources Institute, Inc. A winch is used in situations where you need maximum force and safety. Basic tree felling applies to trees that are relatively small, with a single stem and no defects. There are several felling tools to choose from when taking down a tree. Felling The Tree (Summarize) • Mark Cut Locations With Surveyors' Paint (Visually Plan Felling Approach) • Face The Tree (Two Planar Cuts) –Select A Face Cut Type: Open, Conventional, Humboldt –Always Located On The Desired Felling Direction Side Of The Tree –Check Face … The number one cut is made as per the diagram, at the same height above the notch as a standard back cut. The number two cut is made as per the diagram, at the same plane as cut number one. Instead of This is considered as basic training. Felling Larger Trees with Slight Lean or with Heavy Tops. The undercut must be of a size so the tree will not split and will fall in the intended direction. > The degree of forward or back lean will determine how many wedges and/or whether a pull rope will be necessary and how To make removal easier, fell the tree so the butt faces the road (or path of removal). A bad cut can take a life. Advanced Tree Felling Techniques. This IS NOT a substitute for proper safety training. How do the branches look and how do they grow? When directional felling is nec-essary, use a normal face cut (consisting of a horizontal and sloping cut or two sloping cuts). Tree felling training usually happens on the job and includes: hazard identification, safety instruction, health and safety rules, and environmental compliance. In this guide we’ve put together some tips on how to get your saw ready to perform. For any candidates who have taken customized tests with Arboriculture Canada through your organization or company in the chainsaw domain, please contact Nancy to inquire which equivalency is applicable to your test. Hand force is enough, possibly with the help of a long pole. Deploy warning signs if you know that a road crosses the work area or that a lot of people pass by on a daily basis. The MSRP provided herein is for reference purposes only and may be different for products sold in California, Alaska and Hawaii. tree starts to fall. Watch the following video to learn how to cut down a tree … Always make the backcut slightly above the point where the two cuts of the face cut meet. these methods: Determine the diameter (not circumference) of the tree at breast height using a tape. Fell in a direction that minimizes the chance that the tree will roll or slide. Next, holding the saw bar horizontal to the plane, The same boring procedure is then performed on, Then the back strap is severed by a cut horizontal. More people are injured while felling trees than during any other logging activity. As the back cut is sawn, the wedges are driven in with an axe. Types of Tree Felling Cuts: Bore Cut The traditional method of making a back cut involves cutting into the tree from the back. Situations when directional felling should be used include: Chapter 4—Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques Figure 4–2—The top side of suspended logs should be limbed while Once the trunk is twig-free up to shoulder height, it’s time to make the felling cut. Have a look at the fact box for more information about the different tools. As the back cut is sawn, the wedges are driven in with an axe. be felled against its natural lean by inserting one or more wedges in the back cut. Directed precipitation. Which technique you should use for making the cut depends on the tree size and slope, and on the size of your chainsaw. The breaking bar is used on relatively small trees. If you’re unsure of the tree’s natural direction of fall, step away from the tree and check with a plumb line (see fact box for details). When felling trees, it is vital to have and use a felling plan. breaking with the hinge, strips along the side of the tree rip off the stump, resulting in Completing a course in Tree Felling will prepare you to use a chainsaw for both harvesting and non-commercial operations. In extreme cases, you can use a rope and a winch, which is the safest and most powerful way to fell a tree. We specialize in training you how to be safe when you're working with trees, from the norm to hazardous and fire weakened. This tree felling technique involves felling trees against its natural lean so that the tree drops away from property locations and overhead lines, or just positions the tree better for processing. For smaller trees, you do not normally need felling tools. U.S. Department of Labor  |  Occupational Safety & Health Administration  |  200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, Special Techniques for Felling Difficult Trees. correct felling techniques. Intermediate tree felling covers trees with single or multiple stems, limited defects, and lean and weight distribution that can be adapted to felling direction. When felling a tree, the rule of thumb is to make the depth of the notch one-fifth of the tree trunk's diameter. Come on - join in! When doing this, it’s important to remember two things: the hinge should have a uniform thickness with the right dimensions, and the felling wedge or breaking bar should be inserted before the tree can pinch the guide bar. Retreat a minimum of 20 feet from a falling tree by using an established escape route 45 degrees to the rear of the intended direction of fall while keeping the tree in view. You are at the forest, park & garden website, Consumers who purchase two-stroke gasoline powered Husqvarna branded handheld products for non-income producing personal use or household purposes, excluding commercial, agricultural, retail, industrial and rental usage types, can extend their product warranty from the standard 2 years up to a 5 year limited warranty, Military and First Responder Appreciation Program. Remove or avoid all dead snags or stubs. It goes a long way in understanding and making an informed decision for specific results. Always plan at least two obstruction-free paths away from the tree you are cutting. Get the latest info on new products, giveaways and special offers. It is generally easier and safer to fell a tree in the direction that it is already leaning. Also, take the wind direction into consideration. In standard Continue by carefully studying the tree to determining the felling direction. For smaller trees, you do not normally need felling tools. A felling wedge provides greater felling force than the different types of breaking bars. When you are creating the face cut, make sure that both cuts meet evenly and do not overlap. This option is not recommeded for trees in confined spaces, sectional dismantling is more appropriate in these cases. Recommended products based on your search. You should also have a solid understanding of the key concepts of tree felling, such as felling hinge, directional notch and felling cut, as well as what methods and techniques to use, depending on the tree. (circled area). Proper techniques are used in order to keep the property and people near the tree safe. Lift with your legs and keep your back straight. diameter (in feet). 81) 22 Felling is the process of cutting down individual trees, an element of the task of logging.The person cutting the trees is a feller. Overextending one of these cuts further into the tree can cause it to fall towards you. Reduce the risk by wearing Kevlar leg coverings, a hard hat, … falls, there is strain on the sides of the tree along the dotted lines. Begin by making a shallow notch (1/4 to 1/3 dia. Bore cuts provide a way to greatly reduce this danger. Example: a 100 foot tree 12 inches in diameter (1 foot) would yield 100 segments (100 � 1). 3. Rot infestation usually subsides higher up in the tree so one option might be to fell the tree with an extra high stump. 2. How-to fell a tree: Watch Husqvarna's qualified trainer cut down a tree using proper methods and techniques. But no matter where you are, this list of items will enhance your safety when working with chainsaws. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO CUT TREE WITH TREE FELLING GROUP. 1. The size of the tree determines which type of forestry equipment you need. Usually, when learning a tree felling method, first, you know its name and then connect its specific sequence of angles and cuts. The breaking bar is generally telescopic and can be carried in a holster on your logging belt. Believe it or not, but “how do I start a chainsaw?” is a common question (or at least a frequent Google search) amongst chainsaw users. When it comes to safety clothing and equipment, different rules and regulations apply in different countries. Methods Hand felling. If you haven’t tried cutting down a tree yourself, and you’d like to learn the basic techniques of tree felling, then stay with me. Cutting down a tree, also known as felling a tree, requires careful planning and a high degree of skill. A felling wedge provides greater felling force than the different types of breaking bars. Clear around the tree in the intended felling direction. > All trees over 200mm at the stump must be felled using a scarf and back cut. At the very minimum, you will need the following equipment: Protective Gear – People get injured while felling trees all the time. Once you have cleared the area, put up your warning signs and decided on the tree’s direction of fall and your path of retreat, check that you have enough fuel in the tank for the task ahead. Safety must be of utmost priority when approaching a tree to cut. As the tree However, it is vital to know the educational part that explains how the techniques work. However, if the tree is a manageable size, you may choose to tackle the job yourself. When this happens, fell in the tree’s natural direction of fall and use a winch if you are unsure. Then it’s time to prune the trunk to get rid of all the branches and twigs that might get in the way when sawing the felling cut. Tree Felling is the service people most readily associate with tree surgeons where an infected tree is cut down and it can be a complex procedure to carry out than many people realise. The amount of back lean that can be overcome is based on the height and diameter of the … Directed tree felling requires great precision. Learn the proper way to notch a tree by creating different notches during tree felling. First, ask yourself if there are any major obstacles – such as overhead lines, roads or buildings – in the area. When the tree starts to fall, the hinge will help guide the tree to fall in the desired direction. Virtual boundaries. Determine the number of segments in the tree by dividing the height (in feet) by the An axe, saw, or chainsaw is used to fell a tree, followed up by limbing and bucking in traditional applications. Once the tree is laying on the ground it is cut into sections for easier removal. When felling trees, the correct working techniques are essential for not only creating a safe working environment, but also working more effectively. Felling wedges are best for medium to large trees. Chainsaw Level 3: Advanced Tree Felling Techniques andChainsaw Level 4: Windblown & Damaged Tree Felling Techniques. Tree Felling Techniques: Cutting Guide And Safety Tips In this article, I will be talking about different tree cutting techniques for beginners. Depending on your current skill level, there are three different competencies available to study; basic, intermediate and advanced tree felling. The wire is attached as high up in the tree as possible for maximum effect. If there is enough space at the tree’s location then we can cut the tree down and safely control its … Fell the tree using safe felling techniques > Good felling technique is critical to safe, accurate, consistent results. Download manuals & illustrated parts listings, Do Not Sell My Personal Information (California Residents). This can be estimated quite accurately using one of 4 1. Insert the tool before completing the felling cut and stand with all your weight on the lever arm. The felling cut should meet the point of the notch. The notch is made in the normal manner (1/3 dia. Determine the amount of back lean (in feet) by plumbing the tree. A backcut that is made too deeply or below the face cut can cause the tree to fall toward… That’s why it is essential to know the right techniques. Here are … Remember: every tree is different. side scarring, corner to a depth of one inch before making the back cut. We have put together information about the different techniques here, so that you can determine which method best suits your conditions. To maximize the lifting force, insert the tool (before completing the felling cut) in the middle of the felling cut at the very back. To be able to safely fell a tree in a different direction than the natural one requires experience from previous tree fall. Always observe the lean of a tree. The tree can move backwards and hit with full force as it reaches the ground. 4. felling, the sides of the hinge between the notch and the back cut are not sawn when the This is an indication that the tree is infested with rot and that the wood fibers are weakened. To prevent The first step in felling a tree is to identify all the hazards around the tree, such as structures, power lines, roads, vehicles, and other trees. When it comes to tree removal using a chainsaw, preparation is key. Your personal selections from our range of products. Tree Felling : Tree felling is the process of cutting the tree near the base and using wedges or winch to fell it in one complete piece. Good intentions without proper knowledge has caused many a roof to be destroyed. 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