We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
You may be ready to cut down a Christmas tree this year, but are you ready to fall a larger tree? If you’ve never cut down a tree before, you may want to learn how to do it properly. People have been felling trees for as long as there have been people, and they’ve passed down a special set of felling genes. If you’re thinking about taking on the challenge, read on to learn more.
Making the front cut
The front cut when felling a tree is made at 45 degrees from the top. The back cut should start one to two inches above the front cut. To ensure the safety of those working on the tree, always wear eye and ear protection. It is also important to have a clear path of escape in case the tree falls. After cutting the tree down, follow the instructions on how to fall a tree.
First, make the first cut 70 degrees downwards and stop the saw at the same level as the top. Next, make a cut at a 20-degree angle to the side of the upper cut. This creates a 90-degree notch opening. Mark the notch angle on the other side of the tree. Then, cut flat toward the notch angle, leaving one-tenth of the diameter of the trunk between the notch and the hinge.
If you know the direction in which the tree will fall, make sure you clear the area of any dead branches and brush. These can catch on the chainsaw and cause it to jam. If you are unsure of the direction of the fall, it’s a good idea to cut the tree in two sections and have them 45 degrees apart. This way, you can ensure that you get the job done safely and with as little stress as possible.
Making the back cut
Making the back cut when felling a large tree is essential to ensuring its safe fall. This cut is the final one, and will disconnect almost all of the trunk from the stump and leave a hinge to help control its fall. As the name suggests, the back cut is made on the side opposite to the notch. It must be made horizontally and stop at an angle of about one tenth the diameter of the tree. If the tree is especially difficult, a different back cut technique will be required.
First, it’s important to make the back cut before falling the tree. It will determine the proper hinge formation and release the tree for falling. The chain saw operator must carefully determine the lean of the tree and make a notch in its back to determine the right amount of hinge to use. The tree should also be leaning forward in order to create an open face notch. Using a notch on the back cut will also release the tree to fall more safely and with less risk of causing damage to surrounding structures.
When felling a tree, make sure to follow the back cut rules. Make sure the wedge is deep enough to cut the tree’s trunk without causing it to fall over. If the back cut is too shallow, the wedge may settle on the chainsaw and cause a jam. If the tree leans forward, it is best to make a bore cut instead. A proper back cut will also allow the tree to live for years if it contains adequate wood meat.
Choosing a tree
When choosing a tree to fell, make sure that you keep in mind two important factors: weather and decay. The quality of the wood can make or break a tree removal operation. Wood that is weak will fail to support weight, and interior decay isn’t always apparent. Keeping in mind the tree’s safety and the safety of anyone around it will help you avoid serious accidents. If you’re planning to cut down a tree in a forest, make sure that it is at least 45 degrees from the edge of the forest, and that you keep clear of anything attached to the trunk.
Before felling a tree, you need to assess the site and decide what direction it will fall. You need to ensure that it will not fall in an area with many obstructions or that it will be safe to reach from a ladder. When you’re choosing a tree to fell, make sure that it has sufficient clearance around it, especially if you have small children or pets. Also, make sure that there is adequate clearance around the tree so that people can escape if needed.
Wind is another important consideration when choosing a tree to fell. Depending on your location, wind can affect the way the crown of the tree falls. A hardwood tree will be less affected by wind in the fall and winter, but a tree with a low wind index will be more difficult to land where you want it to land. Consider the terrain and adjacent standing timber as well as any natural openings. In the fall, you will have to be prepared for the resulting damage.
Analyzing the tree before cutting it down
First, an analysis of the tree’s anatomy and terrain is necessary. It will take 50 years for a tree to reach 12 inches DBH, and in that time it will only yield about $1-2 per pound of pulpwood. However, by the time it reaches that size, it will be worth far more. For example, the black cherry is the most valuable tree in Pennsylvania’s forest. While most large-diameter trees are valuable in terms of timber, not all have the same growth values. As a result, timing is vital.
Making the notch
When felling a tree, make sure to create a notch in the trunk. You can make a notch by cutting a triangle of wood from the center of the tree. This will create a perfect notch in the tree. In order to create the notch, you must cut the lower section of the tree at an angle of seventy degrees and the top part of the tree at a twenty-degree angle. In order to make this cut, you must first mark the angle of the tree on the opposite side. Then, make your cut flat toward this notch and cut the tree flat to one tenth of its diameter.
If the tree is small and lightweight, there is no need to create a notch. However, if it is larger than four inches, it should have a notch. This will allow you to get the best lumber from the bottom section of the tree. When felling a tree, you should stand to one side of it to avoid pinching it and damaging the structure below. Once you’ve cut the notch, you can start the removal process.
Making a notch can make felling a tree a lot safer. It is important to remember to position the saw bar at the bottom shoulder of the cut. This will help the feller position the saw bar on the shoulder of the cut and make the plunge cut. To see how this works, look at the picture below. Then, position the saw bar on the horizontal shoulder of the cut. Once you’ve made the notch, you can move into the plunge cut.
Making the hinge
One of the most important factors to consider when felling a tree is the hinge. This piece of equipment is responsible for stabilizing the tree during the process. The cut should be at a 30 degree angle. The next step is to cut the face notch so that it reaches 80 percent of the tree’s breast height. Then, use a saw to make a 30 degree angle cut at the face notch. This will create a stronger hinge for felling a tree.
When making the hinge when felling a tree, the logger should first determine the diameter of the tree’s breast height (DBH). This measurement is at about 4 1/2 feet above the ground. Then, he should calculate the length of the hinge using this measurement. The hinge length will depend on the species, but a good rule of thumb is 80 percent of the DBH. The notch width can be increased or decreased, but the overall thickness of the hinge should be no more than 10 percent.
To form the hinge, a sharp knife is used. A thin strap or piano hinge is suitable, but a wide piano hinge is a better choice for larger trees. A longer hinge will allow more control over the fall of the tree. The recommended length is 80 percent of the diameter of the tree’s breast height. However, the amount of undercut also determines the length of the hinge. The deeper the undercut, the longer the hinge.
