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FELLING TREES
Always wear a hard hat to protect your head against falling branches.
The chainsaw can only be used to fell trees smaller in diameter than the length of the guide bar.
1. Secure work area. Ensure no persons or animals are in the vicinity of the falling tree. Never attempt to
free a jammed saw with the motor running. Use wooden wedges to free the chain and guide bar. When
cutting and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons, at the same time, the felling
operations should be separated from the cutting 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 damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the relevant utility
owner/company should be notified immediately. The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill side of
the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Notching undercut: Make the notch (X-W) 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of falls
as 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 cut: Make the felling back cut (Y) at least 50 mm higher than the horizontal notching cut. 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 cutting, stop the motor, put
the chainsaw down, and then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your
footing. To complete the felling operation, drive a wedge (Z) into the horizontal cut. Beware of falling branches
when the tree starts to move.
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