The Basics of Tree Felling

Tree Felling involves the removal of trees, whether through cutting or other means. The most common method is felling, where specialized workers make calculated cuts at the base of the tree until it falls over and is removed. Depending on the circumstances, other methods may be used. When felling a tree, workers must ensure that it does not interfere with power lines and other structures or cause injury to bystanders. The first step is to determine the height of the tree, as well as hazards and obstacles in the area where it will be felled. Then, the worker must develop a plan to safely fell the tree.

If a tree is being felled to create space for construction, it may be necessary to remove some of the existing vegetation, as well. This is particularly true when the tree is located near sensitive areas, such as wildlife habitats or water bodies. In these cases, it is best to consult with local environmental authorities or conservation organisations to understand how the removal of the tree will impact the surrounding environment.

Once the area around a falling tree has been cleared, it is important to check the site to assess any potential hazards that could interfere with the work being done. For example, if the tree is going to fall near a power line, it will be necessary to call the utility company to arrange for its removal. It is also important to note the direction of the wind, as it will affect how the tree will fall.

The feller must then cut a notch in the trunk of the tree, using a back cut and a hinge cut to control the direction of the tree’s fall. This is a complex process, which is why it’s important to use a qualified sawyer. The height of a notch should be one-fifth the diameter of the tree, and the angle of the back cut should meet the angle of the notch to create a strong hinge that will control the direction of the tree’s fall.

A final step is to remove any limbs that may be sticking out from the trunk of the tree and are likely to fall when the tree falls. These are called widowmakers and can cause severe injuries or death to saw operators. In addition, the feller should examine the resulting pile for any dead branches that might remain and could potentially fall onto him after the felling.

Finally, the feller should always think about his escape route before making any of the felling cuts and clear away any obstacles or hazards in that route. The escape route should be at a 45-degree angle to the felling direction and should be walked by the feller prior to beginning the work. This can help prevent the occurrence of any unanticipated incidents that might have a significant negative effect on the success of the felling operation.

source https://treeaestheticswa.wordpress.com/2024/05/05/the-basics-of-tree-felling/