Tree Felling is a forestry practice that involves the controlled cutting down of trees. It is a highly technical skill that requires precise cuts, the use of specialised tools and an in-depth understanding of tree biology. It is a dangerous activity that can result in property damage and serious injury or death to fellers and bystanders if it is not performed correctly.
The most important factor in ensuring the safety of a felling operation is thorough planning. This begins with a thorough site inspection and the review of applicable standards for work positioning, placement of cuts and tree falling. The site must be free of hazards such as interlocked branches, dead tops and stumps that may fall as the tree falls or limbs that could dislodge during the felling process. It is also necessary to identify and understand the location of any overhead power lines that may be impacted by the felling of the tree.
A successful tree felling operation is a multi-step process that starts with the creation of a notch cut and the creation of a back cut on the remaining hinge. A well-executed notch and back cut allow the sawyer to reliably control the direction that the tree will fall, minimizing risk of injury or damage to structures such as buildings and roads. A competent feller will use a combination of these strategic cuts to guide the fall of a tree and achieve the desired landing position.
Once the notch and back cut are completed, the sawyer must then determine how to best secure the remaining hinge for the tree to fall in the desired direction. This will often involve the use of wedges. These can be placed on either side of the notch to prevent the tree from sliding off the hinge and into an unsafe landing area. The degree of forward or back lean of the tree will also influence the number and type of wedges required to secure it.
It is also essential to plan for the removal of any debris or limbs that will be left behind after the felling of a tree. Loose limbs are a common cause of injuries and fatalities during timber operations and should be cleared before a tree is felled, if possible. This includes checking the ground condition and soil moisture for any potential hazards such as buried roots or boulders.
A good felling plan will include a detailed list of steps for the operation and should be known to, understood by and followed by all fellers. This should be documented and reflected in training records and hazard registers. A system should also be in place for recording on-the-job deviations from planned processes. A record of these on-the-job deviations should be reviewed on a regular basis and any lessons learned should be used to improve future operations.
source https://treeaestheticswa.wordpress.com/2025/01/12/the-importance-of-tree-felling-safety-planning/
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