How to Plan Tree Felling

Felling a tree can be an exciting and challenging activity, but only if you take the time to plan your operation correctly. This involves assessing the condition of the tree and surrounding area to ensure that it can be felled safely without causing harm. It also means deciding which way you want the tree to fall and avoiding obstacles such as overhead power lines (don’t fell within 15m of power lines), fences and old stumps.

Choosing which equipment to use and preparing the work area are important steps in the felling process. It is essential to have a reliable chainsaw with a sharp blade and proper safety gear, especially eye protection. It is also a good idea to bring an axe for chopping small branches and a pruning shears for shaping the crown of the tree as it falls. It is a good idea to practice using these tools in the woods beforehand to familiarise yourself with their handling and functions.

Visit the felling site in advance and assess the suitability for your group and the task at hand. Check for obstacles to felling – particularly overhead cables (don’t fell within 15m of overhead electricity cables) and fences – and mark the area where you intend to cut the tree with a chalk line. Then, plan the felling zone and clear the area of any people, pets or objects that will be in the path of the falling tree. Also, clear the area around the base of the tree and make two escape routes on the non-fall side that lead away from the expected fall line.

Examine the tree for signs of damage, rot or disease. Loose limbs are common causes of injuries during felling, so remove them before you start cutting and be sure to fell the tree from a position where they will not strike you if dislodged. Similarly, be sure to examine the ground for signs of instability such as cracks and further uprooted trees. If the ground is unstable, felling a tree may result in significant damage and injury.

Inspect the tree for any lean in its natural direction and plan which side you want it to fall towards before making your first notch cut. A directional notch consists of two cuts that remove a triangular portion of the trunk and forms a weak point in the middle, which helps guide the tree when it begins to fall. The first cut is a horizontal flat cut at the top of the trunk, while the second is a downward angle that meets the end of the first cut.

When you’ve finished your directional notch, use a chainsaw to make the felling cut – the final slice that brings down the tree. Ideally, this should meet the point of the notch to form a hinge that helps the tree fall in the desired direction. This step is the key to a successful felling operation and is where the expertise of an experienced professional can really pay off.

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