Tree Felling Basics – How to Safely Fell a Tree

Tree Felling is a dangerous activity that requires advanced skills and an absolute commitment to safety. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to approach this task with confidence and care, covering everything from the wedge cut, hinge cut, and back cut, right up to the non-negotiable necessity of high quality protective gear.

Before you start cutting down a tree, you need to carefully analyze both the tree and the surrounding area. Is the tree close to a house, other structures such as fences or sheds, or utility lines? Does the tree have broken or dead branches that could fall and cause damage? Are there any other trees nearby that could potentially collide with the tree as it falls? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s best to call in a professional.

Once you’ve analyzed the site, you need to set up your tools. For a basic project, you’ll need a felling axe or chainsaw and a pair of work gloves. For more advanced projects, you’ll also need a rigging rope to guide the falling tree section by section as it’s being lowered to the ground. You’ll also need a hard hat and ear and eye protection.

The most common mistake made by novice tree fellers is attempting to take down a tree without planning out the proper sequence of cuts. Before making the first cut, it’s important to plan out your entire operation and have a clear escape route in mind. You should also continuously monitor the progress of your cuts and be prepared to react if the tree begins to fall in an unexpected direction.

Another common mistake is forgetting to check the ground for obstructions. This includes removing any dead or loose limbs that could fall and strike you as you’re cutting the tree, as well as clearing away any briars or debris that might obstruct your movement around the base of the tree during the falling process.

It’s also important to check for any overhead power lines before beginning your project. You should never fell a tree within 15m of any power lines. If you’re unsure whether or not a tree is safe to fall near any power lines, it’s always best to contact the local utility company to have it removed safely.

If you aren’t sure which way the tree is going to fall, it’s a good idea to create a directional notch in the side of the trunk that you want to fall first. The notch should be about a third of the way into the trunk, and it should meet at a point that’s straight up from the flat cut. Then, make the final felling cut on the opposite side of the trunk.

Finally, it’s crucial to give the tree a sufficient hinge with the back cut. The hinge should be about a third of the length of the directional notch, and it should connect the apex of the notch on both sides. The hinge will guide the tree in the desired direction as it falls, and it will help prevent the tree from crashing down too quickly.

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