Tree Felling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Felling a tree requires specialized knowledge and a high level of skill. It is a dangerous job that should be left to professionals. Even with the best of intentions, there is a lot that can go wrong in the process of falling a tree. This article explores the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

The Wedge Cut

The wedge cut is one of the most important cuts in the felling process. It is used to establish the direction that a tree will fall and plays a critical role in controlling its descent.

To properly make this cut, it is important to consider the angle at which the tree will fall, the surrounding terrain, and the wind conditions. A poorly made wedge cut can lead to the tree falling in an undesirable or unexpected direction.

It is also essential to clear away any debris or underbrush that may impede movement around the base of the tree during the felling process. This should be done prior to making the wedge cut. Additionally, it is a good idea to prepare two escape routes on either side of the expected fall line of the tree. This will help ensure that you can safely escape in the event of an emergency during the felling process.

Maintaining a Uniform Hinge Width

A uniform hinge width is essential to maintaining control over the direction of the tree’s fall. This step is especially important when dealing with a tree that has a significant lean or is heavily loaded on one side. If the notch is not properly made or the hinge width is not maintained, it can lead to unwanted movements and splitting of the tree.

Loose Branches

Loose limbs that fall on the person cutting down a tree are a leading cause of serious injury and death. Examine the tree for loose limbs and make sure to remove them before felling. It is also a good idea to examine the tree for any other hazards that may be present, such as power lines. If a power line is located within the vicinity of the tree, it is imperative that you contact the appropriate authority before attempting to fell it.

Identify, Plan and Use an Escape Route

The most common mistake people make when trying to fell a tree is failing to plan ahead for the fall of the tree. When a tree falls, it can move more quickly than you might expect. Identifying, planning and using an escape route is critical to avoiding injury or fatality. When a tree falls, it usually moves in the direction of its fall for about 90 percent of the time.

To better understand the importance of identifying, planning and using an escape route, consider this statistic: 90 percent of all injuries or deaths that occur in connection with tree felling happen within 15 seconds and five feet of the base of the falling tree. By following these simple steps, you can fell a tree safely and with confidence.

source https://cameronstreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/02/27/tree-felling-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/