Risk Assessments for Tree Felling

Tree Felling is the process of removing trees from their natural location. Tree felling is a skilled, dangerous activity that requires specialised tools such as chainsaws, axes and wedges.

Incorrectly performing the steps of the tree falling process can result in property damage, serious injury or death to people and animals. It is therefore essential that a thorough risk assessment is undertaken before the start of any tree felling work, taking into account any environmental factors.

Prior to beginning any sawing, the feller must complete a comprehensive inspection of the tree to be felled, checking for structural defects, damage or diseases such as Dutch Elm Disease. This should also include a visual scan of the area where the tree will fall to ensure that it is not in any danger of being blown over by wind or causing further uprooting of nearby trees, or if its roots are growing into river banks, cliff edges or in other hazardous positions.

Once a good assessment has been made, the sawyer can begin the felling process by creating a notch cut in the base of the subject tree. This is a key step in the process and must be properly executed to position the static load of the tree such that the remaining hinge and back cut can reliably control where it will eventually land.

An undercut is then made a few inches above the apex of the notch cut, weakening the base and further guiding the direction of fall. The final cut, known as the back cut, is then sawn in a line with the apex of the notch to complete the felling process.

It is important to pay attention to the natural direction of a leaning or heavy-laden tree because these characteristics will influence where it ultimately falls, often to the detriment of the feller and anyone in its path. It is also important to avoid rotten trees, those with a dead top and those with large hanging or loose limbs. These can fall as the sawyer is cutting and are notoriously known as “widow makers”, causing severe injuries or even death.

In addition to the initial risk assessments, the feller must continuously monitor the subject tree as it is falling. This will allow him to react at the first sign of instability and avoid any uncontrollable incidents. In addition, he must constantly check whether the felling area (a distance of at least 2.0 times the height of the subject tree in all directions) is clear of obstacles and valuable targets.

It is also important to plant healthy new trees in the same place as those that are being felled, to create a sustainable forest environment and minimise negative ecological impacts such as soil erosion and habitat loss. It is vital that any invasive weeds or brambles are removed from the felling area to prevent them entangling with future trees. It is also important to keep waterways clear of fallen debris to reduce the risk of flooding.

source https://cameronstreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/risk-assessments-for-tree-felling/