Use the Proper Safety Equipment
Safety isn't an expendable term when it involves cutting down trees or operating chainsaws. It needs to be taken very seriously. Certainly, there is some essential safety gear For all chainsaw tasks, ensure you always use gloves along with hearing-protective gear. Additionally, consider acquiring particular tools designed specifically for felling trees.
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- A logger's helmet to shield you from descending limbs, which are a primary source of logging accidents.
- Ear protection and a facial shield to safeguard your hearing and vision.
- Goggles to protect against debris.
- Kevlar chaps capable of halting a chain immediately if you accidentally let the bar touch your leg.
Buy Felling Wedges
To avoid having your saw stuck during a cut, use two plastic felling wedges. These can be purchased at any retail outlet specializing in outdoor power tools like chainsaws.
Calculate the Cutting Area: Techniques for Directing Tree Fall as Desired
The height of trees often exceeds what we imagine, extending much further across the landscape than initially thought. If you're preparing to cut down a tree and wish to predict which way it will topple, consider employing the "axe handle method." Here’s how this technique works for directing the fall of a tree: extend your arm fully holding an axe handle, keep one eye shut, then step backward or forward relative to the tree until the tip of the axe aligns with the very top of the tree, while simultaneously ensuring the butt end lines up with the trunk base. Position yourself such that your spot would approximately coincide with where the crown may land post-fall. Remember, however, this serves merely as an approximation; thus, always ensure ample clearance around potential obstacles before proceeding.
Clear a Cutting Zone
Even when you're confident about the direction in which the tree will topple, you shouldn’t rush into cutting it down. Clear all vegetation surrounding the base of the trunk and prepare two safe paths for retreat on the side where the tree won’t fall. These pathways should form roughly 45-degree angles from each other, leading off in opposing directions. You definitely don’t want to stumble while moving away from a descending tree.
Size Up the Tree
Begin by examining the tree. Avoid cutting it down if you notice:
- Broken dead branches that remain hanging due to attachment or those that are detached yet held up by surrounding branches. There’s a high chance of dislodging one of these branches and having it drop onto you.
– Clearly, it has a pronounced tilt towards one side or is significantly weighed down by branches on one end. Regardless of your efforts, it will topple over in the direction of this imbalance.
- There are structures like buildings, fences, power lines, or other elements you're concerned about within the falling area. In this case, avoid attempting to fell trees yourself and consult a professional instead.
Structure of a Well-Formed Notch
The general guideline for cutting down a tree involves making the notch about one-fifth of the width of the tree trunk. Aim to create angles similar to those depicted in the accompanying illustration, if possible. Ensure your felling cut aligns with the tip of this notch. As the tree begins to topple, the hinge acts as a control mechanism, directing the fallen log towards the intended spot.
Plan the Notch
You'll need to make a cut on the "felling" side of the tree trunk. Align yourself with the saw's handle and ensure the blade is aimed towards your intended felling direction; this point where the chain meets the bark will mark the center of your notch. Prior to making the cut, outline the notch either using chalk or by lightly scratching the bark with the chainsaw. Position the notch so it's at a convenient level for you to work with. If needed later, adjustments can always be made. remove the stump later.)
Cut the Notch
Start by making the upper cut followed by the lower one. While cutting at the bottom, use your thumb to regulate the throttle. Should the top notch align correctly, the wedge should fall away naturally. Often, though, you may need to continue cutting from above or below until the wedge becomes dislodged.
Utilize Wedges for Large Trees
When dealing with trees larger than 18 inches in diameter, start by making your notch cut and then proceed with the felling cut. Pause once you've made an opening deep enough to insert wedges behind the chainsaw bar. Keep the saw idling within the cut, engage the chain brake, and gently drive in the wedges. Afterward, complete the felling cut. The use of these wedges helps prevent the saw from becoming stuck should the tree fall backward.
Make the Felling Cut
Draw a line from the top of each side’s notch as a guide for cutting. Ensure the rear cut aligns evenly with the tip of the notch. Afterward, proceed with making the felling cut. As soon as the tree starts tilting, immediately release the saw, activate the chain brake, and move swiftly along one of your predetermined exit paths, continuously watching the tree to respond quickly if it falls unexpectedly. Always keep your focus on the descending tree.
A Watchman Could Rescue Your Life
While cutting down a tree, having a reliable helper positioned several feet behind you observing the treetop can significantly enhance safety. This assistant should use a stick to gently touch your shoulder whenever they spot falling branches or when the tree begins to lean and fall. Should this occur at the start of your work, promptly abandon the chainsaw and step back right away; it indicates an imminent branch drop. Towards the completion of the process, such a signal suggests the tree itself is starting to topple over.
Begin Pruning Branches at the Trunk
Once the tree has been toppled, begin removing the branches starting from the base of the trunk and moving upwards. When feasible, position yourself on the uphill part of the fallen tree. Approach your task from the left side of the trunk (facing towards where the top of the tree was originally located). This positioning ensures both safety and efficiency when using a chainsaw since you can lean the side or underside of the tool against the trunk and effortlessly remove branches through a swiveling action.
Chopped up the trunk for firewood
Learn how to cut firewood various methods allowing you to utilize whatever tools are at your disposal.
