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If the back cut is too low, or the “hinge” is cut through, the tree will not be
under control of the “hinge” and may fall in any direction. Be ready to
leave the chain saw and GET AWAY FAST, away from the tree’s falling
direction!
When the tree does not lean in the desired felling direction, insert a
plastic or wooden wedge into the back cut when there is room behind the
saw blade. This will hold the cut open. Then complete cutting to the
hinge (careful not to cut the wedge), and either continue cutting to fell the
tree or hammer in the wedges to push the tree in the desired direction.
TETHERING - For good leverage, the tether line should be attached as
high up the trunk as possible. Use a strong rope. (Do not use nylon rope
because it stretches.) Run the rope in the planned direction of fall to a
distance much greater than the height of the tree. Tugging or jerking on
the tether line can cause the tree to sway, and fall backwards. Always
maintain constant tension on the tree using a steady pull on the rope to
prevent swaying.
DANGER! During felling, if a tree starts to lean and fall in an unintended direction, causing your saw to bind,
LEAVE THE SAW! Be particularly careful as you get away from the tree’s precarious position. Beware of the
direction it is going and do not cross the fall path. Do Not try to save the saw! The saw is replaceable- You are
not!
DANGER! HUNG TREE- When a tree gets hung on another and will not fall, ask for help from a trained
experienced woodsman or tree felling service. This can become an extremely dangerous condition.
WARNING! Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cutting causing serious injury. Do not
cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you
will not be able to see well, nor during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. If the tree does
make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately. Carefully plan your
sawing operation in advance. Clear the work area. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can have
secure footing. The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll
or slide down hill after it is felled.
Study the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direction, such as:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might not be apparent due to uneven or sloping terrain.
Use a plumb or level to determine the direction of tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
• Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the operator.
• Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall.
• Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths from the nearest person or other objects. Noise can drown out a warning call.
• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
FALL
RETREAT
PATH
90°
45°
45 °
NOT THIS
WAY
RETREAT
PATH
FELLING TREES