How to Cut down a tree: Tree Felling Techniques & Tips

 

In this section, I will describe how to cut down your trees, using a method called tree felling. There are many techniques used, all involve chainsaws unless the tree is very small. We do not recommend tree felling on your own, without the help of an expert. These tree-felling tips are to aid you in your decision, when contacting professional tree surgeons to fell your trees. It is also important to know when to fell your tree.

 

There are two main techniques involved when felling big trees that require chainsaws. With the lean of the tree (where the weight lays in the direction you want the tree to fall), and against the lean (where it doesn’t).  Below I will describe the techniques involved with tree felling with the lean of the tree.

 

Step 1 – Assess the Tree before Felling

 

You will need to determine the lean of the tree, the direction in which its branches weight are focussed and which way the tree will fall when cut. When examining a tree, (before felling) it is important to note dead branches, interfering branches from other trees and buildings and property that may required to be kept safe when you cut down the tree.

Step 2 – Examine the Tree Base Prior to Felling

 

Make sure the tree is stable, checking for any signs of instability. Including any fungi growth and tree roots near a river or a lake these are reasons to reconsider  when applying tree felling techniques.

Step 3 – Determine How The Tree Will Fall

 

The weight of the branches and the crown determine the direction of tree felling. If it is not possible to fell it in this direction. (ie. felling against the lean of a tree) then a different technique should be used.

 

Uneven ground can cause a tree to bounce, break, roll or explode, so it is important try to select a flat surface for your felled tree. Decide on the falling corridor by determining a direction close to the tree’s natural lean, while making sure not to get the tree stuck in the branches of another tree.

Step 4 – Plan an Escape

 

Clear an area at a 45 degree angle away from the tree and its fall corridor. Ensure that it is long enough that you can move at least 30 feet or more away from the stump. Plan a path of retreat for when the tree begins to come down and clear any obstacles in that path.

Step 5 – Cut a Notch in the Felling Direction

 

This tree felling technique requires that you first cut a wedge out of your tree. The wedge will be the direction you want your tree to fall, so make sure it is on the side that the tree is leaning.

 

• Make your first horizontal cut, facing the direction of fall. This cut should be a third of the way into the tree.
• Make a second cut on the tree trunk at a 45-60 degree angle, stopping when you meet the first cut. This cut is known as a face cut.
• Make a small cut into the bark underneath the wedge all around the tree to prevent the bark stripping off the trunk further down the tree when the tree falls.

 

 

Step 6 – Cut the Other Side of the Tree

 

• Opposite the face cut, make a horizontal cut slightly above the horizontal cut opposite. This cut almost connects with the corner of the wedge that has been cut in the front.

 

The tree should start to fall in the direction of the face cut (wedge cut). Move away and STAND BACK!! Unpredictable tree felling is a killer, you should move away to the rear of the tree and away from the falling tree.

Step 7 – Clear the Way

 

When the tree falls it is very important to get out of the way quickly. It is hard to judge what a tree may do and any of its branches can be very dangerous. A tree’s size can be easily misjudged and result in serious injury or death when cutting it down. Be very careful to accurately evaluate the tree and create an adequate escape route before you begin any cutting.

 

Douglas Fir Tree Care recommends you have an expert cut down your trees for you. For an example of the above technique, please watch this video. Directional Felling video. (some sectional limb felling at the start – directional tree felling technique from halfway through)

Felling against the lean of a tree

 

Felling a tree against the lean of a tree requires a very different cutting technique, using a winch or a rope to pull the tree in the right direction. You can also use wedges or a lever to aid tree felling. We recommend strongly that you have an expert cut down a tree, as trees are very heavy and can be very dangerous.

 

Douglas Fir Tree Care are able to advise and help with your tree problems, for your free consultation or advice please feel free to contact by email

 

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