Best Practices for Tree Felling

Felling a tree is a significant undertaking that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. If not done correctly, it can have serious consequences including damage to property or injury to people or animals. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, follow these best practices for felling trees:

Always check local ordinances before you begin cutting a tree. In some areas, you’ll need a permit, even for trees on your own property. Make sure you have the proper equipment, including chainsaws, a harness and a hard hat. If you’re not comfortable with the job, or it appears that the tree will be too large to move by hand, hire a professional.

Before you start cutting, thoroughly inspect the tree for dead limbs, cracks and other hazards that could fall from the sky or knock you off balance. Also, look for anything that could get in your way when the tree falls – like other trees, buildings or power lines. It’s a good idea to consult with local environmental authorities or conservation groups for guidance and to learn about the ecological impact of tree felling.

Once you’ve determined the best direction for the tree to fall, mark it with a directional notch. To do this, cut a flat, horizontal slice into the trunk on the side facing the desired direction of falling. Then, cut a downward angle into the trunk above that first cut to form a v-shaped notch where it meets the other cut (the felling cut). The point of contact between these two cuts is the hinge that will guide the tree in its fall.

Using a directional notch to determine the desired direction of tree fall is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for safe and effective felling. But if you’re not familiar with how to create and use this notch, it can be difficult to estimate the distance from the ground to the top of the tree when you’re standing at the base of the cut. To get a better sense of how far the tree will drop, you can try the “ax handle trick.” Hold the ax at arm’s length, close your eyes and back away from or move toward the tree until the top of the ax is even with the treetop and its bottom is even with the base.

It’s also essential to clear the area around the trunk of the tree where you plan on felling it, removing any brush and establishing two escape routes in opposite directions. This will help ensure that you don’t get trapped by a falling tree or branch. Finally, enlist the help of a lookout who can monitor the tree as you cut and notify you when it’s ready to fall. This person should stand a few feet behind you to keep you a safe distance from the tree and be able to tap you on the shoulder or signal with a stick when it’s time to fell the tree.

from Sunshine Coast Tree Lopping Caloundra https://ift.tt/Q13uamY