Safety Procedures for Tree Cutting

Tree Cutting involves the process of lowering down branches or trunk segments from high above the ground. This is typically done for trees that are too close to power lines, structures or otherwise deemed hazardous to people. Arborists can either climb up the tree and cut a notch to let the top part of the tree fall, or use a crane-assisted method where they cut the parts from the base while the tree is still standing. Either way, if you’re going to be cutting a tree on your property, you need to know the safety procedures involved.

First, assess the tree and your abilities. Don’t try to fell a tree that is too large for you to manage or is dead, damaged or rotten. This can cause serious injuries to you and your equipment. In addition, you need to have an escape path should the tree fall over. Clear the area around the tree to make sure there are no structures, power lines or animals within a radius of double the height of the tree. It is also a good idea to have another person nearby to help in case something goes wrong and you get injured or your equipment gets stuck in the tree.

Before starting, make a directional notch on the fall side of the tree, which is usually the heaviest. A notch is a V-shaped cut made on the side of the tree facing in the direction you want the tree to fall. A directional notch is necessary because a saw chain can easily catch on a limb or debris as it falls. It is a good idea to use a marker to mark the location of the directional notch and the fall side of the tree. This will help you to keep the saw chain clear of obstructions and avoid injury.

Next, make a back cut at a level plane with the face cut and about 1-2 inches above the fall side of the notch. This will give the tree a surface to push against, preventing it from sliding back over the face cut towards the sawyer and potentially causing injury.

After the back cut is finished, insert a tree-felling wedge in the notch and position it to point in the desired direction of the falling tree. Once the wedges are inserted, start the felling cut by sawing inward from the back of the notch. When the felling cut is finished, the tree will begin to fall in the desired direction.

To finish the process, remove any remaining debris and clear the surrounding area. Be sure that there are no obstacles or structures beneath the tree, including power lines or anything else that could get tangled in the branches as the tree falls. Finally, if you haven’t already, be sure to call your local utility company and mark all power lines and other obstacles in the vicinity of the tree. Also, check again for an escape route and clear that path from obscuring shrubs and other debris.

from Sunshine Coast Tree Lopping Caloundra https://ift.tt/rVw45Fc