Tree Felling – How to Safely Fell a Tree

Tree Felling is a highly specialised and dangerous activity that should only be undertaken by those who have the proper training and experience. Even a single mistake can cause significant damage to property and potentially serious injury or death to the feller and/or bystanders. Fortunately, a large majority of incidents and injuries associated with tree felling can be avoided by following standard operating procedures (SOP) and applying best practice felling techniques.

When done properly, tree felling is a very effective tool for promoting forest health and productivity. It is used in working forests to reduce the density of the forest and provide space and sunlight for new growth, as well as to manage thinning operations and reduce the risk of wildfire. In preserves, felling can also be used to remove dangerously close-in limbs or trees that pose a threat to people or animals.

Felling is a part of logging operations and can be performed manually using axes or saws, or by machine. It can be done in winter when the trees are at their most stable and have a lower moisture content making them easier to work with. The aim is to make a clean cut around the base of the tree so that it can fall without damaging surrounding vegetation or causing harm to the sawyer.

Axes are commonly used for felling because of their ability to quickly create a clean and accurate cut. However, a saw can often be more efficient and effective for larger and heavier trees. Having both an axe and a saw on hand is a good idea for anyone planning to fell any size or type of tree.

The first step in felling a tree is to create a notch in the side of the trunk at about a third of its height. This notch places the static load of the tree over its weak hinge point and allows the sawyer to control the direction in which the tree will fall. A back cut is then made on the opposite side of the notch cut, a few inches higher than the notch, which completes the felling process and releases the tree.

After the notch cut is completed, a clearing must be established around the intended fall line to allow the feller to escape from the site should the tree fail in its initial attempt to fall. This clearance should be clear of debris and briars that could impede movement during the felling process.

In addition to ensuring that safety precautions are followed, a system should be in place to record any on-the-job deviation from the planned cutting processes. This information should be incorporated into the feller’s training records and hazard register. Ideally, the felling of trees should be phased rather than concentrated to limit the impact on the ecosystem and the labour force.

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