A Closer Look at Tree Felling

When a tree needs to be removed from a garden, yard or business site, it’s important that it’s done correctly. This is where a tree felling service comes in. By removing the trees in a controlled manner, it ensures that the surrounding area is safe and can be used for new landscaping projects. However, tree felling can be dangerous and requires knowledge, skills, and the right equipment to be completed safely. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Tree Felling is performed and some of the common mistakes to avoid when carrying out this task.

Before commencing work, the site must be inspected for any potential hazards or obstacles. This includes checking that the path of the tree’s intended fall is clear of any people, structures or valuable targets. A minimum distance of two times the height of the tree should be observed to avoid the possibility of these things being struck or trapped by the falling tree.

In addition, the tree sawyer must check that the area around the base of the felling tree is free of any debris or obstructions. This will prevent any tripping or entanglement during the cutting process. It’s also crucial that an escape route is available in case the tree fails to fall as planned. This escape path should be located on either side of the expected fall line and should be free of any obstacles like briars or underbrush that could impede movement.

During the initial inspection, it’s important to determine the direction in which the tree is leaning. This is often determined by the shape of the crown and any snow-load. It can be possible to force a tree to fall against its natural lean, but this increases the risk and isn’t recommended for novices or anyone without experience.

A professional tree feller will typically start by making a horizontal cut on the side toward which the tree is leaning. This first cut is called the face cut and should be made at least a few inches below any rot or swelling.

The next step is to make a series of angled cuts to form a notch that encourages the tree to fall in the desired direction. These are known as back and wedge cuts. The back cut is made to the same length as the face cut and is positioned higher up on the trunk than the top cut. The wedge cut is angled upward between 20 and 45 degrees to meet the top cut at the notch.

Once the notch is in place, it’s time to prepare for the actual felling. A chainsaw should be loaded with the appropriate sized chain and checked to be in good working condition. It’s also important that the operator wear proper protective equipment, including a hard hat, ear and eye protection, and a high-quality pair of work boots. A reputable tree felling company will ensure that their employees have the proper training and equipment to perform the job safely.

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