The Basics of Tree Felling

Tree Felling is a technique for removing trees. The term can be used to refer to the cutting down of individual trees, or the entire felling of groups of trees or forests. In some cases, this activity may be necessary to prevent the spread of disease or to remove trees that pose a safety hazard. However, indiscriminate tree felling can have negative environmental consequences, including soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

The first step in any tree felling operation is to assess the site, looking for hazards such as power lines, structures, and other trees. Ideally, you should avoid removing a tree near these obstacles unless you have the appropriate skills and equipment to do so safely.

Once you have assessed the site, you can begin to plan your cuts. The direction in which a tree will fall is influenced by the height and lean of the subject tree, the number of branches on both sides, and the terrain under the tree. A skilled feller can influence the direction of a falling tree to some degree, but you cannot fight gravity and the weight of the timber.

You should also check the area for any buried hazards, such as power lines. If you discover a buried line, contact your local utility company to have it removed.

It is also a good idea to wear the proper clothing and protective gear. This includes a hard hat, ear and eye protection, and sturdy work boots. You can also consider wearing Kevlar chaps to protect your legs from chainsaw kickback.

A good way to prepare for a felling is to make a directional cut with an axe. This creates a hinge that can help to control the fall of the tree. In addition to a directional cut, you will need to make a back cut in the opposite side of the tree to create a felling wedge. This is usually made by making a notch in the tree and sawing off part of the trunk center.

If a tree has a large amount of back lean, it can be felled by inserting one or more wedges into the directional notch and driving them in with an axe. This method is often called Domino Felling, and it can be used on very large trees that would otherwise require a crane to remove.

While felling trees can have positive environmental impacts, there are also some negative economic implications. Deforestation can contribute to soil erosion, flooding, and loss of biodiversity, as well as contributing to climate change by reducing the Earth’s carbon storage capacity. In addition, the harvesting of timber can provide jobs and support local economies. However, indiscriminate timber harvesting can have negative social impacts by causing habitat destruction and contributing to poverty in rural areas. Therefore, a responsible timber business should strive to maximize the harvest while protecting the environment. The best way to do this is by using sustainable forestry practices and employing highly trained staff.

source https://standfasttreeservices1.wordpress.com/2024/04/12/the-basics-of-tree-felling/