What You Need to Know About Tree Felling

Tree felling is the cutting down of trees, often in order to clear land for development or to remove dead and dangerous trees. It can be an extremely hazardous job and is best undertaken by a professional with proper training and safety procedures in place. Those working on Tree Felling should also use the right tools, including personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats and eye/ear protection, as well as properly maintain their equipment to ensure it is in good working condition before commencing work.

Before starting to cut, it is important to plan the tree felling work carefully. This will help to create a safer working environment and will also make post-felling work much easier. The first thing to consider is whether there are any major obstacles, such as overhead lines or roads, in the area where the felling is being done. It may be possible to overcome these barriers but it is important to check before the start of the work.

Another consideration is to determine the direction in which the tree is likely to fall. This can be determined by studying the tree, looking at its shape and any rot infestations that could affect its strength. It is also worth noting any swollen areas on the trunk and any damage that has been done in the past to the trunk and roots. It is also important to consider how the tree is leaning and, if in any doubt, it is advisable to move a safe distance away from the tree and use a plumb line to measure the direction of fall.

Once the felling direction has been established, it is time to start making the cuts. The first cut is made on the side of the tree that is going to fall, usually just above any swelling at the base of the stump. A diagonal cut is then made above this to form a hinge.

The final cut is then made on the opposite side of the tree, which will cause it to break apart and fall in the desired direction. It is very important that the feller maintains a safety distance of at least two tree lengths from any trees that are likely to fall and that he or she stays within this distance at all times. It is also important to monitor the position of any power lines in the vicinity and that a safety observer is used, if necessary, to ensure that no one is coming too close to the falling tree.

Felling is a complicated task and can be very dangerous, especially in windy conditions. However, with careful planning and the use of appropriate equipment and working methods, it is possible to carry out this work safely and to achieve the desired results. In this way, the value of Tree Felling can be maximised for both environmental and economic reasons. In addition, the correct processes for felling trees should be documented and understood by all those working on the job, and these should be reflected in the safety records and hazards registers of the company or contractors.

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