A felled tree that has become lodged against another standing tree or object rather than falling completely to the ground is known as a “hung up tree.” This situation is one of the most hazardous encountered in tree work, often nicknamed the “widowmaker.” The danger arises from the immense, unpredictable forces of tension and compression stored in the lodged trunk and branches. Resolving a hung up tree is statistically one of the most dangerous tasks a person can undertake. The lodged tree is an unstable system, capable of rolling, swinging, or snapping back with lethal energy at any moment, requiring a cautious, methodical approach focused entirely on safety.
Essential Safety Preparation
Before approaching a hung up tree, a thorough safety assessment and preparation are necessary. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provides a barrier against the unpredictable forces of a lodged tree. This gear includes a properly fitted helmet with face shield and hearing protection, cut-resistant leg protection such as chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
Establishing a clear and unobstructed escape route is a requirement before any work begins on the tree. This path must be cleared to a distance of at least 15 to 20 feet and should be positioned diagonally, approximately 45 degrees away from the expected direction of the tree’s fall. This angled retreat minimizes the risk of being struck by the butt of the tree as it pivots or by the lodged section as it swings down.
Properly assessing the situation involves identifying the difference between a “hanger” and a “leaner.” A hanger is a tree that was cut and became lodged, while a leaner is a standing tree already leaning against another tree. Evaluating the point of contact and the direction of tension indicates where the tree is most likely to roll, twist, or spring once released.
The direction of the lean and the point of lodging are the primary indicators of where the stored energy will be released. Identify the most likely path of movement and ensure your escape route is safely out of that zone.
Using Mechanical Force for Release
The safest, non-cutting approach to resolving a hung up tree involves applying external force from a safe distance. Using a portable or vehicle-mounted winch is the most highly recommended method, as it allows the operator to stand far outside the danger zone. A long cable or synthetic rope is attached to the butt or base of the lodged tree, and the pulling force is applied slowly and deliberately to draw the tree down along its intended path.
When using a winch, the operator should be positioned at least one and a half times the height of the lodged tree away from the base, and outside the line of potential movement. The principle of leveraging tension safely means applying force until the mechanical advantage overcomes the friction and lodging point, ensuring the release is controlled. Manual winches, often called ‘come-alongs,’ are suitable for smaller diameter trees and offer fine control over the pulling force.
Specialized felling levers or push poles can be used on smaller diameter hung up trees where the contact point is relatively low and the weight is manageable. These tools use mechanical leverage to pivot the lodged tree off its support, requiring the worker to be much closer but still focused on the pivot point. The pole is used to either push the tree sideways or roll it around its axis to free the crown.
For very large or heavily lodged trees, heavy equipment such as a tractor, skidder, or excavator may be used, but only by a highly skilled operator. The equipment must be properly rated for the required weight and force. This immense power must be applied with caution, as excessive force can cause the tree to break violently rather than simply fall.
Advanced Cutting Methods for Release
When mechanical means are not feasible, specific cutting techniques may be employed, though these carry a higher risk and are only suitable for smaller trees with minimal tension. The bore cut and wedge technique is a common method used to safely control the final fall. This involves making a plunge cut inside the tree, leaving the hinge wood intact, and inserting a felling wedge from the side or back.
The bore cut is made perpendicular to the direction of the desired fall, stopping short of the hinge wood that faces the direction of the fall. The felling wedge is then hammered into the back of the cut, which physically lifts the tree off the hanger and shifts its center of gravity. This process applies force slowly to the tree, forcing it to slide or roll off the support while the hinge provides directional control.
Another technique, sometimes called a Dutchman cut or reverse felling, is highly specialized and generally discouraged for non-professionals due to the extreme danger of spring back.
Under no circumstances should a person cut through the entire trunk of the lodged tree while it is under tension. Cutting the remaining wood fibers will cause the stored energy to release instantly and violently, leading to a whipping action that can throw the butt end of the tree backward. The controlled use of a wedge after a bore cut is the preferred way to manage this stored energy safely.
When to Stop and What Not to Cut
Recognizing the limits of intervention is paramount for safety. Any hung up tree that is large, exhibits high tension, or is lodged against critical infrastructure like buildings or power lines requires professional assistance. If the tree is visibly spinning, twisting, or unstable, stop work and call a certified arborist or logging professional.
There are certain actions that must never be taken when dealing with a hung up tree. The cardinal rule is to never cut the supporting tree that the felled tree is lodged against. Removing the support guarantees the lodged tree will fall in an uncontrolled manner, often directly onto the person making the cut.
Standing directly under the lodged tree is prohibited, as the tree or any part of it could shift and fall unexpectedly. Similarly, attempting to climb the lodged tree to cut it down from above must not be attempted. The inherent instability of the hung up tree makes climbing an unacceptable risk.