Felling a tree, even a small one, requires a precise understanding of physics and strict adherence to safety protocols. A small tree is generally defined as one with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of less than 15 inches. Successfully felling a tree in the intended direction depends entirely on a series of calculated cuts and a pre-planned exit strategy. This process demands caution and a meticulous approach to the work environment.
Essential Safety Preparation and Site Assessment
Before the chainsaw is started, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be securely in place to mitigate potential hazards. Mandatory gear includes a hard hat, which often features an integrated face shield and hearing protection to guard against flying debris and the saw’s noise. Leg protection is provided by chainsaw chaps or pants made from fibers designed to instantly jam the chain upon contact. Sturdy leather boots and non-slip gloves complete the necessary personal gear.
The work area requires a thorough assessment, beginning with identifying the tree’s natural lean, which is the direction the tree wants to fall. It is imperative to scan the canopy for “widowmakers”—dead or broken limbs caught high in the branches that could fall unexpectedly during the felling process. These overhead hazards must be removed or avoided, as they pose a significant and unpredictable risk to the operator.
A precise fall line, the intended direction of the tree’s descent, must be established and cleared of any obstruction. Establishing a clear escape route is equally important; this path must be cleared of debris and brush leading away from the stump. This route should be located approximately 45 degrees away from the fall line on the side opposite the directional notch. The cleared path ensures a quick and unobstructed retreat once the tree begins to move.
Creating the Directional Notch
The directional notch, also called the face cut or undercut, is the first cut and determines the exact trajectory of the fall. This notch is cut on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall, typically using two distinct cuts that meet to form a wedge.
The top cut is an angled plunge downward, usually at a 45-degree angle to the trunk. The second cut is made horizontally at the base of the tree to meet the apex of the angled cut precisely, ensuring the wedge material falls free. The depth of this notch should not exceed approximately one-third of the tree’s diameter.
This measurement is crucial because the remaining two-thirds of the trunk will form the hinge and the back cut. The apex, where the two cuts meet, must be clean to ensure the notch closes correctly and the hinge functions as intended. The hinge is the uncut wood that remains between the notch and the felling cut, controlling the tree’s final direction and descent speed. A correctly sized notch establishes the length of this hinge to provide maximum control.
Making the Felling Cut and Ensuring Safe Retreat
Once the directional notch is complete, the felling cut, or back cut, is made horizontally on the opposite side of the tree. This cut releases the tension holding the tree upright, allowing it to pivot on the hinge. The back cut must be positioned 1 to 2 inches higher than the horizontal cut of the directional notch, creating a “stump shot” or step. This elevation difference prevents the tree trunk from kicking back off the stump towards the operator as it falls.
As the back cut approaches the hinge, a felling wedge should be inserted into the cut kerf, away from the chain. The wedge prevents the saw bar from becoming pinched by the tree’s weight and provides mechanical force to push the tree past its center of gravity. The wedge is driven in with a hammer or the dull side of a felling axe to encourage the tree to lean into the notch.
Before the hinge is completely thinned, the operator must watch the upper canopy and listen for the distinct cracking sound of wood fibers tearing, which signals the tree has begun to fall. At this moment, the saw must be immediately shut off, or the chain brake engaged. The operator must execute a swift retreat along the pre-planned 45-degree escape path until the tree has fully impacted the ground and all movement has ceased.
Processing the Downed Tree
With the tree safely on the ground, the work transitions to processing the material, which involves limbing and bucking. Limbing is the removal of all branches from the trunk, typically starting from the base and working toward the top. The operator should stand on the uphill side of the trunk, using the tree as a physical barrier between the saw and their body.
Bucking is the process of cutting the trunk into manageable lengths for firewood or lumber. A hazard during this stage is the presence of tension and compression in the wood, which occurs when a log is supported only at its ends or middle. Cutting through compression wood first, which is the side being squeezed, will prevent the saw bar from being pinched when the cut opens up.
If the log is supported at both ends, the top is under compression, and the bottom is under tension. In this scenario, a small undercut should be made on the compression side first, followed by the main cut from the tension side above it. This two-step process ensures the kerf remains open and prevents the saw from binding, which is a frequent cause of kickback and loss of control.