19
Sawing
Once the direction of fall is determined, clear two
escape routes. These should be in the opposite
direction to the planned direction of fall and
approximately at 45° to the position of the undercut.
Ensure that tools and equipment do not block the
escape routes at any time.
Further precautions to be taken when felling trees:
• Take extra care when felling in the vicinity of power
lines, railway lines and roads. If the tree felling is
too dangerous to perform due to these hazards,
do
NOT
proceed with the felling and seek professional
advice from a qualified arborist.
• Always ensure a work area of 2½ tree lengths is
clear of people around the tree.
• Trees with large buttress roots may require the
buttress root to be cut before felling. To do this cut
vertically into the buttress root and then
horizontally until the buttress root becomes loose
and can be removed.
Felling:
• The chainsaw must be running before it comes into
contact with the wood. Switch on the chainsaw.
Saw a notch (remove a 45° wedge of trunk) up to
¼ of the depth of the trunk into a low part of the
tree trunk in the direction of the fall and then
remove the loose piece.
FELLING TREES
To fell a tree, observe all the safety regulations and
proceed as follows:
The chainsaw may be used to fell only trees with
trunks which are smaller in diameter than the length
of the guide bar. If the saw chain gets jammed,
release it using a wooden wedge. Do not try to lever
the saw out of the cut. When felling on a slope,
always stand uphill of the tree.
Check the tree for signs of damage or decay before
felling. Decayed trees can split during felling and dead
or loose branches could free themselves through the
vibrations of the sawing action. Felling trees is
dangerous and requires practice. If you are a beginner
or inexperienced using chainsaws seek professional
training.
First determine the likely direction of fall using the
following criteria:
• The intended direction of fall.
• The wind direction and wind speed.
• The natural lean of the tree.
• Slope of the ground.
• Any surrounding tree or building which may
obstruct, deflect or cause the falling tree to change
direction.
• Any other factors, such as uneven branch
configuration which could cause the tree to be
heavier on one side than the other.
FELLING
FELLING
FELLING
CUT
UNDERCUT
(SINKCUT)
DIRECTION
DIRECTION
ESCAPE
ROUTE
ESCAPE
ROUTE
DANGER ZONE
ZONE
DANGER
