GardenMaster GM45CS3, Safety And Operating Manual

19

Fig.Q

10. TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES (Fig. Q)

WARNING: 

Check for broken or dead branches 

which can fall while cutting causing serious 

injury. Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if 
you do not know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at 
night since you will not be ale to see well, nor during 
bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. 
If the tree makes contact with any utility line, the utility 
company should be notified immediately.
• Carefully plan your sawing operation in advance.
• Clear the work area. You need a clear area all around 
the tree so you can have secure footing.
• The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill 
side of the terrain as the tree likely to roll or slide 
downhill after it is felled.
• Study the natural conditions that can cause the tree 
to fall in a particular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a 
particular direction include:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might not be 
apparent due to uneven or sloping terrain. Use a plumb 
or level to determine the direction of tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can 
snap and fall toward the operator. Check for broken 
or dead branches which can fall on you while cutting. 
Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. 
Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths from the 
nearest person or other objects. Engine noise can 
drown out a warning call. Remove dirt, stones, loose 
bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts 
are to be made. Plan a clear retreat path to the rear 
and diagonal to the line of fall.

11. FELLING LARGE TREES

(15 cm (6 inches) in diameter or larger) The notch 
method is used to fell large trees. A notch is cut on the 
side of the tree in the desired direction of fall. After a 
felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree 
will tend to fall into the notch.

NOTE: 

If the tree has large buttress roots, remove 

them before making the notch. If using saw to remove 
buttress roots, keep saw chain from contacting ground 
to prevent dulling of the chain.