Tree Felling – How to Safely Fell a Tree

Tree Felling is a dangerous operation that should only be undertaken by a fully qualified tree feller. A single mistake made during a tree felling operation can result in damage to property, serious injury to the feller and even death. Fortunately, most incidents can be avoided by following basic standards for work positioning and cutting.

Whether it’s due to recent weather events or historical tendencies, there are many reasons why trees may need to be felled. Some of the most common include poor site conditions, root damage and infrastructure crowding. Poor planting techniques, particularly in wet soil, will also lead to structural weaknesses that can impact the stability of a tree over time.

There are also situations where a tree needs to be removed because of its location or health concerns, or it has been identified as posing a safety hazard. While felling is often necessary, it’s worth exploring alternative options that can reduce the weight and impact of a tree without destroying it. In some cases, pruning and pollarding can help to control the growth of a tree, while still allowing it to grow into a desirable shape.

When assessing a tree for felling, a sawyer should take into account the size, height and weight of the tree as well as the surrounding environment. A site inspection should be carried out and all relevant standards for work positioning and cutting followed. It’s important that the feller takes into account the direction of the tree fall, as this will determine how it will fall once cut. The best way to determine a tree’s natural fall direction is to use a plumb line. Place the end of the plumb line on the ground at a point that is equal to or higher than the top of the subject tree’s base. Once the desired fall direction has been established, a face cut is then made to the side of the tree facing that direction. This is usually followed by a back cut, creating a hinge for the tree to fall in the desired direction.

Finally, it’s essential that the feller remove any branches that might obstruct the path of the fell, as this will ensure a controlled and safe drop of the tree. In addition to this, the sawyer should check that there are no persons or valued targets within a drop zone of 2.0 times the subject tree’s height.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that the sawyer is using the correct equipment, as this will reduce the likelihood of damaging the tree or injuring themselves. This includes having a hard hat, protective eyewear and sturdy work boots. Using the right equipment is especially important when it comes to working in high places, as the slightest slip can have a devastating effect.

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