• Make the felling back cut at least 50 mm higher than the horizontal notching cut as Fig. S shown. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling back cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.

• As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use wedges of wood, plastic, or aluminum to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.

• When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.

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