FELLING A TREE

• When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons at the same time, the felling operation should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line, or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.

• The chain saw operator should stand on the uphill side of the terrain, as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.

• An escape path should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts are started. The escape path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall as Fig. R shown.

• Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree, the location of larger branches, and the wind direction to judge which way the tree will fall.

• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree.

Notching undercut

Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of falls as Fig. S shown. Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is being made.

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