Felling a tree is dangerous says Fergus Collins, so only those with the appropriate skills should do it – and if in doubt call in a tree surgeon
Felling a tree is a dangerous business and if you don’t have chainsaw training, hire a tree surgeon. But the principles of tree felling are simple.
Most felling takes place in winter when trees are dormant and, in the case of deciduous trees, have shed their leaves. Leaves act as a sail in even light breezes and make felling less predictable.
If there are any power lines or buildings within the fell zone or the tree trunk is an unusual shape, it is best to call a professional.
How to fell a tree
Almost all manual tree felling today is carried out using a chainsaw and ‘felling wedges’, though the technique is similar if you use a hand saw or axe. Make sure the chainsaw is sharp, oiled and fuelled before you begin – and you are wearing suitable protective clothing.
Decide on the direction you wish the tree to fall. It should come down on open land with no obstructions, with people and pets well out of the way. Even experienced foresters can be surprised by how much taller and wider a tree may be than it appears from the ground, so beware. And plan your escape route – you need to be able to move swiftly from the falling tree.
Remember: Felling a tree is a dangerous business and if you don’t have chainsaw training, hire a tree surgeon
The first cut is a notch in the side of the tree facing the direction you wish it to fall. About 60cm/2ft from the base of the trunk, make a downward cut into the tree about 70 degrees from horizontal, sawing about one third of the way through the trunk. Then, make a horizontal cut to meet the base of the first cut, again going no further than one third. The two cuts must meet so that you can remove wood from the notch.
Now it is time to make the ‘felling cut’. Go to the opposite side of the trunk and make a horizontal cut just above the base of the notch. Pause when you are one third of the way into the trunk and drive in the felling wedges so that they face the notch. They keep the cut open, prevent the chainsaw blade from sticking and ensure the tree falls notch-side.
Continue sawing horizontally until only a tenth of the tree is left uncut – this is the ‘hinge’. Remove the blade. If the tree is beginning to fall, announced by a loud crack, walk calmly but swiftly along your escape route.
Never run with a chainsaw. If the tree is still standing, drive the felling wedges in a little further and it will fall. If there are any complications and it doesn’t fall, move away and send for the professionals.