Safe Tree Fencing Techniques

Tree felling is a dangerous operation that requires the skills and knowledge of a trained professional. Improper felling can lead to serious property damage and injuries or death to bystanders.

The first step in safe felling is to analyze the tree and surrounding area and determine its natural direction of fall. This is determined by factors such as the lean of the tree, crown snow load and any obstructions in the way. It is important to note that it is impossible to force a tree to fall against its natural direction of fall without increasing the risk of injury or property damage.

To make this determination, stand back from the base of the tree and sight-in its height. A good rule of thumb is to be about 25 feet away from the base of the tree, which is about arm’s length for the average person. If possible, avoid pacing up or down hill as this will affect your accuracy.

A second factor to consider is the directional notch. A directional notch is a set of two cuts that remove a triangular portion of the trunk, and when cut properly, it will determine which way the tree will fall. A directional notch should be placed a foot or so above the flat cut, and about one-third of the way into the trunk.

Once the directional notch is cut, a final cut known as the felling cut is made. This is the sawyer’s opportunity to control the direction of the tree’s fall through the use of the remaining hinge. If the sawyer is successful in controlling the direction of the tree’s fall, the notch will prevent it from catching on anything else and breaking, which could result in injury to the sawyer or serious property damage.

When the final cut is made, it is very important to clear the area of any debris and obstructions that could become a projectile during its fall. This is especially true if the tree is located on or near roads, buildings or structures, or if it has fallen onto other trees. It is also a good idea to wait for several minutes to ensure that any dead branches and other debris that are hanging above you have fallen to the ground. This debris is often referred to as widowmakers and have been known to injure or kill saw operators.

In some cases, the felling of a tree may require the help of an experienced crane or other specialized equipment. In these situations, a qualified crane operator should be consulted to determine whether the work can be safely completed with available equipment and personnel. In these circumstances, warning notices and hazard tape should be used to cordon off areas of the site and people should be employed to alert passersby of the dangers. In addition, a qualified crane operator should be able to recommend a suitable anchor point for the winch.

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