Tree felling is a process of cutting down an individual tree and dropping it. The tree felling technique is often used with very large trees and can only be done properly if there is ample room for the tree to fall.
This process can be very dangerous and should be handled by trained professionals. One of the most important aspects of the tree felling process is the planning stage. During this phase, you will need to plan where the tree will fall and make sure that the designated path is clear of contact with other trees, powerlines, cars, structures, etc. During this time, you want to consider which direction is best for the tree to fall in conjunction with the above items/obstacles, and also with consideration to the wind direction and how the branches grow. Having a rope in the tree to help pull it over in the direction you are aiming may also be helpful.
After cleaning the area around the tree and developing a fall plan, you will want to prune the trunk of the tree to remove any obstacles on the tree that may interfere with felling.
The exact tree felling method that is executed will depend on the unique tree situation. A tree can be felled against it natural lean with a wedging method. The amount of back lean that is overcome is dependent on the height and diameter of the tree.
- Divide the height of the tree by its diameter to determine the numbers of segments in the tree.
Safe felling of a tree includes making three precise cuts:
Top cut – This cut can begin at any height, as long as enough room is allowed for the undercut. The angle of the top cut is key in ensuring the job is done right. You also will need to know the proper ending point (usually when the cut reaches 30-40% of the tree’s diameter).- Bottom or undercut – This cut goes upwards at a 20-degree angle stopping when the cut reaches the end point of the face cut.
- Back cut – This cut begins on the opposite side of the notch at the same level. This cut should be horizontally flat and should cease when a hinge is reached with a width that is about 1/10th the tree’s diameter.
Due to the complicity and preciseness of this job, it is one best left to the trained professionals. Not only could tree felling cause damages to surrounding possessions if not thought out properly or executed safety, but it could also cause physical harm to those performing the take down. Hollow, decayed trunks require extra caution and cutting.
Tree removal services are recommended when a tree is:
- Dead or dying
- Considered hazardous to nearby structures
- Under crowding conditions causing harm to other trees
- Diseased beyond repair
Once a tree is removed, it is recommended to remove the stump too. There are several reasons why stump removal and stump grinding services are so important, which can be found HERE. If you have a tree on your property that needs removal, especially one that is very large, contact the trained professionals at Red Cedar for your free consultation and ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.