If you’re into woodworking, you’ll know that felling trees are something you’d have to do regularly. In that sense, no woodworker would want to do a mediocre job. A tree felled in a wrong way might even end up being thrown away or worse – destroy properties.
However, in some scenarios, trees might be more difficult to fell than normal. A situation like this is trying to fell a tree in the opposite direction – most especially when the tree is leaning. It’s not easy to do this; however, with the right tools and a handful of tips, it can be done without any problems.
This guide will help users obtain these tips that will help them fell trees in the opposite direction – while doing so in the most effective and safe way possible.
Leaning Trees: Most Appropriate Way to Fell Them
If you have a tree that leans in the same direction that you need it to fall, you might think it would be quite easy to fell it. Someone with little to no experience might also think the same thing. They will feel that they know just where it is going to land. However, this isn’t always the case.
Things could go incredibly wrong and you could even have the tree landing on your property, your neighbor’s property or worse, causing an injury to you or someone else. This will then lead to you spending a considerable amount trying to fix the damage or paying hospital bills. All these can be avoided if a professional is hired or if the tips that will be subsequently provided are strictly adhered to. We’re all going to agree that doing any of these two will be way cheaper than having to repair the damage.
There are a lot of variables or factors when it comes to felling a tree. This is because each tree is quite different from the other. The hazards that come with them might also differ. So, whenever you don’t feel comfortable thinking about felling a tree, there might be a good reason attached to that feeling. You may decide to leave the tree alone or find someone with more experience to help you with it.
The fundamental equipment needed are:
- Axe.
- Chainsaw.
- Safety equipment. This is mandatory.
- Felling wedges.
When using a chainsaw – irrespective of if you’re using it for bucking, climbing, felling trees or cutting branches – you’re required to wear these protective gear:
- Gloves.
- Helmet accompanied with appropriate face and ear protection.
- Leather boots with steel toes and ankle support.
- Protective chaps or pants.
- Ensure that you’re aware of things that surround you while making use of the chainsaw.
The Best Method for Cutting a Leaning Tree
Planning is required when a chainsaw is being used to fell a tree. It doesn’t matter if you regularly use chainsaws – planning is absolutely necessary. If this is your first experience with a tree, it is advisable for you to be accompanied or monitored by someone with sufficient experience. Also, make sure that you’ve sought permission and any of the necessary permits have been obtained to have the tree cut.
The next thing is to ensure that the necessary safety gear are available and that the chainsaw is sharp. Also, ensure that you have enough chain oil and gas.
Have a look at the tree’s location and make a decision as to where you want it to fall. You need to check to see that there aren’t any buildings, cars, powerlines, cars or people close to the area. Also, look for escape routes before the tree is cut. You don’t want to be stuck after the tree is fell.
After the direction of the fall is determined, the back lean amount the tree is going to give should be calculated. These calculations are very important for situations where a leaning tree is involved. If back lean is alien to you, it is the amount of space from the point marked for the undercut. This apex point is the tree’s pivot point and also the hinge’s front side.
If you’re at a place close to houses or different other buildings, it can be quite difficult to find an exit route whenever the tree begins to come down. This is the major reason why you have to create multiple routes you’ll use for escaping when you’re done cutting the tree, so as not to suffer injuries. This is a task that is very important – especially for beginners. A lot of people omit to do this. Also, you need to remember to remove debris that is in the area.
Make sure you locate the correct angles that are meant to be cut. First of all, you need to check all the good angles meant to help in cutting down the particular tree at a pristine position. By creating the right notch on the tree, you will be able to cut it at a particular angle – ensuring that it falls in the direction you want it to fall.
This is why you have to look at creating pinpoint tree cuts so that you prevent any kind of issues that may arise. After this, begin to cut the tree in the opposite end to where the notch is cut.
If you’re cutting down a big tree, you need to make use of wedges. This is because the wedges will prevent the tree from falling in a wrong or dangerous direction. It will also prevent the chain and guide bar from being trapped during the cut.
You will need to execute a final cut. Ensure that it is done when everyone and every valuable thing is in a safe place. Make sure that you’re ready for different kinds of scenarios – for example, a nearby tree trapping the tree being cut. A scenario like this will pose its own threat, so you need to be ready.
When the tree has been safely and successfully fell, its branches will need to be cut away. This venture can be risky as its limbs may have lodged under. This will make it very difficult to cut since they can be able to trap the spring or bar. It can even lead to injury if one isn’t careful.
As soon as you begin to learn the most appropriate method of felling a tree, you will as well start to learn a thing or two about the dangers that come with it. You have to ensure that you have an idea of the kind of hazards that may occur. You also need to be aware of the numerous dangers that can occur while making use of an ax or chainsaw. You’ll avoid any of these potential problems if all the appropriate precautions are taken.
Conclusion
With this guide, I hope you now have some sort of concrete or skeletal idea as to how to effectively cut down a leaning tree. All the things mentioned here must be kept in mind as they will prove helpful in decreasing risks that you might have faced otherwise. Of course, minor issues might arise, but with your expertise and with the help of this guide, those issues can be easily trashed out.
