Tree Felling – How to Safely Fell a Tree

Tree Felling is a process of cutting down a tree with the use of either an axe or chainsaw. It is a dangerous task and requires the correct working techniques to ensure that it is carried out safely. It is important to know what you are getting into before you start, as a simple mistake can cause damage to your property or injury/death to yourself. If you are unsure of what you are doing it is best to hire a professional, who will be able to take down the tree in a safe and efficient manner.

There are many different reasons for felling trees, including safety issues and a desire to create space in your garden. Some trees may also be dead or damaged and it is essential to remove them in order to avoid any potential hazards that they pose. It is also important to fell trees correctly so that they fall in the direction you want them to, as indiscriminate felling can have negative environmental consequences.

When planning tree felling it is important to consider all the factors that may influence the work, such as the location of the site and whether there are major obstacles (overhead lines, roads or buildings) in close proximity. It is also important to assess the strength of the wind and any other conditions that may affect the operation. Before starting the actual work, it is advisable to set up warning signs if the area you are working in is well known for having overhead lines or that it is frequented by many people on a daily basis. It is also a good idea to mark out the area that you are going to be working in with a spray can.

A clear plan of the tree felling should be made before you begin, identifying where to make your felling cuts and your escape route. It is essential that this escape route is not obstructed at any time during the operation. It is also a good idea to have a signal coloured jacket or vest so that you can be easily seen by passers-by.

Before making any felling cuts it is a good idea to check that the tree has a natural lean by using a plumb line, which can be done by placing the end of the line against the base of the tree and seeing how far it moves towards the ground. It is possible to force a tree to fall against its natural direction, but this comes at a price of increasing the risk and the level of physical exertion involved in the work.

It is also a good idea to make sure that you have the appropriate sawing equipment for the job. For example, if you are cutting large diameter logs it is usually more practical to use a chainsaw than an axe. This is because larger diameter logs require a greater amount of power to cut through them.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2024/12/02/tree-felling-how-to-safely-fell-a-tree/