What Goes Into Tree Felling?

Tree Felling might seem like a simple job, but there’s a lot that goes into it. It’s not just about knocking over a tree with a chainsaw and then watching it fall down – it comes with safety risks that could affect the lives of nearby people, animals and property.

While felling can be done by hand, using a sharp axe or saw, it is usually completed by a tree service professional who has trained to use the correct cutting methods. This is because it requires a great deal of skill and experience to ensure that the tree falls in a controlled way, minimising injury or damage.

Firstly, it’s important to determine the direction that the tree will fall by studying its structure and checking the wind directions. It’s also worth noting whether the ground is sloped or level. This will influence where the tree lands, especially if it is on steep ground. Once you’ve decided on the falling direction, it’s essential to mark the work area with warning signs and clear the surrounding area. Clearing includes ensuring that there are safe escape paths on either side of the tree, away from the expected fall line. The escape path should be free of debris and tripping hazards such as briars.

The next step is to prepare the tree for felling. A good starting point is to examine the lateral limbs and look for any significant weakness that might compromise the felling process, such as rot infestation or hollowness. You’ll also want to check the base of the tree for a possible hinge location.

Once the preparations are complete, it’s time to start making the felling cuts. The first cut is known as the notch cut, and it’s made on the side of the tree that’s facing the desired direction of fall. It consists of two cuts: the horizontal top cut and an angled cut that meets the bottom cut, forming a notch. The notch will act as a hinge, encouraging the tree to fall in the desired direction.

A skilled tree feller can reliably control the direction that a tree will fall using a combination of notch location, notch shape, and hinge position. However, a poorly executed cut can lead to uncontrolled directional movement, resulting in damage to property or serious injury/death to the feller and bystanders.

The best approach to tree felling is to have a hazard management system that is tailored to each harvest. The process must be documented, understood, and followed by all workers who are involved in manual felling operations. This is in addition to a comprehensive training program that covers the specific felling techniques required. This is the only way to manage the key causes of harm associated with manual felling operations. This article is part of a series on Tree Felling and was written by Tim Jones, Principal Arborist at GCG. It is based on the WHS Act and Regulations as well as relevant industry guidance, including the ACoP for Forestry.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/05/04/what-goes-into-tree-felling/