The Basics of Tree Felling

A good felling job is a skilled operation and one that should only be undertaken by experienced arborists. But the idea of cutting down a tree yourself and doing it safely can be daunting for many people. This article aims to help by outlining what is involved in felling a tree, what the different steps are and how to best avoid any issues.

First, decide which direction to fell the tree in. This will be determined by studying the tree and its surroundings – note the distribution of weight across the crown, any natural lean, wind direction and strength, as well as anything else that could influence where the tree is likely to fall. It’s also important to consider how far away from things like houses, cars or power lines you want it to fall to.

When you’re ready to start, clear all the space around the tree. Make sure the area is free of any obstacles, particularly overhead cables and fences – a falling tree can easily catch and pull down surrounding trees and other debris with it. It’s also worth clearing a path of retreat, just in case the tree doesn’t fall where you expect it to.

Next, survey the tree to check that it’s stable and not about to collapse. It’s also worth looking for signs of rot, such as pulpy or black sawdust or liquid. Any rotten sections of the trunk should be cut away as they can easily splinter and fall during the process of felling.

Once you’re satisfied that the tree is safe to fell, draw a chalk line on the ground around the base of the stump to mark the felling spot. Then, using a chainsaw, create a notch – either an open-face notch, a conventional notch or a Humboldt notch, depending on the circumstances – from the top of the stump down to where you’ve marked with your chalk line. It’s important that the notch you make is at least one-fifth of the way through the trunk – too shallow and it may fail to stop the tree from falling in the wrong direction; too deep and it will cause the butt to bounce back.

Use the ‘ax handle trick’ to estimate where the tree will fall, by holding the end of an ax handle at arm’s length and closing your eyes. Stand up straight, ensuring your view of the tree is unobstructed. Move away from or toward the tree until the top of the ax handle is even with the treetop and the bottom is level with its base – this is where the tree will rest when it falls.

The final step is to tap in a felling wedge, which is essentially a metal rod that you can hammer into the notch with a mallet. This will help to guide the tree to its intended fall path, stopping it from veering off course or hitting an obstacle. Once the wedge is in, it’s time to get out of the way and let the tree do its thing!

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