types of notches for tree felling

Opening angle of at least 45. Humbolt Notch 45 degree open Advantage s Allows the butt log to be cut without the notch cut being taken out of the log allowing the butt log to be cut evenly and maintaining the full circumference of the log Disadvantage s Infrequently used especially in the Midwest so it is not easily recognized.

Etool Logging Manual Operations Felling Trees Making The Cuts Special Techniques For Felling Difficult Trees Unacceptable Practices For Felling Difficult Trees Occupational Safety And Health Administration

The safe felling of a tree using an open face notch consists of making three precise and strategic cuts.

. This cut produces loss of felling control quality butt and greatly increases the chance barber chairing. It is important to give techniques names because it helps identify one from another. SLOPING BACK CUT This cut lessens the chance of meeting the notch or leaves an inaccurate hinge producing a low quality butt.

Plastic wedges are far less likely to dull your saw chain if it comes in contact with the wedge. 14 - 13 of tree diameter. However it can also cause some problems.

Be sure to have a safe and clear work zone as well as a clearly defined exit path. Greater accuracy of felling into target area. If the tree is still upright then youll want to use a felling wedge to make the tree begin to fall.

Tree types susceptible to splitting. The felling cut When the directional notch has been made it is time to saw the felling cut towards the directional notch. As far as safety a tree cut with a.

Remember to saw right to the hinge width. Once youve made the back cut with your chainsaw the tree may start to fall. Cut at about the knee height of a regular-sized person.

For your tree to have a smooth fall you will make a V-shaped notch on the side of the tree thats facing the direction where you want it to fall. We recommend using the Open face notch aiming with a top cut since it is safe easier and well-suited for most tree felling applications. This V-shaped cut should reach the center of the tree and the tips of the top and bottom cut must meet in the middle.

When the tree starts to fall quickly walk away from the tree at a. Just before tree hits ground. Less danger of kickback and other.

Make sure to use plastic wedges as opposed to metal. Make A Back Cut. Point of notch closure.

Well suited for thicker trees on steep slopes. 14 - 13 of tree diameter. This is a safe and efficient way to fell a tree that is on a steep slope or prone to splitting.

If so stay calm keep your eyes on the tree and move away quickly. The felling cut is slightly above level of the directional notch. 2 What Are the Different Types of Tree Felling Cuts and Notches.

Move to the other side of the tree and start slowly cutting into the tree until you meet your notch cut. When cutting on flat ground though you lose length when you use the Humboldt which is where a conventional top notch is better. Hinge stays intact until tree hits ground.

The notch should be at roughly knee-height should cut to the center of the tree and should look like a shallow v. Horizontal cut has the same angle as the felling cut. The top cut the pluge cut and the back or felling cut.

The back cut should be at least 1 inch above the top cut. Typically your hear about a common notch a Humboldt notch an open notch and less frequently a v-notch or swing notch. Directional felling which uses a plunge cut and wedges to better control the safe felling of a tree.

Plastic wedges and a STIHL axe built for felling are vital to maximizing the efficiency of your felling operation. 21 Top Cut 22 Undercut or Bottom Cut 23 Back Cut or Felling Cut 24 Open-Faced Directional Notch 25 Conventional Directional Notch 26 Humboldt Directional Notch 3 Using a Chainsaw to Cut a Notch and Hinge 31 Open-Faced Directional Notch 32 Conventional Felling Notch. Back Cut With A Slight Lean in the Felling Direction Back Cuts 2-5 Inches Above And Parallel To The Gunning Face Cuts Remove Bark Around Wedges To Improve Lifting Effectiveness A Single Wedge With Wind Can Sever Holding Wood Rocking Action Do Not Drive The Wedges Hard Create Heavy Leaner.

ANGLE-BACK CUT WITH INADEQUATE NOTCH With no notch directional felling is greatly re-duced. The Humboldt cut was originally designed as a good way to cut timber on a hillside because you could keep your notch on the downhill side of the stump and not lose material. 14 - 13 of tree diameter.

Understanding Directional Felling Husqvarna Chainsaw Academy