Cutting down trees is difficult work, which is why home and business owners should rely on professional arborists to handle the job safely. But if you’re going to attempt to do it yourself, knowing how to make a tree fall a certain way can save lives and property from major accidents.
Keep reading to learn how to cut down trees the right way, and call Cut Rite Tree Service for tree services in Sanger, CA.
Prepare the Area
The most important part of knowing how to make a tree fall a certain way is the preparation. Tree felling is hazardous, even for professionals. It’s important to consider the following before making any cuts:
- Assess the tree’s health: Determine if all or a portion of the tree is dead. Deadwood will shatter once it hits the ground, and dead limbs may fall while you’re cutting.
- Identify hazards and obstructions: Trees can damage property and seriously hurt people. Identify potential problems and figure out how to avoid them.
- Gather your tools: You will need safety gear for your head, ears, eyes, and hands, as well as protective clothing. To cut a tree, you’ll need felling wedges and a felling bar, a sledgehammer, and a chainsaw.
Choose the Direction
Once you’re aware of all the hazards in the vicinity, you need to decide which way to make the tree fall. Be sure to avoid power lines, personal property, and walkways. A tree lean will add some difficulty in deciding which direction to go, so you should consult with an arborist.
Once you have the direction picked, plan escape routes in case of danger. Escape routes should be two cleared paths going in opposite directions away from the tree at 45-degree angles. If something goes wrong, run in these directions to avoid getting hit.
Begin Cutting the Tree
Successful tree felling will take a few steps to make it go in the direction you want.
Make the Notch Cut
Felling wedges are made by the notch cut; these are what determine which way the tree will fall. You’ll remove a triangle piece from the tree. The cut is as follows:
- Make a horizontal cut facing the way you want the tree to fall that is no more than 25% or one-fourth of the entire diameter.
- Make the diagonal cut at a 60-degree angle that meets up with the inner part of the horizontal cut.
- Remove the wedge these cuts created.
Make the Felling Cut
If you’re wondering how to make a tree fall a certain way, the felling cut starts at the back. Cut horizontally about 1 inch above the notch you made on the opposite side of the tree. Leave 10% of the diameter of the tree between the notch and the felling cut, or it will fall haphazardly. This space is called the hinge wood and will allow the tree to fall in the right direction.
You will make the felling cut with a chainsaw. For trees that are larger than one-and-a-half feet, place the wedge above the chainsaw so the tree won’t lean back onto your saw.
The Final Cut
Once the notch and felling cut are complete, go back to the notch and begin cutting through the hinge wood. Once the tree begins leaning, use your escape routes so you don’t stand in the way of the tree.
Know When to Call Cut Rite Tree Service
Knowing how to make a tree fall a certain way is one thing, but doing it successfully is another. Rely on the professional arborists at Cut Rite Tree Service. We can help with tree felling, removing a tree with its root, and all other tree problems. Call us today at (559) 320-7723.
