Office : 0208 886 3000
Office : 0208 886 3000
Tree Felling
Tree felling is the process of cutting down a tree, usually with the intention of removing it completely. This practice is often performed for various reasons, including timber harvesting, clearing land for construction or agriculture, eliminating hazardous trees, or managing forests. Here are key points to understand about tree felling:
- Assessment and Planning: Before felling a tree, a careful assessment of the tree and its surroundings is essential. Factors such as the tree's height, lean, size, condition, and the presence of nearby structures or obstacles are considered. A plan is then developed to ensure a safe and controlled felling operation.
- Safety Measures: Safety is paramount in tree felling. Proper safety equipment, including helmets, eye protection, ear protection, and chainsaw safety gear, is used by those involved in the felling process. The work area is typically cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access.
- Directional Felling: Skilled tree fellers use a technique called directional felling to control the direction in which the tree falls. This involves making precise cuts at specific angles and locations on the trunk to guide the tree's descent safely.
- Notching and Hinge Wood: Fellers create a notch or cut on the side of the tree facing the intended falling direction. This notch guides the tree's fall. A carefully calculated hinge wood, a remaining section of uncut wood, helps control the tree's descent and prevents it from falling off course.
- Back cut: After the notch is made, a cut is made on the opposite side of the tree, known as the back cut or felling cut. This cut is positioned slightly above the bottom of the notch and is designed to allow the tree to fall in the desired direction.
- Felling Wedges: Felling wedges may be used to control the direction of the fall further. Placed in the back cut, these wedges help to influence the tree's descent and prevent it from binding on the saw during the fall.
- Aftercare: Once the tree is down, additional cuts may be made to remove branches and prepare the trunk for transport or processing. Stump grinding or removal may be performed if necessary.
Tree felling should only be conducted by trained and experienced individuals due to the potential risks involved. Additionally, local regulations and permits may be required for tree felling, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of tree being removed.