When a tree becomes unsafe for a property, whether due to disease, structural damage or landscape management, the decision to fell the tree may be necessary. Tree Felling is the process of cutting down and removing a tree, ensuring that it is safely removed. Tree Felling is a serious undertaking and should always be performed by a qualified, experienced tree surgeon who takes into account safety concerns and environmental impact.
To fell a tree, professionals make angled cuts to create a notch, which acts as a hinge and encourages the tree to fall in a specific direction. The lean of the tree will also play a role in how far it will fall, and a high degree of forward or back lean will require the use of more wedges or a pull rope to assist with bringing it over.
The first cut, which is called a face cut, is made on the side toward which the tree is to fall. This is typically done just above any swelling at the base of the trunk, and it should be made about one-third of the way through the tree. Some tree professionals prefer to make a modified undercut, which is deeper than a standard face cut and provides additional guidance when felling.
A second cut, known as the back cut, is made on the opposite side of the tree from where the face cut was made. The back cut is usually made around halfway through the tree and angled upward between 20-45 degrees to meet with the top cut. A third cut, which is called the stem-bleed cut, is made on the opposite side of a tree to prevent the bark from sticking to the saw blade when the top and back cut are completed. This is a very important step in the felling process and can be critical to ensuring that the tree falls smoothly.
If the tree is on sloped terrain, it is important to examine its slope for possible issues with soil erosion and slipping of the tree. This information can be very useful to the feller and help guide the placement of the final felling cut and wedges.
It is also important to evaluate the soil conditions at the site and look for areas of poor drainage or instability in the ground. These can be significant hazards that should be identified and communicated to the crew before the harvest begins.
The final step in preparing to fell a tree is to ensure that the escape path is clear. This should include removing any branches, leaves or debris that might block the path. A safety distance of at least twice the height of the fallen tree should be maintained between the exit route and the feller at all times, and it is recommended that both parties wear signal coloured clothing for safety.
Tree Felling is an important service for the health and safety of property owners. Felling trees is often a necessity due to structural damage, landscape management or disease, and it can be an economical option for homeowners as well, as the wood from felled trees can be used for firewood or lumber. In addition, enhancing sunlight and airflow with the removal of overgrown trees can significantly improve garden health and curb appeal.
source https://treetechvictoria.wordpress.com/2024/10/17/how-to-prepare-for-tree-felling/
No comments:
Post a Comment