How Tree Felling Is Done Safely

Tree Felling is a complex and dangerous operation that should only be undertaken by individuals who have received appropriate training and experience. A single mistake can cause damage to property and serious injury or death to the feller. The vast majority of injuries and incidents can be prevented by undertaking proper tree and site inspections, and adhering to good standards for work positioning and cutting.

There are many reasons why trees are felled; for example, to clear land for development, to harvest timber or to remove trees that pose a risk to public safety. Whatever the reason, it is vital that a step-by-step plan is committed to beforehand and that the process is followed in order to ensure the health and safety of those working on the ground and for those passing by.

The main tools for felling a tree are an axe or chainsaw. A good feller will use both, but chopping with an axe and slicing with a saw are very different operations and the skill required for each is different. The first thing a professional will do is examine the tree to decide on the direction of fall. They will do this by studying the tree, taking its structure into account and looking at the way its branches grow. They will also look at the wind direction, as this can affect how a tree falls.

Once the felling direction has been decided, a notch cut will be made on the side of the tree that is facing the desired direction of fall. The notch cut is a V-shaped slot that serves as a hinge to encourage the tree to fall in that direction. A standard undercut is often used, but a modified version known as an open-faced undercut has become popular in many areas. This type of undercut is easier to make and provides more guidance when the tree begins to fall.

A hung-up tree (a cut tree that does not come completely down) is the leading cause of fatal injuries in tree felling. Hung-up trees are often caused by poor judgment of the felling path or by inaccurate cutting. To avoid hung-up trees, it is important to work in an area that is at least two tree lengths away from the likely direction of a fallen tree and follow ACoP Rule 11.7.4.

Loose limbs can be thrown back and strike the saw operator, causing serious injury or even death. To prevent this, always examine the tree for loose limbs and try to remove them before felling, if possible. It is also a good idea to wear a face mask when working in close proximity to the tree.

Finally, fellers should be aware of the presence of European Protected Species (EPS) and seek permission from Natural England if they think that an EPS will be affected by the felling operations. The felling of a tree that is in the vicinity of a power line should only be carried out by authorised personnel, as this requires a licence and adherence to strict procedures.

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