Felling A Tree

Felling a tree is a skilled job, but tree surgeons are trained to fell trees by themselves. To ensure a tree is felled properly, there is a specific routine to follow. Each tree surgeon may develop their own routine, and if learning from an experience tree surgeon they too may have perfected their own routine. Here is the standard tree felling technique.

Equipment: Aid Tools

A checklist should be made of all the tools you will need to use, and should be checked off before every job is started. Aid tools should be used alongside other essential tools. Aid tools such as:

- A breaking bar - provides extra leverage when felling a tree.

- A small and large alloy or plastic wedges - holds the tree still until the main felling cut is ready to be made.

- A sledgehammer - to make the sink cuts.

- A hand winch - to lift or remove any hung-up trees

Preparing To Fell

Once all the correct equipment is in place and an assessment of the area has been carried out, it's time to fell a tree. The firs thing to remember is, felling a tree is a one person operation and so any other members must be at a safe distance. Any underground and overhead services such as water, gas and electricity must be identified before felling. The drop zone and escape route must be outlined by the surgeon and the team before the tree is felled to ensure for a clean cut. Weather conditions can interrupt felling - any wind conditions that could alter the direction of the falling tree are too server for felling.

The Process Of Felling A Tree

To allow the tree to be felled on a hinge, use a sink cut near the bottom of the tree. This will also allow the surgeon to control the rate and direction of fall. The main felling cut should be made at the level of the bottom sink cut. If there is a possibility of the tree moving and trapping the saw, use appropriate tools to keep the tree in place. Once you have started felling a tree the process cannot be stopped. When the tree begins to fall, step back and into the escape route and watch for any falling branches and tops.

Manual Takedown

Not all trees will always fall in the direction you plan them to. When this happens, they can get lodged in other trees and can only be removed manually. Hung-up trees must be removed immediately as they pose a danger to others but also the trees as well. Ropes and manual tools can be used alongside proper lifting techniques however some may need mechanical assistance if they are lodge high up or in an awkward place.


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Wassells Aboricultural Services Ltd is a small family business with over 35 years experience working as tree surgeons in London. They provide an expert service in all aspects of tree surgery and management. For more information about tree surgeon UK visit http://www.wassells.co.uk/


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