Felling big trees

[Mitymouse]

What is the best technique to use to fell trees that are bigger than your bar?? I have dropped a few trees with the open notch and it worked well, but my bar was bigger than the tree. I am not sure what makes the best choice when the tree is bigger than the bar.

 

[blis]

What is the best technique to use to fell trees that are bigger than your bar?? I have dropped a few trees with the open notch and it worked well, but my bar was bigger than the tree. I am not sure what makes the best choice when the tree is bigger than the bar.

the same way you fell smaller trees, you just have to go round the stump to get big enough cut...

 

[tree_beard]

there are many techniques to cutting stuff bigger than your bar, there are several us forestry industry manuals/ guides available online if you search around a bit, they have detailed instructions. there is also a brief illustrated guide in stihl chainsaw manuals, also available online.


basically, prepare your notch, decide which side of the trunk you want to finish your back-cut on (ideally the 'good' side of the tree, with least lean and overhead hazards) then remove enough of the holding wood on the opposite (bad) side of the tree so that you can finish your backcut in one cut with the length of your bar.

that is just a brief and very general description of one method of how to do it, if you are not confident in cutting larger trees, dont do it! get someone else to do it, or get someone experienced to teach you properly, in person.

take care, good luck

 

[tek9tim]

Yeah, there are a few little tricks to do it smoothly. You can read all you want, but hands on with somebody experienced is priceless.

 

[PA Plumber]

Yeah, there are a few little tricks to do it smoothly. You can read all you want, but hands on with somebody experienced is priceless.

Man you got that right!

In case more literature is needed:
www.forestapps.com/tips/backcut/backcut.htm

The above link addresses the question about bar length shorter than diameter.

 

[Highclimber OR]

Your best bet is to find someone who really knows what they are doing. I learned from my father who was an excellent teacher and a 40 year seasoned professional. Other than that it was trial and error with the heavy duty blocks of course. You just have to know how to dance your saw the right way. Good luck from Oregon.

 

[PA Plumber]

What is the best technique to use to fell trees that are bigger than your bar?? I have dropped a few trees with the open notch and it worked well, but my bar was bigger than the tree. I am not sure what makes the best choice when the tree is bigger than the bar.

If you want some practice I have a couple of hundred trees I need dropped. I would even let you put on whatever size bar you want.

 

[Mitymouse]

I have already dropped a couple of trees bigger than my bar. I prepared the notch and then made a plunge cut into the middle of the wood and made my hinge and removed most of the remaining wood except for a small amount in the back. I then cut the remaining material on the back side to let it fall. It worked ok, but I was a little worried about how much material to leave intact in the back.

I will try this method next time.

basically, prepare your notch, decide which side of the trunk you want to finish your back-cut on (ideally the 'good' side of the tree, with least lean and overhead hazards) then remove enough of the holding wood on the opposite (bad) side of the tree so that you can finish your backcut in one cut with the length of your bar.

 

[1953greg]

Man you got that right!

In case more literature is needed:
www.forestapps.com/tips/backcut/backcut.htm

The above link addresses the question about bar length shorter than diameter.

good post and reference. maybe he was referring to when the bar is shorter than the radius?
which is also possible

 

[GASoline71]

Yeah, there are a few little tricks to do it smoothly. You can read all you want, but hands on with somebody experienced is priceless.

Great post Tim!:rockn:

Dude, seriously... do a search for tree falling/felling, and you should come up with more than enogh reading. There was a thread on this strted not more than a month ago.

Here's one: http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=43779

Gary

 

[SKY TOPPER]

IF you hear a big splitting noise RUN..... i would say if it was heavy on one side just be careful it will split then you are in a mess.

 

[Ianab]

Mitymouse

Your plunge cut from each side method is a good one. Especially if the tree has a lean to it. Thats what I use when taking down the big (and usually leaning ) cypress hedge trees I'm usually cutting. Advantages are that you get the hinge wood set up well before you make your falling cut and practically eliminate the chance of the tree splitting (baberchair) that Skytopper mentions.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Timberhauler]

Cut out a wedge in the direction you want it to go....Then work the saw around the base of the tree....I wouldn't do anything else other than video tape it all and post it on here...:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: