felling question

[stevohut]

Could somebody help me understand the procedure of leaving more material on one side during your back cut. I know it has to do with direction of fall I just aren't sure how to make this cut properly. Does the tree fall to the thick side of the cut or the thin side? THNX guys.

stevo

 

[BryanEx]

Be careful with this one Stevo. The thin side of your back cut will tear out first creating a roll toward the thicker side of your hinge. I'm not a "pro" cutter but the only time I might use that technique is when there's a good chance of hanging up in another tree given I don't climb. For my maple bush I an often trying to release the canopy which means dropping a crowded tree surrounded by others. Sometimes if the tree is turning as it is falling it will push through the branches. Unless there's a reason for it use the notch to aim your fall and keep the hinge even and of proper thickness because the stump can be unpredictable as it breaks off.

 

[Tree Pig]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W28q8sVJLOs

 

[treeclimber101]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W28q8sVJLOs

If Murph was a indian his name would Chief marble mouth or walks with TP on his shoe either or wouldn't matter...

 

[tree MDS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W28q8sVJLOs

Or just do what a real treeguy would do and notch the tree in the direction that you intended it to fall in in the first place.. maybe change it on the way down a bit if needed.

What do I know though.. probably thinking too much inside the box here..

 

[tree md]

Yes, you can somewhat "steer" the tree with the holding wood. That would be the "thick" wood. It is kind of an advanced technique though. The worst thing you can do is cut through your notch on either side.

Best bet is to cut your notch for your target area, anchor it in that direction with a rope and fell it where you are aiming for. As has been mentioned, that technique is usually used when you are trying to steer the tree away from a hangup in the canopy.