KMB
Addicted to ArboristSite
Not that big of a deal, but I want to mention this anyway. Yesterday I cut down 2 standing dead oaks for an old-timer friend of mine. First time I've done this with my big saw, and with some proper PPE (chaps, gloves, eye protection, but no ear protection - I have it, but was to lazy to bring it for just the take-down which took less than 15 mins., and no helmet - have to get one of those). The trees were not big at all - approx. 18" dbh - put the tree's went where they were supposed to go, no one got hurt, no structures were damaged, everything went great. So aside from the little bit of coaching from the old-timer (with some past falling experience), I want to thank the AS members that have posted regarding safe tree falling technique. Actually, all the credit goes to the good Lord - for letting me learn. 
It all came to my thinking as I was planning the escape routes, checking the lean of the tree, looking around for structures, lining up the fall direction, cutting the notch and back cut, and using a wedge. I know I probably didn't need the wedge for such a small diameter tree, but I just wanted to try it. For one tree, I was trying to fall it a little against its lean, so the wedge did help.
I know I have lots more to learn, but it's a start. To most of you, it would have been a know-brainer take-down, but it was new to me. Since I've moved here, all of my real sawing has only been for bucking downed trees.
Kevin
It all came to my thinking as I was planning the escape routes, checking the lean of the tree, looking around for structures, lining up the fall direction, cutting the notch and back cut, and using a wedge. I know I probably didn't need the wedge for such a small diameter tree, but I just wanted to try it. For one tree, I was trying to fall it a little against its lean, so the wedge did help.I know I have lots more to learn, but it's a start.
To most of you, it would have been a know-brainer take-down, but it was new to me. Since I've moved here, all of my real sawing has only been for bucking downed trees.Kevin
