Cutting a leaning tree with a chainsaw involves a specific, controlled technique to manage the direction of fall and prevent pinching or kickback. Using a bore cut method, as outlined in safety guidelines, is crucial for managing tension in the wood.
Essential Technique for Leaning Trees
Safely felling a tree that is already leaning requires careful planning and precise cuts. The goal is to maintain control throughout the process, using the lean to your advantage while preventing the trunk from splitting or the saw blade from getting trapped.
This method focuses on creating specific cuts that allow the tree to pivot correctly on a controlled 'hinge' of wood.
Step-by-Step Cutting Process
Follow these steps, incorporating precise measurements and positioning, adapted from professional recommendations:
- Initial Bore Cut: Begin by making a bore cut into the tree. Aim to penetrate to about 60% of the tree's diameter. Start the bore slightly above the intended felling cut level. Once the bore is established inside the wood, cut forward towards the side the tree is leaning, stopping precisely at the point where your intended hinge will begin. This creates a void within the tree's center.
- Sawing Backwards: From the point where you bored in (the entry point), saw straight back across the trunk, towards the opposite side of the lean. Stop this cut when you have about 5 cm of wood remaining uncut. This remaining wood is part of your control mechanism.
- Second Side Bore: Move to the other side of the tree (the side opposite the lean). Make another bore cut, similar to the first, aiming to meet the initial cut line and extend up to the intended hinge point on this side. Ensure this bore aligns carefully with the first cut to define the hinge accurately.
- Cutting the Safe Corner: Finally, reposition yourself safely behind the tree. Saw off the safe corner straight from behind, connecting your previous cuts and releasing the tension, allowing the tree to fall in the intended direction, guided by the hinge.
This technique is designed to manage the significant forces present in a leaning tree, especially tension on the upper side and compression on the lower side. By making internal bore cuts and leaving specific sections uncut until the final step, you maintain control and reduce the risk of the tree splitting unpredictably or trapping your chainsaw. Always ensure your escape path is clear before beginning cuts.
