Factors to Consider |
Clear Fall Path |
Along with a clear landing,
this is the most important factor in deciding what direction to fell a tree.
Visualize the fall path in all directions and identify those directions that are free of
other trees. Finding a clear path will eliminate lodged trees,
throwback,
and damage to the tree being felled as well as the other trees.
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Clear Landing |
Avoid felling a tree onto stumps, large rocks, or uneven ground.
This will prevent cracking and other damage to the tree.
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Lean of Tree |
It is generally easier and safer to fell a tree in the direction that it is
already leaning. This makes for a cleaner fall and eliminates the need to use wedges,
allowing gravity to do the work.
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Ease of Removal |
When possible, fell the tree
so the butt faces the skid road. Also, fell the tree consistent with the felling
pattern of other trees. This also makes for efficient limbing and removal.
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Slope of Ground |
Fell in a direction that will minimize the chance that the tree will roll or
slide.
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