The
top cut is the first of two cuts that result in a Humbolt notch. The notch is made
on the side of the tree that faces the direction you want it to fall.
The Correct Cut
1. Starting Point Important -- begin at any height as long as you
allow enough room for the undercut
2. Angle of Attack Important -- cut flat and horizontally
3. Ending Point Stop when the cut reaches 1/4 to 1/3 of the trunk's
diameter or when the cut reaches 80% of the tree's diameter at
breast height
Common Incorrect Cuts
Here
the bottom cut is not steep enough, resulting in a notch of less than 45 degrees.