Tree Felling

Those of us who grew up cutting and gathering firewood already know how, and which trees are the ones that show disease or damage and removing them would make the woods healthier.

So everyone should know how to notch a tree. It is easy just cut a wedge shape out of the trunk in the direction you want the tree to fall. But actually aiming where the tree will fall gets trickier. Suppose the tree is leaning away from the direction you want it to fall. Not a problem, if you pay attention. Cut the notch low, and in the direction you want the tree to fall. Cut it between 1/3 and 1/2 way through the tree. Now on the opposite side of the tree and in line with the notch start to cut the trunk from the uncut side, but do not cut all the way through. leave at least 1/4 of the center uncut. Now get your felling wedges. Insert them into the cut, one on each edge of the cut so you can "steer" the tree. Hammer them in evenly and watch where the tree starts to lean. You will also feel one wedge being tighter than the other. If you want the tree to fall more to the right, then the left wedge should be hammered in more than the one on the right side. That last 1/4 thickness of trunk will act as a hinge, and help keep the tree from kicking back. Practice on trees that are not critical where they land before trying to cut one down next to power lines, or your house.

A couple words about safety are also in order here. Wear safety glasses or goggles, and ear plugs or hearing muffs when using a chain saw. Clear an escape path that is 45 degrees angled away from the tree, and away from the predicted fall direction.

Be safe, and if the job looks too big, hire it done!!

Keith

Well, neither Joe or myself lived where we cut down trees. We're both city kids. Thanks for the info.

Sonshine wrote:Well, neither Joe or myself lived where we cut down trees. We're both city kids. Thanks for the info.

This is what these forums should be about, sharing and learning from one another.

Exactly. I wanted to learn as much as I could. Since we are both from the city we had a lot to learn. I have spent a lot of time on the computer researching things. I'm sure many people think I've lost it. LOL We actually used an e-book I downloaded and laminated when we started butchering our chickens. I'm sure others, who grew up with this lifestyle would laugh at how we do things around here, but it works for us.

we all come from different backgrounds, I have never slaughtered or butchered a chicken. Sheep, Goat, Deer, Steer,Rabbit, Squirrel, Pigs, yup several, but nary the first chicken. I have gathered eggs a few times though.

Chickens are pretty easy to do, although I'm not thrilled with plucking them. DH made us a plucker. I think he posted about it on the poultry section. He got the idea from one I had found online. Of course, the pluckers don't get all the feathers out, that's my job.