October/November 2005
By Malcolm Margolin
Anyone can bring down a tree safely by preparing carefully
and cutting correctly.
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By Malcolm Margolin
Cutting down trees can be dangerous work,
especially in yards with buildings and power lines nearby.
Even if you are cutting firewood out in the forest, you
should prepare carefully before you begin sawing. Trees
don’t always fall exactly where you intend, and if
they bounce off neighboring branches, you could be injured
if you are standing too close. Wherever you are cutting
down a tree, having someone along to help or just watch is
a smart thing to do.
To do the job well, you’ll need to establish a
comfortable work area. First, clear out a place around the
tree where you can get a firm footing and have enough space
to work with a chain saw. Lop off any lower branches in
your way. Before making any cuts, walk around the tree and
study it. Are you sure this is a tree you want to
eliminate-is it a nut or fruit tree; does it have nests in
it; is it a rare species.
Judging the Fall
Once you have decided which tree to cut, think about where
the tree will naturally fall. Which way is it leaning?
Stand back and hold an axe in front of you by the tip of
the handle. The handle will be plumb (straight up and down)
because of the bottom weight, and by sighting along the
handle, you can determine the lean of the tree. This is the
most important indication of which direction the tree will
go.
Next, look at the balance: If there are too many heavy
branches on one side, it may pull the tree over to that
side. Pay close attention to the top of the tree; if it is
nodding in one direction when the wind blows, this will
influence the way the tree will fall.
Check the trunk at about waist height-where you will be
cutting-for rot. Look for holes in the trunk of the tree.
Several large, dead branches on the tree may signify
interior decay. Any rot can influence the direction the
tree will fall. If you have reason to believe there is
considerable rot in the trunk of the tree, get the advice
of an experienced tree cutter before proceeding.
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