When
The “face cut” is made on the side of the tree toward which it should fall. The second cut angles to meet the first exactly. The standard face cut is most often done by cutting flat in to the trunk of the tree on the side toward which the tree should fall. Cut no more than 20 to 30 percent of the way through the tree.
Guest You should always make your back cut level and about 1-2'' above the level plane of the face cut (notch) in order to leave a surface that the tipping trunk can push against to prevent it from sliding back over the stump towards the sawyer.
Open face notch, aiming with top cut
Used for most purposes in flat or slightly sloping terrain. Easier for the bottom cut to meet the angled top cut for directional precision. The felling cut is made in line with the bottom cut or slightly above to minimize the risk of splitting.
Notch depth should not exceed one-third the diameter of the tree. The hinge width should be 80 percent of the tree's diameter, as measured at the hinge.
Although you can start notching directly after planting, waiting until new shoots are between 1-3 inches long would be better as you can easily distinguish the buds that failed to break.
With the tree on your left and your left shoulder against the tree, make a 70-degree cut on the side facing the direction you want the tree to fall. If your chainsaw has a felling sight on the housing, use it as a guide.
The closer to the tree's trunk roots are cut, the more significant and harmful the damage will be. The 25% Rule – Never cut roots beyond 25 percent of a tree's total volume. The tree may die or fall as a result of this.
Commonly, a ring of paint is made around the tree at what is commonly called breast height: 4 to 6 feet. The base of the tree then receives a mark that extends below where the tree is to be cut (or left). This allows the forester to audit the stumps after the harvest to make sure only designated trees were cut.
6 The depth of the notch should be 1/3 of the tree diameter. The face opening of a notch “A” should be equal to the depth of “B”. An open face notch is safest and requires an opening of 70% or more to prevent premature closing of the notch. Open face notches require the hinge length to be 80% or more of the DBH.
"The Lorax: Which way does a tree fall? The Once-ler: Uh, down? The Lorax: A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean."
The Open-faced, the Conventional, and the Humbolt notches are all covered in these three links which will loop back to this page. The notch created by the top and bottom cuts in the picture above is called an "Open-face Notch." You can compare this notch with the Humbolt and Conventional Notches.
Generally, the best time to prune or trim trees and shrubs is during the winter months. From November through March, most trees are dormant which makes it the ideal time for the following reasons: Trees are less susceptible to insects or disease.
Notching: Making notch above a bud by removing a wedge shaped piece of bark. 5. Nicking: Making notch below a bud by removing a wedge shaped piece of bark.
Vertical cracks, seams, dead branch stubs and large, older wounds suggest internal decay. Severe damage to the main trunk often warrants removal of the tree. If the damaged area is less than 25 percent of the circumference of the trunk, the wound could gradually heal over and no permanent injury should result.
Check that the apex of the notch is clean and perpendicular to the grain of the trunk wood, this ensures optimum hinge action. The notch opening angle should be at least 70 degrees or more in order to maximize hinge integrity and control, a notch open more than 90 degrees is acceptable also.
Maximum depth of notch of any joist in any situation is 35mm.
The loss of trees and other vegetation can cause climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of problems for Indigenous people.
Spring flowering trees should be pruned after flowers have dropped. To avoid the introduction of disease pathogens to oaks and elms, avoid pruning between April 15 and October 15. Prompt pruning of storm-damaged limbs and dead branches should be done to encourage wound closure and avoid potential hazards.
An improper cut (cut too close or too far from the trunk) can cause severe damage to your trees. A proper cut, on the other hand, minimizes the damage and allows it to grow into a healthy and lush tree. A stub cut eliminates the branch collar, leaving a deep wound on the tree's side that won't heal quickly.
Expressing gratitude for a tree can be a meaningful way to honor its contribution to our environment. One way to do this is to simply spend time near the tree and reflect on its beauty and importance. Express your gratitude for all that the tree has given you over the years. Take your time giving thanks to the tree.