Not everyone realizes it, but tree cutting is a task that is better left in the hands of professionals. The idea of cutting down a tree may seem rather easy. After all, what’s so difficult about swinging an axe around?
The truth, however, is that cutting down mature trees requires a lot more than just chopping them freely with your axe. There are proper tree cutting techniques that must be followed to effectively preserve the dense wood and ensure the safety of those around.
Following the appropriate cutting techniques not only ensures the safety of those working on the tree but of anyone and anything in the area. Additionally, using the right technique lets the cutter determine and control where the tree will fall, ensuring that it won’t injure or damage anything around.
A job involving a large tree or one in a tricky area is one best handled by a professional. If you’re looking to cut down a smaller tree in your yard, however, you may be able to do it on your own - assuming you’ve put time and effort into learning exactly how to do it safely, of course.
One of the things that anyone cutting down trees needs to know about is notches. Here are the basics:
Before you start studying proper tree cutting techniques, you need to know the tools required to get the job done the right way. Every piece of equipment should be of high-quality. They must be thoroughly tested before being used to cut down a tree. Below are the tools typically needed to safely and properly cut down a mature tree:
Chainsaw - This is probably the most widely known piece of equipment used for cutting down trees. Obviously, you can’t cut a tree without it. Using an ax to cut a mature tree may just put all your efforts in vain. A good chainsaw should have at least 3.5 horsepower. Its bar should be around 20 inches to make sure it can cut through the diameter of the tree.
Test rope - Your test rope should be about three times longer than the height of the tree you’re cutting. It will mainly be used to maneuver the tree around when needed.
Safety glasses - You don’t want splinters and other flying debris into your eyes, so a pair of safety glasses is of utmost importance.
Leg protection - When cutting a really dense or hard tree, the chainsaw might kick out of the trunk and hit your leg. To keep yourself safe, opt for knee-high boots and a reliable pair of leg defenders.
Now, let’s get into the notches themselves. In the world of tree cutting, a notch refers to the opening made by the cutter into the trunk. The notch’s purpose is to get the tree falling onto the cutter’s desired direction. By creating a good notch, the cutter can also control how long the hinge will hold to support the entire tree’s weight and when it will exactly break.
Here are the three main types of notches:
Conventional notch - This is the most commonly utilized type of notch. It is favored by many tree cutters and loggers because it’s safe, easy, and quick to create. This notch requires a top angled cut and a horizontal bottom cut.
Open-faced notch - This is often used for high-value wood and tight spaces, as it is the most accurate. It is done by making a 70-degree (downward) top cut and a 20-degree (upward) base cut. Then, at the back of the tree, the cutter will cut straight through the trunk until the saw reaches the V shape cut’s point.
Humboldt notch - This is essentially the opposite of the conventional notch. The top cut is horizontal, while the base cut goes upward. It is great for saving as much wood as possible, but it shouldn’t be used for trees that are at an incline.
If you’re looking for a professional tree removal service, Brett Tree Service is your best option. We provide a wide range of options that can take care of any tree-related issues on your property. Contactus today for a free consultation.
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