Factors to Consider
|
Clear Fall
Path |
Along with a clear landing,
this is the most important factor in deciding what direction to fell a tree.
Visualize the fall path in all directions and identify those directions that are free of
other trees. Finding a clear path will eliminate lodged trees, throwback, and damage to the tree being felled as
well as the other trees.
|
Clear Landing |
Avoid felling a tree onto
stumps, large rocks, or uneven ground. This will prevent cracking and other damage
to the tree.
|
Lean of
Tree |
It is generally easier and
safer to fell a tree in the direction that it is already leaning. This makes for a
cleaner fall and eliminates the need to use wedges, allowing gravity to do the work.
|
Ease
of Removal |
When possible, fell the tree
so the butt faces the skid road. Also, fell the tree consistent with the felling
pattern of other trees. This also makes for efficient limbing and removal.
|
Slope of
Ground |
Fell in a direction that will
minimize the chance that the tree will roll or slide.
|