The
back cut is the third and final cut and is made on the opposite side of the notch.
The back cut disconnects almost all of the tree from the stump leaving a hinge that helps to control the
tree's fall.
The Correct
Cut
1.Starting Point Important - begin on the opposite side of the
notch at the same level as the notched corner
2. Angle of Attack Important - cut flat along a horizontal plane
3. Ending Point Very important - stop
at the point that will leave a hinge width that is 1/10 the tree's diameter
This is the
simplest of all back cuts. Other back-cutting techniques may be required for felling difficult trees.
A Common
Incorrect Cut
Here the starting point of the back cut is higher
than the notched corner . . .
. . . resulting in a poor hinge and the possible
need to push the tree over.