The wedge cut finishes off the notch by cutting a wedge out of the tree. This cut can be made from either the top or the bottom of the horizontal cut. Both cuts must meet together accurately to configure a good hinge. To limit the possibility of kickbacks, you need to cut 3-inches above the acute angle of the original cut. When you have completed this step, take the wedge out of the tree to inspect it.
The back cut is the final cut of the tree felling process. This determines the thickness of your holding wood, which controls how the tree will fall.
How do you make a tree fall where you want it to? Begin by creating a mark on the back of the tree where you want the back cut to stop. Note that the back cut should be at least 1. Prior to cutting, you will need to stow a felling wedge into the tree to ensure it falls in the direction of the notch cut. This will also prevent the tree from settling on the chainsaw. Finally, start cutting the back of the tree and bring your chainsaw around towards the holding wood.
When you have completed your back cut, the tree should begin to topple. At this point, the cutter should be the only worker near the tree, and all other workers should be in a safety zone. They will make sure the problem is sufficiently resolved while saving as much of the tree as possible, and they have liability insurance should anything go wrong too.
To compensate for the lost tree, we recommend planting at a ratio of at least , or as agreed in the felling licence conditions - although it will take years to match the benefits of the felled tree.
Anyone can request a TPO. Find out if a tree already has one or apply for one by contacting the tree officer at your local council. A TPO is a written order from a local planning authority to protect specific trees or whole woodland areas.
The aim is to protect trees that have amenity value for the public. An application must be submitted before felling or managing a tree with a TPO. That application is subject to a consultation period during which people can submit objections. If a tree you know and love is at risk, ask the council to put an emergency TPO on it.
This prevents the tree being chopped down or tampered with while the council investigates further. A Tree Preservation Order TPO protects specific trees or a particular woodland from deliberate damage and destruction. Some trees grow in legally protected areas.
For example, some ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees are within areas with statutory conservation designations. Surveys should assess the ecological value and potential damage that may occur — including to trees - both during and after the work. Local planning authorities can designate Conservation Areas to protect a variety of natural and man-made features.
Trees in conservation areas are afforded protection and will require permission before felling. While you can safely chop down a very small tree or sapling with an ax, for most trees beyond that size, a chainsaw is the best tool. In general, a toinch bar is best for small to medium trees, and a toinch bar for larger trees or for cutting up an already felled large tree for firewood. Keep in mind that larger chainsaws weigh more, which can lead to arm and shoulder fatigue.
Average weight ranges from about 10 to 15 pounds, but some of the beefiest chainsaws weigh in excess of 20 pounds. Before firing up your chainsaw, you should be completely familiar with its use , and do a quick check to be sure the tool is in proper working order and is filled with fuel and oil.
These wooden wedges are used to prevent the tree from pinching onto your chainsaw or leaning back towards you instead of falling away from you during the final cut. Is the tree close to your home or another structure such as a fence, garage, or parking area? Are any utility lines nearby? Is the tree dead or diseased , or does it have broken or dead branches? Does the tree lean in a direction opposite where you want it to fall? Is the tree surrounded by other trees?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call in a professional. Additionally, a large, low limb can cause the tree to roll or shift to one side when the tree hits the ground. The safest solution is to take the time to cut away the low-hanging branches with the chainsaw before cutting down the tree.
The caveat here is to remove only the branches that grow at or below the height of your shoulder. Operating a chainsaw in an overhead position is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. The best way to ensure a safe fall is to have a reliable assistant known as a lookout. To keep the lookout a safe distance away, he should have a long stick or pole. One way you might communicate is this: If the lookout spots trouble—if, say, they see that a large branch overhead is starting to fall—the lookout might use the stick to tap the person cutting the tree on his or her shoulder.
Cut with one hand, taking the weight of the branch with the other. Larger branches should be cut in three stages. The undercut should be about one third of the way through , extended to cut the bark around half of the branches diameter. This stops the branches splitting or the bark tearing. It may be necessary to uses fires to burn branches and trimmings. Situate it so that the smoke does not blow across the work area but close enough to minimise the amount of dragging. Leave wood to decay where practical or chop it up for mulch.
If there is simply too much small, controlled fires are OK, providing the client knows. Also let the local fire brigade know beforehand. Sometimes a chainsaw operator may be needed in coppice work. To get a card you must have a National Proficiency Test Council or equivalent certificate and be able to provide evidence of continuing competence. Operators must wear protective safety clothing and equipment. Discuss any obstacles with the client in case the work plan needs to be altered.
Decide what is to be done with the cut wood. Undertake a risk assessment for both project and site. Walk around the site explaining what work will be undertaken.
Identify potential hazards and explain how people can work safely around them. Demonstrate and explain the safe use, carrying and on-site care of the tools before starting work. Demonstrate all new work techniques as you come to them. This will save mistakes and avoid accidents. Demonstrate correct lifting technique bending the knee and keeping the back straight so that the leg muscles are used and the back is not strained.
0コメント