Ever wondered how professional arborists make massive trees fall exactly where they want them? The secret lies in mastering different types of tree felling cuts. These precise techniques can mean the difference between a safe, controlled tree removal and a dangerous disaster.
Ready to tackle that problematic tree on your property safely?Ā Contact our certified arboristsĀ today for a free consultation on the most appropriate felling technique for your specific situation.
What Makes Tree Felling Cuts So Important?
Tree felling isn’t just about chopping wood randomly. Professional arborists use specific cutting patterns called notches to control exactly where and how a tree falls. These strategic cuts work like a hinge system that guides the tree’s descent.
Think of it this way – you wouldn’t drive a car without a steering wheel. Similarly, you shouldn’t fell a tree without proper directional cuts. The wrong technique can send a 100-foot tree crashing into your house instead of the intended landing zone.
The Science Behind Controlled Tree Falling
Every tree felling cut creates a specific reaction in the wood fibers. The notch acts as a pivot point while the back cut releases the tree’s connection to the stump. This combination lets gravity do the work while you maintain control over the direction.
Professional tree services understand that different situations require different approaches. A tree leaning toward your neighbor’s fence needs a completely different strategy than one standing perfectly upright.
The 5 Most Common Types of Tree Felling Cuts
1. Conventional Notch Cut
The conventional notch remains the most popular choice for residential tree removal. This technique combines a 45-degree downward cut with a horizontal bottom cut, creating a distinctive wedge shape.
When to use it:
- Trees on level ground
- Situations requiring lower stumps
- Split-prone tree species
How it works: The conventional method creates a 45-degree opening that closes during the middle of the tree’s fall. This gives moderate control but breaks the hinge connection earlier than other methods.
Pros and cons: ā Leaves shorter stumps ā Works well for certain wood types ā Less controlled than other methods ā Higher risk of kickback
2. Open-Face Notch Technique
Consider the open-face notch the gold standard for precision tree felling. This method uses a wider angle (70-90 degrees) that provides maximum control throughout the entire falling process.
Key characteristics:
- Top cut: 70 degrees downward
- Bottom cut: 20 degrees upward
- Total opening: 90 degrees (ideal)
- Back cut: Level with notch corner
The wider opening means the hinge stays intact much longer. You literally maintain control until the tree almost touches the ground.
Perfect for:
- Tight landing zones
- Valuable property nearby
- Situations requiring pinpoint accuracy
3. Humboldt Notch Method
West Coast loggers developed this upside-down version of the conventional cut. The Humboldt technique puts the horizontal cut on top and the angled cut below.
Why use Humboldt cuts?
- Saves more usable lumber
- Better for steep hillsides
- Helps prevent trees from rolling downhill
This method works great for large timber operations but requires more skill to master properly.
Professional tip: The Humboldt notch pushes the tree away from the operator, making it safer on sloped terrain where escape routes are limited.
4. Bore Cut Felling Technique
When dealing with challenging trees, the bore cut provides ultimate control. Instead of cutting straight through from behind, you drill into the tree’s center first.
Step-by-step process:
- Create your chosen notch (usually open-face)
- Bore horizontally into the tree’s center
- Cut forward toward the hinge
- Leave holding wood at the back
- Make final release cut
Best applications:
- Trees with heavy lean
- Large diameter trees
- Barber chair prevention
- Emergency situations
Want expert guidance on advanced felling techniques?Ā Visit our tree removal services pageĀ to learn how our certified team handles complex tree situations.
5. Siswheel (Advanced Steering Cut)
The siswheel represents one of the most advanced types of tree felling cuts. This technique actually steers leaning trees against their natural fall direction.
How it works: Remove hinge wood from the heavy side, letting that portion sit on the stump. The remaining hinge wood then pulls the tree around in the desired direction.
ā ļø Warning: This cut requires expert-level skills and should never be attempted in residential areas or near valuable targets.
Choosing the Right Cut for Your Situation
| Situation | Recommended Cut | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Level ground, standard tree | Conventional notch | Simple, effective, familiar |
| Tight spaces, accuracy needed | Open-face notch | Maximum control duration |
| Large timber, steep slopes | Humboldt notch | Safety on difficult terrain |
| Heavy lean, large diameter | Bore cut | Prevents barber chair, ultimate control |
| Expert steering required | Siswheel | Directs against natural lean |
Essential Safety Considerations
Professional tree felling demands respect for both the equipment and the enormous forces involved. Never attempt tree felling without proper training and safety equipment.
Critical Safety Steps:
- Plan escape routesĀ (at least two)
- Assess tree leanĀ using proper techniques
- Check for hazardsĀ (power lines, structures, other trees)
- Use appropriate PPEĀ (helmet, chaps, eye protection)
- Maintain sharp equipmentĀ for clean, predictable cuts
Warning Signs to Call Professionals:
- Trees over 6 inches in diameter
- Any tree near structures or power lines
- Dead, diseased, or damaged trees
- Leaning trees
- Multi-trunk or unusual growth patterns
Facing a dangerous tree situation?Ā Contact our emergency tree servicesĀ immediately. Our veteran-trained crew has the expertise to handle any tree challenge safely.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Accidents
Even experienced operators can make costly errors. Here are the most dangerous mistakes to avoid:
Inadequate planning: Rushing into cuts without proper assessment kills people and destroys property every year.
Wrong cut selection: Using a conventional notch where an open-face cut is needed reduces control dramatically.
Poor hinge management: Too thin and the tree becomes uncontrollable. Too thick and it won’t fall at all.
Ignoring lean: Every tree has weight distribution. Failing to account for this leads to surprises nobody wants.
Equipment problems: Dull chains create unpredictable cuts. Always maintain your tools properly.
Professional Equipment Makes the Difference
Types of tree felling cuts require specific chainsaw features for optimal results:
Essential Chainsaw Features:
- Gunning sightsĀ for accurate directional alignment
- Felling dogsĀ for stability and leverage
- Appropriate bar lengthĀ for tree diameter
- Sharp, properly tensioned chain
- Reliable throttle response
Supporting Tools:
- Plastic or aluminum wedges
- Felling lever or tree jack
- Measuring tape for diameter assessment
- Plumb bob for lean determination
When DIY Becomes Dangerous
While understanding tree felling cut techniques has educational value, actual tree removal often exceeds homeowner capabilities. Professional arborists train for years to master these skills safely.
Consider the physics involved: A 60-foot oak tree weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. That’s like trying to control where a small building falls. One wrong cut can send all that weight in the wrong direction.
Insurance considerations: Most homeowner policies exclude damage from DIY tree work. Professional services carry specialized coverage protecting both you and your property.
Making the Smart Choice
Understanding different types of tree felling cuts helps you appreciate the complexity involved in professional tree removal. Each technique serves specific purposes and requires different skill levels.
The conventional notch offers simplicity for basic situations. Open-face cuts provide maximum control for precision work. Humboldt techniques excel in challenging terrain. Bore cuts handle problematic trees safely. Advanced methods like the siswheel require expert execution.
Remember: Knowledge and execution are completely different things. Knowing how these cuts work helps you communicate with professionals and understand their recommendations.
Professional arborists don’t just know these techniques – they understand when and why to use each one. They recognize subtle signs that indicate which approach will work best for your specific situation.
Ready to move forward with professional tree care?Ā Schedule your free consultationĀ with our certified arborist team. We’ll assess your trees and recommend the safest, most effective removal strategy for your property.
