Explanation should include
- maintaining situational awareness
- analyzing the felling job
- checking the base of the tree
- examining the immediate work area and surrounding terrain
- considering climber and ground crew safety precautions
- observing for other trees and tops that may fall in an undetermined direction when hit by a falling tree
- felling problem trees or snags first
- undercutting all trees exceeding five inches (127 mm) in DBH before making a backcut
- inspecting tree for a dead top, loose bark, limbs, and other debris leaning or hanging into it
- using a hatchet or axe, sounding completely around the trunk of any large trees to check for rot
- observing for other trees and tops that may fall in an undetermined direction when hit by a falling tree
- undercutting and back cutting all trees at a safe standing height
- never trusting holding wood in partly rotted trees
- never making any side cuts or corner cuts in hollow trees or trees with heart rot unless an adequate hinge can be maintained
- beginning the backcut by inserting wedges into the kerf as soon as practical
- continuing to cut until the desired amount of wood holds the tree
- ensuring that sloping/horizontal cuts do not cross one another
- never leaving a tree partially cut (i.e., always finishing the felling job before leaving with the exception that where hazards are unusually significant, leave trees standing, ribbon the area with hazard tape, or a suitable substitute, and notify the immediate supervisor)
- never climbing a lodged tree
- notifying nearby workers and the immediate supervisor of the hazard
- pulling the lodged tree down by tractor, winch, or other mechanical means whenever possible
- before returning to work on the felled tree, checking all snags and adjacent trees for broken limbs, log chunks, loose bark, and overhead hazards.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why should a hinge be used when felling a tree?
- What purpose does a wedge serve?
- What hazards can occur when limbing, topping, and felling a tree?
- Why should some trees be limbed or topped before they are felled?
- What is the job of the ground crew when limbing and topping trees?