What are some safety tips for felling (cutting down a tree)?
These tips apply specifically to felling trees that have a diameter less than the length of the chain saw blade, although some will apply generally to felling larger trees. • Notify the proper authorities before felling near buildings, power lines, roads or railways. • Size up tree for diameter and direction of lean before cutting. • Choose direction of fall according to the lean and shape of tree (e.g., more heavily branched on one side) and wind direction. Other factors that can affect the direction of the fall include the health of the tree (any signs of decay?), contact or entanglement of branches with other trees, slope of the land, and snow load. • Check the condition of the tree to see if there are any branches that might fall on you while you are sawing. • Make sure tree has a clear area to fall into. • Check the fuel tank to make sure you have enough fuel to complete the job. Running out of fuel when making a cut can be hazardous. • Clear work area of brush and debris before c
