How to: Cut trees that lean hard! A few techniques to do it safer: Tips and tricks

Strider Trees
4 May 202411:22

TLDRIn this informative video from Strider Trees, the focus is on safely cutting large and heavily leaning tree branches. The host discusses the common hazards and mistakes made when attempting such cuts, emphasizing the importance of making safe and predictable cuts to avoid dangerous situations like the 'barber chair' effect. Techniques for making an undercut at an angle to avoid pinching the saw, and how to determine the direction of the cut for the desired swing of the branch are demonstrated. The video also covers the strategy for making the back cut, considering whether the branch should swing or drop flat, and the risks associated with cutting on the falling piece side. The presenter advises on the general rule of making undercuts to control the direction of the branch's drift and the importance of being well-tied and having secure footing. The video concludes with a reminder that fewer cuts are generally safer and encourages viewers to seek guidance from experienced individuals when learning new tree-cutting techniques.

Takeaways

  • 🔪 When cutting a leaning tree, avoid a straight-up undercut to prevent pinching and instead use an angled approach to manage the tension and compression wood.
  • 📏 Make a larger undercut at a 45-degree angle to reduce the risk of the saw getting pinched and to allow for better control over the cut.
  • 🚫 Avoid cutting too much compression wood at the bottom as it increases the risk of pinching and makes it harder to steer the falling branch.
  • ↔️ Decide the desired direction of the swing for the branch and make the face cut accordingly to control the direction after the cut.
  • 🔄 If you want the branch to land flat, bias the undercut towards the bottom to provide a better chance for a flat landing.
  • ⚠️ Be aware of the risk of the falling piece grabbing the saw when making the second cut on the side of the piece that's falling away.
  • 🔩 When cutting a large spar, rely on the hinge to tear away before the cuts overlap to prevent getting caught.
  • 📉 Cut away the tension wood first, then the compression wood to avoid a sudden and potentially violent release of the branch.
  • 🧭 Bias the back cut towards the bottom to help the branch land flatter without getting hung up.
  • 🪢 Use a tie point for safety, preferably tying off to a stable structure rather than the tree you are cutting.
  • 💪 Practice makes perfect; if not confident, take smaller, safer cuts and always have an experienced person nearby to coach you through the process.

Q & A

  • What is a common hazard when cutting trees that lean hard?

    -A common hazard is the potential for the tree to swing underneath and hit a target behind you, often referred to as a 'barber chair' scenario.

  • Why is it risky to make a small undercut parallel to the branch?

    -Making a small undercut parallel to the branch can be risky because it removes all the compression wood, increasing the force on the remaining wood and raising the probability of a pinch.

  • What is the alternative technique to avoid pinching when cutting a leaning tree?

    -The alternative technique is to angle the cut over about 45 degrees, which allows you to remove a larger percentage of the support without risking the pinch of the saw.

  • How does making a face cut affect the way the branch falls?

    -Making a face cut creates room for the branch to swing, but if you want the branch to land flat, you should avoid making a large face cut as it can cause the branch to pinch.

  • What should you consider when deciding the direction of the back cut?

    -The direction of the back cut should be determined by whether you want the branch to swing or drop flat. It also depends on the desired direction of the branch's swing.

  • Why is it important to consider the risk of the falling piece grabbing the saw?

    -The risk of the falling piece grabbing the saw is significant because if the top cut overlaps with the undercut, it can create a slot that may pinch the blade and pull the saw out of control, leading to potential injury.

  • What is the advantage of cutting on the falling piece side?

    -Cutting on the falling piece side helps prevent a small lip from sticking out and catching the falling piece, which can cause it to fall tip down.

  • Why might it be safer to make more smaller cuts rather than one big cut?

    -Making more smaller cuts can be safer because each cut exposes you to less risk, reduces the chance of a scary pinch, and allows for more control and easier escape if pinched.

  • What is the significance of having a tie point when cutting trees?

    -A tie point provides stability and safety, preventing the climber from falling or being pulled off the tree, especially in the event of a sudden release or shift in the tree's weight.

  • Why is it recommended to have an experienced person nearby when learning to cut leaning trees?

    -Having an experienced person nearby provides coaching and guidance, which is crucial for learning proper techniques and ensuring safety during the process.

  • What is the general philosophy regarding the number of cuts when using a chainsaw?

    -The general philosophy is that fewer cuts are better because they reduce exposure to potential injury from the chainsaw and minimize the risk of being cut out of the tree.

Outlines

00:00

🪓 Safe Cutting Techniques on Lateral SPARs

The video begins with a discussion on safe cutting practices when working with lateral spars in tree care. The speaker addresses common hazards such as the risk of a 'barber chair' scenario, where a large branch can swing under and hit something behind the climber. The focus is on making a safe and predictable cut, avoiding pinching of the saw, and ensuring the branch falls or swings in a controlled manner. The importance of the undercut's angle and its relation to compression and tension wood is emphasized, as well as the strategy for making face cuts and back cuts to control the direction and landing of the branch.

05:02

🔄 Controlling Branch Swing and Landing

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of controlling the swing and landing of a branch during a cut. It explains how the angle of the back cut in relation to the undercut can influence whether the branch swings or lands flat. The speaker also discusses the concept of cutting away tension wood first to prevent the branch from hanging up and the potential for a more violent shock when cutting through a large band of wood. The emphasis is on understanding the direction of load and leverage to minimize the risk of injury and ensure a controlled and safe cutting process.

10:04

⚠️ Safety Precautions and Best Practices

In the final paragraph, the focus shifts to safety precautions and best practices when cutting large branches. The speaker advises that if a climber is not confident or experienced, it may be safer to take more smaller pieces rather than one large cut. The importance of secure footing, being well-tied in, and having an experienced individual nearby for coaching is stressed. The video concludes with a reminder to prioritize safety, suggesting that fewer cuts can lead to less exposure and a lower risk of injury. Additionally, the speaker invites viewers to sign up for updates on webinars and promotions related to tree climbing and marketing on their website, StriderTrees.com.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Safe Cut

A 'safe cut' in the context of the video refers to the proper technique for cutting a tree or a large branch in a way that minimizes the risk of injury or unintended consequences. It is a crucial aspect of the video's theme, as it discusses how to perform cuts on leaning trees without causing them to fall unpredictably. An example from the script is when the speaker describes making a small undercut and then a face cut to allow the tree to fall straight down without pinching the saw.

💡Barber Chair

The term 'barber chair' is a colloquialism used in the video to describe a dangerous situation where a tree or branch swings around rapidly, potentially causing injury to the person cutting it. It is a hazard that the video aims to help viewers avoid. The script mentions it as a potential risk when cutting a big piece from a lateral spar.

💡Undercut

An 'undercut' is a specific type of cut made beneath the tree or branch that is intended to fall. It is a fundamental technique in felling trees safely. The video emphasizes the importance of making a proper undercut to control the direction and manner in which the tree falls. The script describes making a small undercut parallel to the branch to prevent the pinching of the saw.

💡Face Cut

A 'face cut' is a technique used in conjunction with an undercut to help control the direction of a falling tree or branch. It is part of the process to ensure the tree falls as intended without causing harm. The video script illustrates this by explaining how to make a face cut to allow room for the tree to swing and fall in a controlled manner.

💡Compression Wood

Compression wood is the structural part of a tree that resists compression forces. In the video, it is mentioned in the context of cutting techniques where removing too much of it can increase the risk of the saw being pinched. The speaker advises against removing all the compression wood at once to avoid this dangerous situation.

💡Tension Wood

Tension wood is the part of a tree that resists tension forces. The video discusses how cutting tension wood can be safer than cutting compression wood when making an undercut, as it allows for a larger portion of the tree to be removed without the risk of pinching the saw. It is an important consideration in the safe cutting techniques discussed.

💡Back Cut

A 'back cut' is the final cut made to release the tree or branch after the undercut and face cut have been completed. The direction and angle of the back cut can influence how the tree falls. The video script details how to make a back cut towards the base of the trunk or towards the canopy to achieve the desired outcome, whether that be a flat landing or a swing.

💡Hinge

In the context of the video, a 'hinge' refers to a small portion of the tree that remains intact after the majority has been cut. This hinge can control the fall of the tree and is a critical part of the cutting process. The speaker discusses relying on the hinge to tear away before the cuts overlap, which is a safety measure to prevent the saw from being pulled away.

💡Swing

The term 'swing' in the video refers to the controlled movement of a falling tree or branch away from the cutter. It is a desired outcome when the tree needs to fall in a specific direction. The script provides examples of how to achieve a swing by making strategic cuts at certain angles.

💡Flat Landing

A 'flat landing' is when a falling tree or branch lands evenly on the ground without hanging up or swinging unpredictably. This is a preferred outcome for safety and cleanup. The video provides techniques to ensure a flat landing, such as making a back cut that is slightly forward of the undercut.

💡Tie Point

A 'tie point' is a secure point to which a person can attach themselves while working at height, such as when cutting trees. The video emphasizes the importance of having a tie point to maintain stability and prevent falls. The script suggests tying off to two different trees if possible to avoid the risk of a 'barber chair' scenario.

Highlights

Discussing safe cutting techniques for trees that lean hard to prevent hazards and potential accidents.

Risk of a 'barber chair' effect when cutting a large piece from a lateral spar.

Making a small undercut parallel to the branch can increase the force on compression wood, leading to a pinch.

Demonstrating an alternative cutting method with an angled undercut to reduce the risk of pinching.

Cutting tension wood while removing a larger percentage of support safely.

Adjusting the direction of the face cut to control the swing of the falling branch.

The importance of making the back cut at a steep angle to control the branch's fall.

Risk of the falling piece grabbing the saw and pulling it away due to overlapping cuts.

Technique to prevent the branch from falling tip down by cutting on the falling piece side.

Making the back cut towards the base of the trunk for a swinging branch or towards the canopy for a flat drop.

Considering the order of cutting away wood to prevent the branch from hanging up or breaking violently.

Biasing the back cut towards the bottom can help the branch land flatter.

General rule of choosing the undercut side based on the desired drift direction of the branch.

The advantage of cutting more wood away before the branch breaks when using an angled hinge.

The natural tendency to cut straight up is less effective and more uncomfortable than an angled approach.

Emphasizing the principle of fewer cuts for safety and less exposure to injury.

Recommendation to take more smaller pieces if not confident or experienced for increased safety.

Advice on having an experienced person nearby for coaching when attempting new cutting techniques.