Barber Chair Cutting Trees (5 Pro Arborist Tips)

Let’s dive into the world of tree felling and address one of the most dangerous scenarios you might encounter: the dreaded barber chair. It’s a situation where a tree splits vertically during the felling process, often resulting in unpredictable movement and potential disaster. I’ve been in the woods for over two decades, and I’ve seen firsthand the damage a barber chair can inflict. So, trust me when I say understanding and preventing this phenomenon is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Think of it this way: a barber chair is like a loaded spring, ready to release its energy in a split second. The tension in the wood, combined with an improper cutting technique, creates a recipe for disaster. But don’t worry, I’m here to share my top 5 pro arborist tips to help you avoid this dangerous situation.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the ‘Why’: Learn the mechanics behind barber chair formations.
• Pre-emptive Assessment: How to read the tree and its surroundings before making a single cut.
• Precision Cutting Techniques: Mastering the bore cut and other essential methods.
• Tool Maintenance is Key: Ensuring your chainsaw is sharp and properly maintained.
• Situational Awareness: Constantly evaluating the situation and adapting your approach.

The Anatomy of a Barber Chair: What’s Really Happening?

Before we get into the preventative measures, let’s understand why barber chairs happen. It’s all about tension. Trees, especially those leaning or under stress, have internal forces at play. The wood fibers on one side are compressed, while the fibers on the other side are under tension.

When you start felling a tree, you’re essentially releasing these forces. If the tension is too great and the wood fibers can’t handle it, the tree can split vertically, creating the “barber chair” effect. Imagine trying to bend a dry twig – it’ll likely snap instead of bending smoothly. That’s similar to what happens in a barber chair.

Tip #1: Read the Tree – Assess Before You Cut

This is the most crucial step. Before you even think about firing up your chainsaw, take a good, long look at the tree. I like to walk a full circle around it, observing every detail.

• Lean: Is the tree leaning significantly in one direction? A heavy lean indicates uneven weight distribution and increased tension on one side.
• Wind: Consider the prevailing wind direction. Even a slight breeze can add significant stress to a tree, especially a tall one.
• Defects: Look for cracks, rot, or other signs of weakness in the trunk. These are stress concentrators that can make a barber chair more likely.
• Species: Some tree species are more prone to barber chairing than others. For example, trees with interlocking grain, like elm, can be particularly challenging.
• Surroundings: Are there obstacles like power lines, buildings, or other trees that could be affected if the tree splits unexpectedly?

My Experience: I once had a job felling a large oak tree near a residential property. The tree had a slight lean, but what really caught my attention was a large crack running up the trunk on the opposite side of the lean. This told me that the wood fibers were already under significant tension. I knew I had to be extra cautious.

Data Point: According to a study by the USDA Forest Service, trees with pre-existing cracks or decay are 3 times more likely to experience catastrophic failure during felling.

Tip #2: Master the Bore Cut – Your First Line of Defense

The bore cut is your secret weapon against barber chairs. It’s a technique where you plunge the tip of your chainsaw bar into the tree, creating a pocket of open space before making the final felling cut. This allows you to control the direction of the fall and relieve some of the tension in the wood.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Establish the Hinge: First, make a face cut (the traditional notch) on the side of the tree you want it to fall. This will help guide the tree in the right direction.
2. Plunge Cut: On the opposite side of the tree (the back cut side), carefully plunge the tip of your chainsaw bar into the trunk, just behind the hinge. Be extremely cautious to avoid kickback.
3. Create the Bore: Once the bar is fully inserted, pivot the saw to create a pocket of space behind the hinge. The size of the bore depends on the size of the tree, but generally, you want it to be large enough to relieve some of the tension.
4. Felling Cut: Now, carefully make your felling cut, leaving a hinge of sufficient thickness to control the fall. The hinge is crucial; it acts like a rudder, guiding the tree as it falls.

Why it Works: The bore cut creates a void that allows the wood fibers to compress without splitting. It’s like giving the tree a little breathing room.

Expert Quote: “The bore cut is the single most important technique for preventing barber chairs,” says veteran arborist, Mark Johnson. “It allows you to control the fall and avoid unpredictable splits.”

Caution: Bore cuts require a high level of chainsaw skill. Practice on smaller, less-stressed trees before attempting them on larger, more challenging ones.

Tip #3: The Importance of the Hinge – Don’t Skimp!

The hinge is the unsung hero of tree felling. It’s the small strip of wood that connects the stump to the falling tree, and it plays a critical role in controlling the direction and speed of the fall.

• Hinge Size: The size of the hinge depends on the size of the tree. A general rule of thumb is that the hinge should be about 10% of the tree’s diameter. So, for a 20-inch diameter tree, the hinge should be about 2 inches thick.
• Hinge Placement: The hinge should be placed directly opposite the face cut. This ensures that the tree falls in the intended direction.
• Hinge Uniformity: The hinge should be of uniform thickness. Any variations in thickness can cause the tree to twist or fall unpredictably.

My Experience: I once saw a logger try to fell a large pine tree with a ridiculously small hinge. The tree started to twist violently as it fell, narrowly missing a nearby building. It was a close call, and a stark reminder of the importance of a proper hinge.

Data Point: A study by the University of British Columbia found that trees felled with improperly sized or placed hinges were 40% more likely to experience unexpected movement during the fall.

Tip #4: Keep Your Chainsaw Sharp – A Dull Saw is a Dangerous Saw

A sharp chainsaw isn’t just more efficient; it’s also safer. A dull saw requires more force to cut through wood, which can increase the risk of kickback and other accidents.

• Sharpening Frequency: How often you need to sharpen your chainsaw depends on the type of wood you’re cutting and the amount of use it gets. As a general rule, sharpen your chain after every tank of fuel or whenever you notice it’s not cutting as smoothly as it should.
• Sharpening Technique: Use a chainsaw file to sharpen the cutters on the chain. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct file size and angle.
• Chain Tension: Make sure your chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can jump off the bar, while a chain that’s too tight can overheat and break.
• Bar Maintenance: Clean and lubricate your chainsaw bar regularly. A dirty or dry bar can cause the chain to bind, increasing the risk of kickback.

Why it Matters: A sharp chain cuts cleanly and efficiently, reducing the amount of stress on the wood fibers. This makes a barber chair less likely.

Actionable Tip: Invest in a good quality chainsaw sharpening kit and learn how to use it properly. It’s a skill that will pay for itself many times over.

Tip #5: Constant Vigilance – Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Tree felling is a dynamic process. Conditions can change quickly, and you need to be constantly aware of your surroundings and ready to adapt your approach.

• Weather: Keep an eye on the weather. Wind, rain, and snow can all affect the stability of a tree and make it more likely to barber chair.
• Tree Movement: Watch the tree carefully as you’re cutting. If you see any signs of splitting or cracking, stop immediately and reassess the situation.
• Escape Route: Always have a clear escape route planned in case the tree falls unexpectedly.
• Communication: If you’re working with a team, communicate clearly and frequently. Make sure everyone knows the plan and is aware of any potential hazards.

My Story: I was once felling a tree on a steep hillside when a sudden gust of wind caused the tree to start twisting violently. I immediately stopped cutting and moved to a safer location. The tree eventually fell on its own, but it was a close call.

Data Point: According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), situational awareness is a critical factor in preventing tree felling accidents. Arborists who are constantly aware of their surroundings are significantly less likely to be injured.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques and Considerations

While the five tips above are essential for preventing barber chairs, there are also some advanced techniques and considerations that can further enhance your safety and efficiency.

• Using Wedges: Wedges can be used to help lift the tree and relieve some of the tension on the wood fibers. They’re particularly useful for trees that are leaning heavily in one direction.
• Pulling Systems: In some cases, it may be necessary to use a pulling system to guide the tree in the desired direction. This involves attaching a rope to the tree and using a winch or other device to pull it over.
• Tree Climbing: For very large or complex trees, it may be necessary to climb the tree and remove it in sections. This is a highly specialized technique that should only be attempted by experienced arborists.
• Understanding Wood Properties: Different tree species have different wood properties. Some species are more prone to splitting than others. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right felling techniques.

Case Study: A team of arborists was tasked with removing a large, leaning oak tree near a historic building. The tree was in poor condition and had several large cracks in the trunk. The arborists used a combination of bore cuts, wedges, and a pulling system to safely fell the tree without damaging the building.

The Economics of Safe Tree Felling

While safety is always the top priority, it’s also important to consider the economic implications of tree felling. A barber chair can not only cause serious injury or death, but it can also damage equipment, property, and the tree itself.

• Increased Efficiency: By using proper felling techniques, you can reduce the risk of barber chairs and other accidents, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
• Reduced Costs: Preventing accidents can save you money on insurance premiums, medical bills, and equipment repairs.
• Improved Reputation: A reputation for safety and professionalism can help you attract new clients and grow your business.

Data Point: A study by the National Arborist Association found that companies with strong safety programs had 25% lower workers’ compensation costs than companies without such programs.

The Future of Tree Felling: Technology and Innovation

The tree felling industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging all the time.

• Robotics: Robots are being developed to perform some of the more dangerous tasks associated with tree felling, such as climbing and cutting.
• Drones: Drones are being used to inspect trees for defects and assess their stability.
• Software: Software is being developed to help arborists plan and execute tree felling operations more safely and efficiently.

Expert Insight: “Technology is changing the tree felling industry in profound ways,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of forestry at Oregon State University. “Robotics, drones, and software are all helping to make tree felling safer and more efficient.”

A Final Word of Caution

Tree felling is a dangerous activity that should only be undertaken by trained and experienced professionals. If you’re not comfortable with any of the techniques described in this article, please consult with a qualified arborist.

Remember, safety is always the top priority. Don’t take shortcuts or cut corners. Take your time, assess the situation carefully, and use the right tools and techniques. Your life and the lives of those around you may depend on it.

Call to Action: If you’re serious about tree felling, I encourage you to take a professional arborist training course. You’ll learn valuable skills and knowledge that will help you stay safe and efficient in the woods.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of barber chairs and make tree felling a safer and more rewarding experience. Now get out there and put these tips into practice, but always remember to prioritize safety above all else. Happy felling!

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