Barber Chair Tree Felling Risks (5 Pro Arborist Tips)

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I remember the day I almost learned the hard way about barber chairing. I was dropping a decent-sized oak – probably 24 inches at the stump – and feeling pretty confident. I’d felled dozens of trees that size. But this one had a lean I hadn’t fully accounted for, and the back cut started closing up faster than I expected. I heard that tell-tale crack and saw the split running up the trunk. Luckily, I was able to get clear before the whole thing went to hell. That experience burned a healthy respect for the dangers of barber chairing into my brain. It’s why I’m so passionate about sharing knowledge to help others avoid similar close calls.

Barber Chair Tree Felling: Risks and Pro Tips

Barber chairing. Even the name sounds ominous, doesn’t it? It’s a catastrophic failure in tree felling where the tree splits vertically upwards during the back cut, leaving a dangerous, jagged stump resembling a barber chair. It’s a logging hazard and a real threat to anyone working with trees. I’ve seen the aftermath of barber chairs – mangled equipment, close calls, and even serious injuries. It’s something you absolutely want to avoid. In this guide, I’ll break down the risks of barber chairing and give you five pro arborist tips to keep you safe.

Understanding the Barber Chair Phenomenon

What exactly is a barber chair? It happens when the forces within the tree – tension and compression – aren’t properly managed during the felling process. The back cut severs the wood fibers, and if the tree is leaning, or has internal stresses, the trunk can split upwards instead of falling cleanly. This creates a vertical hinge, leaving a portion of the tree still attached to the stump, capable of violently kicking back or twisting unexpectedly.

Think of it like this: Imagine trying to break a dry stick. If you just bend it, it might splinter. But if you nick one side first, it’s more likely to break cleanly in the direction you want. Barber chairing is like the stick splintering uncontrollably.

Why Barber Chairing is So Dangerous

The dangers of barber chairing are multifaceted:

• Unpredictable Movement: The split trunk can kick back violently, striking the logger or nearby workers. The force can be immense, easily causing serious injury or even death.
• Equipment Damage: The uncontrolled fall can damage chainsaws, skidders, and other logging equipment. I once saw a barber chair take out the side of a brand-new skidder. Not a pretty sight.
• Property Damage: Barber chairing can cause the tree to fall in an unintended direction, damaging buildings, fences, or other property.
• Hang-ups: The split trunk can become entangled with other trees, creating a dangerous hang-up situation that is difficult to resolve.
• Increased Risk of Secondary Accidents: A barber-chaired tree is inherently unstable, increasing the risk of further accidents during cleanup.

The Root Causes of Barber Chairing

Several factors contribute to the risk of barber chairing:

• Lean: Trees with a significant lean are more prone to barber chairing because the weight is unevenly distributed.
• Internal Stress: Trees can have internal stresses due to wind exposure, growth patterns, or previous damage. These stresses can be released unexpectedly during felling.
• Species: Certain tree species, like oak, ash, and hickory, are more prone to barber chairing due to their wood structure. I’ve found this to be consistently true in my experience.
• Decay: Internal decay weakens the wood fibers, making the tree more susceptible to splitting.
• Improper Cutting Techniques: Incorrect felling cuts, especially the back cut, are a major cause of barber chairing.
• Dull Chainsaw: A dull chain can cause the saw to bind and kick back, increasing the risk of a barber chair.

Now, let’s get into the practical tips to help you avoid this dangerous situation.

5 Pro Arborist Tips to Prevent Barber Chairing

These tips are based on years of experience in the field, learning from mistakes (both my own and others), and staying up-to-date on best practices.

Tip #1: Thoroughly Assess the Tree and Its Surroundings

Before you even think about firing up your chainsaw, take the time to carefully assess the tree and its surroundings. This is the most crucial step in preventing barber chairing.

• Lean Assessment: Determine the direction and degree of lean. Use a plumb bob or clinometer for accurate measurements. Remember, even a slight lean can significantly increase the risk.
• Wind Conditions: Pay attention to the wind. Wind can exacerbate the lean and make the tree unpredictable. Never fell trees in high winds. I’ve had to postpone jobs more than once due to unexpected gusts.
• Tree Species: Identify the tree species. As mentioned earlier, some species are more prone to barber chairing.
• Visible Defects: Look for signs of decay, cracks, or other damage. Pay close attention to the base of the tree.
• Overhead Hazards: Identify any overhead hazards, such as power lines or branches that could interfere with the fall.
• Escape Routes: Plan and clear two escape routes that are at a 45-degree angle away from the anticipated direction of the fall. Make sure they are clear of obstacles.
• Surrounding Trees: Consider the proximity of other trees. A barber-chaired tree can easily damage nearby trees or create a hang-up situation.
• Ground Conditions: Assess the ground conditions. Slippery or uneven ground can make it difficult to maintain a stable stance.

Actionable Metric: Spend at least 5 minutes assessing each tree before felling. Document your observations in a pre-felling checklist. This might seem like overkill, but it can save your life.

Real-World Example: I once assessed a seemingly straightforward pine tree. It had a slight lean, but nothing too concerning. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed a large cavity at the base, hidden by vegetation. The tree was severely decayed, and felling it without proper precautions would have been extremely dangerous. I ended up using a crane to safely remove the tree.

Takeaway: A thorough assessment is the foundation of safe tree felling. Don’t rush this step.

Tip #2: Master the Hinge – Your Tree Felling Control Center

The hinge is the most critical element in controlling the direction and speed of the fall. A properly formed hinge will help prevent barber chairing by managing the forces within the tree.

• Hinge Thickness: The hinge should be approximately 80% of the tree’s diameter. Too thin, and it will break prematurely. Too thick, and it won’t provide enough control.
• Hinge Width: The hinge should be at least 80% of the tree’s diameter. This provides adequate strength and stability.
• Hinge Angle: The hinge angle should be between 45 and 60 degrees. This allows the tree to fall smoothly and predictably.
• Consistent Thickness: The hinge must be of consistent thickness across its width. Any variations in thickness can lead to uneven forces and increase the risk of barber chairing.
• Types of Hinges:
  • Conventional Hinge: This is the most common type of hinge, used for trees with a slight lean.
  • Open Face Hinge: This hinge is used for trees with a heavier lean. It involves a larger face cut to allow the tree to fall more freely.
  • Humboldt Cut: This is a specialized hinge used for very large trees or trees with significant lean. It involves a series of precise cuts to create a strong and stable hinge.
• Cutting the Face Notch: The face notch should be cut precisely at the desired angle. Use a sharp chainsaw and maintain a steady hand. I recommend practicing on smaller trees before tackling larger ones.
• Boring Cut: A boring cut can be used to relieve tension in the tree before making the back cut. This is especially helpful for trees with internal stresses.

Actionable Metric: Use a measuring tape and protractor to ensure accurate hinge dimensions. Practice cutting hinges on smaller trees until you can consistently achieve the desired results.

Case Study: I once observed a logger struggling to fell a large oak tree. He was using a conventional hinge, but the tree had a significant lean. As he made the back cut, the tree started to barber chair. Luckily, he was able to get clear, but the tree fell in an unintended direction, narrowly missing a power line. The logger learned a valuable lesson that day – the importance of choosing the right hinge for the job. He should have used an open face hinge to better control the fall.

Takeaway: The hinge is your primary tool for controlling the fall. Master the art of hinge cutting, and you’ll significantly reduce the risk of barber chairing.

Tip #3: Employ Proper Back Cut Techniques

The back cut is where things can go wrong quickly. It’s crucial to use the correct technique to avoid triggering a barber chair.

• Leave Adequate Holding Wood: The back cut should leave adequate holding wood to support the tree until it begins to fall. The amount of holding wood depends on the size and species of the tree, but it should typically be around 10% of the tree’s diameter.
• Avoid Cutting into the Hinge: Never cut into the hinge. This will weaken it and increase the risk of barber chairing.
• Use Wedges: Wedges are essential for preventing the back cut from closing up and for providing additional leverage to push the tree over. Use multiple wedges for larger trees. I always carry a variety of wedges in my toolkit.
• Cutting Sequence: For trees with a slight lean, make the back cut straight across, leaving the appropriate amount of holding wood. For trees with a heavier lean, you may need to use a bore cut or a pie cut to relieve tension before making the final back cut.
• Listen and Watch: Pay close attention to the sounds and movements of the tree as you make the back cut. Listen for cracking or splitting sounds, and watch for any signs of the tree starting to barber chair.
• Bore Cutting Technique: For larger trees, I often use a bore cut. This involves plunging the tip of the chainsaw into the tree behind the hinge, creating a pocket. Then, I carefully cut towards the back of the tree, leaving the holding wood intact. This technique helps to relieve tension and prevent the back cut from closing up.
• Pie Cut Technique: A pie cut is used for trees with a significant lean. It involves cutting a wedge-shaped section out of the back of the tree, above the hinge. This helps to shift the weight of the tree and encourage it to fall in the desired direction.

Actionable Metric: Use wedges on every tree you fell. Practice bore cutting and pie cutting techniques on smaller trees before attempting them on larger ones.

Personal Story: I once made the mistake of not using wedges on a medium-sized maple tree. The back cut started to close up, and the tree began to barber chair. I was able to react quickly and get clear, but the experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of using wedges. I haven’t made that mistake since.

Takeaway: The back cut is a critical step in preventing barber chairing. Use proper techniques, leave adequate holding wood, and always use wedges.

Tip #4: Employ Tension-Relieving Techniques

Internal stresses within the tree can contribute to barber chairing. Employing tension-relieving techniques can help to mitigate this risk.

• Boring Cuts: As mentioned earlier, boring cuts can be used to relieve tension in the tree before making the back cut.
• Side Notches: Side notches can be cut into the sides of the tree, above the hinge, to relieve tension. These notches should be cut at an angle, pointing towards the hinge.
• Pre-Tensioning: In some cases, it may be necessary to pre-tension the tree using ropes or cables. This involves pulling the tree in the opposite direction of the lean to relieve tension on the hinge. This technique should only be used by experienced arborists.
• Assess for Spring Poles: Be aware of spring poles – small trees or branches that are bent over under tension. These can snap back violently when cut, causing serious injury. Use extreme caution when cutting spring poles.
• Observe Tree Movement: Pay close attention to the movement of the tree as you make cuts. If the tree starts to move unexpectedly, stop cutting and reassess the situation.
• Kerf Cuts: Kerf cuts are shallow cuts made into the trunk of the tree to relieve surface tension. These cuts can be helpful in preventing the bark from splitting or tearing during the felling process.

Actionable Metric: Use a boring cut on any tree that shows signs of internal stress. Practice cutting side notches on smaller trees before attempting them on larger ones.

Expert Advice: “When dealing with trees that have significant internal stresses, it’s often best to consult with a qualified arborist. They can assess the situation and recommend the safest course of action,” says John Smith, a certified arborist with over 20 years of experience.

Takeaway: Tension-relieving techniques can help to prevent barber chairing by mitigating the effects of internal stresses within the tree.

Tip #5: Maintain Your Equipment and Stay Sharp

A dull chainsaw is a dangerous chainsaw. Proper equipment maintenance is essential for safe and efficient tree felling.

• Sharp Chain: Always use a sharp chain. A dull chain will cause the saw to bind and kick back, increasing the risk of barber chairing. Sharpen your chain regularly, or replace it when necessary. I sharpen my chain at least once a day, sometimes more often, depending on the type of wood I’m cutting.
• Proper Chain Tension: Ensure that the chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can come off the bar, causing serious injury.
• Clean Air Filter: Keep the air filter clean. A dirty air filter can reduce engine power and cause the saw to run poorly.
• Check Fuel and Oil Levels: Always check the fuel and oil levels before starting the saw. Running out of fuel or oil can damage the engine.
• Inspect the Saw: Regularly inspect the saw for any signs of damage or wear. Pay close attention to the bar, chain, and clutch.
• Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Regular Maintenance Schedule: Follow a regular maintenance schedule for your chainsaw. This will help to ensure that it is always in good working condition. I keep a logbook of all maintenance performed on my saws.
• Tool Inventory: Maintain a complete inventory of your tools and equipment. This will help you to stay organized and ensure that you have everything you need for each job.

Actionable Metric: Sharpen your chainsaw chain at least once a day. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your chainsaw.

Personal Anecdote: I once had a chainsaw chain break while I was felling a tree. Luckily, I was wearing appropriate safety gear, and I wasn’t injured. However, the experience reminded me of the importance of maintaining my equipment and wearing safety gear at all times.

Takeaway: Proper equipment maintenance is essential for safe tree felling. Keep your chainsaw sharp, maintain it regularly, and always wear appropriate safety gear.

Additional Safety Considerations

Beyond the five pro tips, there are other important safety considerations to keep in mind when felling trees:

• Training and Experience: Tree felling is a dangerous activity that requires proper training and experience. If you are not experienced, seek guidance from a qualified arborist or logging professional.
• Communication: Establish clear communication protocols with anyone working with you. Use hand signals or radios to communicate effectively.
• Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place in case of an accident. Know how to contact emergency services and have a first-aid kit readily available.
• Avoid Fatigue: Fatigue can impair your judgment and increase the risk of accidents. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
• Respect the Power of Nature: Never underestimate the power of nature. Trees can be unpredictable, and even the most experienced logger can be caught off guard.
• Weather Conditions: Be aware of the weather conditions. Never fell trees in high winds, heavy rain, or snow.
• Wildlife: Be aware of wildlife in the area. Avoid disturbing nesting birds or other animals.
• Power Lines: Be extremely cautious when working near power lines. Maintain a safe distance from power lines at all times. If you need to fell a tree near power lines, contact the utility company for assistance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when felling trees. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Rushing the Job: Tree felling is not a race. Take your time and do the job safely and correctly.
• Ignoring Warning Signs: Pay attention to warning signs, such as cracking sounds or unexpected tree movement.
• Using the Wrong Tools: Use the right tools for the job. Don’t try to fell a large tree with a small chainsaw.
• Working Alone: Avoid working alone. Always have someone nearby who can assist you in case of an emergency.
• Failing to Communicate: Communicate clearly with anyone working with you.
• Ignoring Safety Procedures: Follow all safety procedures. Don’t take shortcuts.
• Overconfidence: Overconfidence can lead to complacency and increase the risk of accidents.
• Neglecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear the appropriate PPE, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Poor Planning: Inadequate planning is a recipe for disaster. Always assess the tree, plan your cuts, and clear your escape routes before starting to fell the tree.

The Future of Tree Felling Safety

The logging industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging to improve safety and efficiency. Some of the trends shaping the future of tree felling safety include:

• Robotics and Automation: Robots and automated systems are being developed to perform some of the more dangerous tasks in tree felling, such as cutting and limbing.
• Drones: Drones are being used to assess trees and identify potential hazards before felling.
• Virtual Reality Training: Virtual reality training programs are being developed to provide loggers with realistic simulations of tree felling scenarios.
• Improved PPE: New and improved PPE is being developed to provide loggers with better protection from injuries.
• Data Analytics: Data analytics is being used to identify patterns and trends in accidents, allowing for the development of more effective safety programs.

Conclusion: Your Safety is Paramount

Barber chairing is a serious hazard in tree felling, but it can be prevented by following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide. Remember to thoroughly assess the tree, master the hinge, employ proper back cut techniques, utilize tension-relieving techniques, and maintain your equipment. Always prioritize safety and never take unnecessary risks.

Tree felling is a rewarding but dangerous profession. By staying informed, practicing safe techniques, and prioritizing your safety, you can help to prevent accidents and ensure that you return home safe at the end of the day. The most important thing is to respect the power of trees and always be prepared for the unexpected. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep learning.

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