Barber Chair Tree Hazards (5 Key Arborist Insights)

I’ve seen it happen too many times. A seemingly straightforward tree felling turns into a dangerous situation because of one crucial oversight: neglecting to properly assess and address the potential for a barber chair. This is a mistake that can cost you dearly – in terms of equipment damage, wasted time, and, most importantly, personal safety. That’s why I’m dedicating this guide to helping you understand and avoid this potentially fatal hazard.

Barber Chair Tree Hazards: 5 Key Arborist Insights

The barber chair effect, or simply “barber chairing,” is a dangerous splitting of the tree trunk during felling. Instead of a clean hinge forming as the tree falls, the trunk splits vertically upwards, often towards the feller. This can cause the tree to kick back violently or fall in an unpredictable direction, posing serious risks. In my years of experience in forestry and firewood preparation, I’ve learned that preventing barber chairing is paramount to safe and efficient tree felling. This guide will provide you with five key arborist insights to help you identify, understand, and mitigate this hazard.

1. Understanding the Root Causes of Barber Chairing

Before diving into prevention techniques, it’s crucial to understand what causes barber chairing in the first place. Several factors contribute to this dangerous phenomenon:

Tension Wood: This is perhaps the most significant contributor. Tension wood is a type of reaction wood that forms in leaning trees or trees subjected to constant wind pressure. It’s characterized by its higher cellulose content and lower lignin content, making it extremely strong in tension but weaker in compression. Imagine pulling on a rope – that’s tension. Tension wood is typically found on the upper side of a leaning tree. When you cut into tension wood, it tends to spring back, causing the trunk to split upwards.
Compression Wood: Similar to tension wood, compression wood is another type of reaction wood, but it forms on the underside of leaning trees or branches. It’s denser and harder than normal wood, but also more brittle. While not a direct cause of barber chairing, compression wood can exacerbate the problem by creating uneven stress distribution within the trunk.
Internal Defects: Cracks, rot, and other internal defects weaken the tree’s structure and make it more susceptible to splitting. These defects can be difficult to detect from the outside, making a thorough visual inspection essential.
Improper Felling Techniques: Using incorrect cutting techniques, such as a shallow face cut or an inadequate back cut, can lead to uneven stress distribution and increase the risk of barber chairing.
Tree Species: Certain tree species are more prone to barber chairing than others. For example, trees with brittle wood or a tendency to develop tension wood, such as poplar, aspen, and some soft maples, are more likely to barber chair.

My Experience: I once encountered a large leaning poplar tree that was heavily laden with tension wood. Despite my best efforts to use proper felling techniques, the tree still started to barber chair. Fortunately, I had anticipated the risk and had a clear escape route. This experience reinforced the importance of recognizing the signs of tension wood and taking extra precautions when felling trees that are prone to barber chairing.

2. Identifying High-Risk Trees: Spotting the Warning Signs

The first step in preventing barber chairing is to identify trees that are at high risk. This involves a careful visual inspection of the tree, looking for the following warning signs:

Lean: A significant lean is a strong indicator of tension wood. Pay close attention to the upper side of the lean, as this is where tension wood is most likely to be present.
Asymmetrical Crown: An uneven or lopsided crown can also indicate the presence of tension wood. The side of the crown that is more heavily developed is likely to be the side with tension wood.
Swelling or Ridges on the Trunk: These can be signs of internal defects or reaction wood. Look for any unusual bumps or bulges on the trunk, especially near the base.
Cracks or Splits: Visible cracks or splits in the trunk are a clear indication of structural weakness and increase the risk of barber chairing.
Dead or Broken Branches: A large number of dead or broken branches can indicate that the tree is stressed or weakened, making it more susceptible to splitting.
Fungal Growth: The presence of fungal growth on the trunk or branches can indicate internal rot, which weakens the tree’s structure.

Case Study: I was once tasked with felling a large oak tree that appeared healthy at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed a slight swelling at the base of the trunk and a few small cracks near a large branch. Suspecting internal rot, I used a sounding hammer to test the trunk’s integrity. The dull thud I heard confirmed my suspicions. We decided to use a crane to fell the tree in sections, minimizing the risk of barber chairing and ensuring the safety of the crew.

3. Mastering Felling Techniques to Minimize Risk

Once you’ve identified a high-risk tree, it’s crucial to use appropriate felling techniques to minimize the risk of barber chairing. Here are some techniques I use that can help:

The Bore Cut: This technique involves boring into the tree trunk from the back side, leaving a hinge of wood that controls the direction of the fall. The bore cut helps to relieve tension in the wood and prevent the trunk from splitting upwards. To perform a bore cut, first make your face cut (the notch). Then, carefully plunge the tip of your chainsaw bar into the tree trunk from the back side, just above the level of the face cut. Be extremely cautious to avoid kickback. Once you’ve plunged the bar deep enough, pivot the saw to create a bore cut that extends almost to the sides of the tree. Leave a hinge of wood in the back. Finally, make your back cut to release the tree.
The Dutchmen Cut: This is a variation of the bore cut that involves making a series of small, overlapping bore cuts to gradually weaken the wood and control the direction of the fall. The Dutchmen cut is particularly useful for trees with significant lean or tension wood.
Pre-Splitting: In some cases, it may be necessary to pre-split the trunk before felling. This involves using a wedge or a splitting maul to create a controlled split in the trunk, relieving tension and preventing uncontrolled barber chairing.
Using Wedges: Wedges are essential tools for controlling the direction of the fall and preventing the trunk from settling back on the chainsaw bar. They can also be used to help lift the tree and relieve tension in the wood. I prefer using a combination of plastic and steel wedges, depending on the size and weight of the tree. Plastic wedges are lighter and easier to carry, while steel wedges provide more lifting power.
The Importance of the Hinge: The hinge is the most critical element in controlling the direction of the fall. A properly sized and shaped hinge will help to guide the tree safely to the ground. The hinge should be approximately 80% of the diameter of the tree. The width of the hinge is determined by the species, size, and lean of the tree.

Tool Specifications:

Chainsaw: I typically use a professional-grade chainsaw with a bar length of 20-24 inches for felling larger trees. My preferred brands are Stihl and Husqvarna.
Wedges: I carry a variety of wedges, including plastic wedges (5-inch and 8-inch) and steel wedges (2.5 lb and 4 lb).
Splitting Maul: A heavy-duty splitting maul (8 lb) is essential for pre-splitting trunks.
Sounding Hammer: A small sounding hammer is useful for detecting internal rot.

Strategic Advantage: Mastering these felling techniques not only reduces the risk of barber chairing but also increases your efficiency and control over the felling process. By using the right techniques and tools, you can fell trees safely and predictably, minimizing the risk of accidents and damage.

4. Utilizing Specialized Tools and Equipment for High-Risk Trees

For extremely high-risk trees, such as those with significant lean, severe internal defects, or heavy tension wood, specialized tools and equipment may be necessary. These tools can provide additional control and safety during the felling process:

Tree Felling Winch: A tree felling winch is a powerful tool that can be used to pull the tree in the desired direction. This is particularly useful for trees with a strong lean or those located near obstacles.
Crane: In some cases, the safest option is to use a crane to fell the tree in sections. This is especially true for trees with severe internal defects or those located in confined spaces.
Rope and Pulley Systems: Rope and pulley systems can be used to control the fall of the tree and prevent it from kicking back or falling in an unpredictable direction.
Timberjack: A timberjack, or log jack, is a useful tool for lifting and moving logs. It can also be used to help prevent the trunk from settling back on the chainsaw bar during felling.

Cost Considerations: Investing in specialized tools and equipment can be expensive, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you regularly fell high-risk trees. A tree felling winch can cost several thousand dollars, while a crane rental can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per day. However, the cost of an accident or injury can be far greater, making the investment in safety equipment a wise decision.

My Experience: I once used a tree felling winch to fell a large leaning pine tree that was located near a power line. The tree was heavily laden with tension wood, and there was a high risk of it barber chairing and falling onto the power line. By using the winch to pull the tree in the opposite direction of the lean, we were able to fell it safely and avoid any damage to the power line.

5. Prioritizing Safety: Essential Practices and Gear

Safety should always be your top priority when felling trees, especially when dealing with high-risk trees. Here are some essential safety practices and gear to follow:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including a hard hat, eye protection (safety glasses or face shield), hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs), chainsaw chaps, and steel-toed boots.
Clear Communication: Establish clear communication signals with your team members before starting the felling process. Use hand signals or radios to communicate effectively in noisy environments.
Escape Routes: Always plan your escape routes before making any cuts. Identify at least two clear escape routes that are free of obstacles.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from the tree while it is being felled. The safe distance should be at least twice the height of the tree.
Never Work Alone: Always work with a partner or team member. This ensures that someone is there to assist you in case of an accident.
First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand and know how to use it.
Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency plan in case of an accident. This plan should include contact information for emergency services and a clear procedure for evacuating injured personnel.
Regular Chainsaw Maintenance: A dull or poorly maintained chainsaw is a safety hazard. Keep your chainsaw clean, sharp, and properly lubricated. Check the chain tension regularly and replace worn or damaged parts.
Training and Certification: Consider taking a chainsaw safety course or obtaining certification from a recognized organization. This will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to fell trees safely and efficiently.

Data and Statistics: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), logging is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The most common causes of logging fatalities are being struck by falling trees, equipment accidents, and falls. By following these safety practices and using appropriate PPE, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury or death.

My Story: I once witnessed a near-fatal accident when a fellow logger was struck by a falling branch while felling a tree. He was not wearing a hard hat, and the branch caused a severe head injury. Fortunately, he survived, but the accident served as a stark reminder of the importance of wearing proper PPE and following safety procedures.

Next Steps:

Practice Identifying High-Risk Trees: Spend time in the woods observing trees and identifying the warning signs of potential barber chairing.
Master Felling Techniques: Practice the bore cut, Dutchmen cut, and other felling techniques in a safe and controlled environment.
Invest in Safety Gear: Ensure you have all the necessary PPE and that it is in good condition.
Seek Training: Consider taking a chainsaw safety course or obtaining certification from a recognized organization.
Develop a Safety Plan: Create a written safety plan that outlines your procedures for felling trees safely.

By following these five key arborist insights, you can significantly reduce the risk of barber chairing and make tree felling a safer and more efficient process. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Take the time to assess the risks, plan your cuts carefully, and use the right tools and equipment. Your life and the lives of those around you may depend on it. And always remember, when in doubt, consult with a qualified arborist.

Barber Chair Tree Hazards (5 Key Arborist Insights)