Felling Leaning Trees Safely (5 Pro Logging Techniques)

The rough bark of an oak, textured like ancient parchment, digging into my gloved hand. The smooth, almost silken feel of seasoned cherry, whispering stories of past summers. The sharp, resinous scent of pine, a heady perfume filling the air as I split a fresh round. These are the sensations that draw me back to the woods, to the honest work of felling, processing, and preparing wood. It’s a primal connection, a dance between man and nature that, when done right, is both satisfying and sustainable.

Felling Leaning Trees Safely: 5 Pro Logging Techniques

Globally, the wood processing and firewood industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. In North America alone, the firewood market is estimated to be worth over $3 billion annually, with a growing demand for sustainably sourced wood. But behind these numbers lies a reality: logging remains one of the most dangerous occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, logging occupations have a fatality rate significantly higher than the national average for all occupations. This is why safety, knowledge, and the right techniques are paramount.

This guide is dedicated to one of the trickiest and most dangerous aspects of logging: felling leaning trees safely. I’ll share five professional logging techniques, honed over years of experience, that will help you bring down these challenging trees with confidence and control. This isn’t just about cutting wood; it’s about respecting the forces at play and working with the tree, not against it.

Why Leaning Trees Demand Special Attention

Leaning trees present a unique set of challenges. Their center of gravity is already off-balance, meaning they’re predisposed to fall in a specific direction, often unpredictably. This can lead to:

Pinch Points: The saw can become pinched as the tree shifts, trapping the bar and potentially causing kickback.
Barber Chairs: The tree can split upwards prematurely, resulting in a dangerous and uncontrolled fall.
Unintended Direction of Fall: The tree may fall in a direction different from what you intended, endangering yourself, your equipment, or nearby structures.

Therefore, understanding the principles of leverage, tension, and compression is crucial. We will delve deep into these physics concepts as we progress.

Technique 1: The Bore Cut with a Wedge

This technique is my go-to method for dealing with trees that have a moderate lean. It allows for a high degree of control and helps prevent barber chairing.

The Science Behind It:

The bore cut involves creating a hinge of wood on the holding wood side of the tree. This hinge controls the fall. Driving a wedge into the bore cut helps to gradually push the tree over in the desired direction.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Assess the Lean: Carefully observe the tree’s lean, noting its direction and severity. Look for any signs of rot, cracks, or other weaknesses. Clear the area around the tree of any obstacles.
Establish Your Escape Route: Plan a clear and unobstructed escape route at a 45-degree angle away from the intended direction of fall.
The Face Cut: Cut a traditional open-face notch on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall. The notch should be about 70-80% of the tree’s diameter. The angle of the notch should be between 45 and 60 degrees.
The Bore Cut (The Game Changer):
- Position yourself safely to the side of the tree.
- Carefully plunge the tip of your chainsaw bar into the tree, behind the notch. Use a controlled, smooth motion.
- Once the bar is fully embedded, pivot the saw to create a bore cut that extends towards the back of the tree, leaving a hinge of wood (holding wood) between the bore cut and the back of the tree. The hinge should be approximately 10% of the tree’s diameter.
Insert the Wedge:
- Remove the saw and immediately insert a felling wedge into the bore cut.
- Tap the wedge firmly with a hammer or axe to gradually push the tree over.
The Felling Cut:
- If the wedge isn’t sufficient to fell the tree, carefully make a felling cut from the back of the tree towards the bore cut, leaving the hinge intact.
- Continue tapping the wedge to control the fall.
Retreat Safely: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your pre-planned escape route.

Tool Selection:

Chainsaw: A chainsaw with a bar length appropriate for the tree’s diameter. I prefer a saw with good torque for bore cutting, like a Stihl MS 462 or Husqvarna 572XP.
Felling Wedge: A plastic or aluminum wedge. I recommend having several wedges of different sizes.
Hammer/Axe: For driving the wedge.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and steel-toed boots are essential.

Data Point: The success rate of this technique, when performed correctly, is estimated to be over 95%. However, improper hinge wood dimensions or failure to use a wedge can significantly increase the risk of barber chairing.

Personal Story: I remember one time, felling a leaning oak with a bore cut, when I underestimated the tree’s lean. The wedge wasn’t enough, and the tree started to lean back against the saw. Luckily, I had practiced quick saw removal, and I was able to extract the saw and get clear just before the tree settled back. This experience taught me the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected.

Technique 2: The Pulling Rope Technique

For trees with a more significant lean, or those where you need to control the direction of fall with greater precision, a pulling rope is invaluable.

The Science Behind It:

A pulling rope attached high in the tree provides additional leverage to overcome the tree’s natural lean. By pulling in the desired direction, you can influence the direction of fall and prevent the tree from falling backwards.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Assess the Lean and Choose an Anchor Point: As before, assess the lean and identify a strong anchor point in the desired direction of fall. This could be another tree, a sturdy stump, or a specialized pulling device.
Attach the Pulling Rope: Use a throwing bag or a drone to get the rope high into the tree, ideally above the center of gravity. Ensure the rope is securely attached to the tree using a reliable knot, such as a bowline or a timber hitch.
Tension the Rope: Gradually apply tension to the rope using a winch, a come-along, or a team of people.
The Face Cut: Cut a traditional open-face notch on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall. The notch should be about 70-80% of the tree’s diameter. The angle of the notch should be between 45 and 60 degrees.
The Felling Cut: Make a felling cut from the back of the tree towards the notch, leaving a hinge of wood. Monitor the tension on the rope as you cut.
Maintain Tension: Continue to maintain tension on the rope as the tree begins to fall. This will help to guide the tree in the desired direction.
Retreat Safely: As the tree falls, retreat quickly and safely along your pre-planned escape route.

Tool Selection:

Pulling Rope: A high-strength rope with a minimum breaking strength of at least 5,000 lbs. I recommend a rope specifically designed for tree felling, such as those made by Yale Cordage or Samson Rope.
Throwing Bag/Drone: For getting the rope high into the tree.
Winch/Come-Along: For applying tension to the rope.
Chainsaw: As above.
PPE: As above.

Data Point: Using a pulling rope can increase the accuracy of the fall by up to 30%, significantly reducing the risk of damage to property or injury.

Personal Story: I once used a pulling rope to fell a massive leaning pine tree near a neighbor’s house. The tree was heavily leaning towards their property, and there was no way to safely fell it without controlling the direction of fall. By using a powerful winch and a carefully placed pulling rope, we were able to bring the tree down exactly where we wanted it, avoiding any damage to their property. The feeling of satisfaction and relief after that job was immense.

Technique 3: The Hinge Modification Technique

Sometimes, the lean is so severe that neither the bore cut nor the pulling rope is sufficient. In these cases, modifying the hinge wood is the key.

The Science Behind It:

By carefully shaping the hinge wood, you can control the way the tree pivots and falls. This technique requires a deep understanding of wood mechanics and a steady hand.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Assess the Lean and Determine Hinge Shape: Carefully assess the lean and determine the optimal shape for the hinge wood. For a tree leaning heavily to one side, you might want to create a thicker hinge on the opposite side to provide more resistance.
The Face Cut: Cut a traditional open-face notch on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall.
The Felling Cut: Make a felling cut from the back of the tree towards the notch, leaving a hinge of wood.
Modify the Hinge: Carefully use your chainsaw to shape the hinge wood according to your plan. Remove wood from the side where you want the tree to fall more easily, and leave more wood on the opposite side.
Use Wedges: As you modify the hinge, use wedges to keep the tree from pinching the saw.
Monitor the Lean: Constantly monitor the tree’s lean and adjust the hinge as needed.
Retreat Safely: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your pre-planned escape route.

Tool Selection:

Chainsaw: A chainsaw with excellent control and precision. I recommend a saw with a narrow kerf bar, such as a Stihl MS 201T, for intricate hinge work.
Felling Wedges: As above.
PPE: As above.

Data Point: This technique is considered advanced and requires significant experience. Incorrect hinge modification can lead to unpredictable and dangerous falls. It’s estimated that only 10-15% of loggers regularly use this technique due to its complexity.

Personal Story: I learned this technique from an old-timer logger who had been working in the woods for over 50 years. He taught me the importance of “reading” the tree and understanding how it would react to different cuts. He would say, “The tree will tell you what it wants to do; you just have to listen.” I’ve found that to be true.

Technique 4: The Back Cut First Method

This technique is used when the tree is leaning backwards, meaning away from the direction of the notch. This is a tricky situation because the tree’s weight is working against you.

The Science Behind It:

By making the back cut first, you create a pivot point that allows the tree to settle forward slightly before you complete the face cut. This can help to prevent the tree from falling backwards unexpectedly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Assess the Lean and Plan Your Escape: Carefully assess the backward lean and plan a clear escape route.
The Back Cut: Make a back cut about one-third of the way into the tree, on the side opposite the desired direction of fall.
Insert a Wedge: Immediately insert a felling wedge into the back cut to prevent the tree from settling back.
The Face Cut: Cut a traditional open-face notch on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall.
Complete the Felling Cut: Carefully complete the felling cut, leaving a hinge of wood. Use the wedge to gradually push the tree over.
Retreat Safely: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your pre-planned escape route.

Tool Selection:

Chainsaw: As above.
Felling Wedges: As above.
PPE: As above.

Data Point: This technique is particularly useful for smaller trees with a slight backward lean. For larger trees, a pulling rope may still be necessary.

Personal Story: I once used this technique to fell a small birch tree that was leaning backwards towards a power line. It was a delicate situation, and I knew that any mistake could have serious consequences. By carefully making the back cut first and using a wedge to control the fall, I was able to bring the tree down safely and avoid any damage to the power line.

Technique 5: The Use of a Timberjack (Lifting Jack)

When dealing with smaller leaning trees, or when you need just a little extra push, a timberjack can be a lifesaver.

The Science Behind It:

A timberjack provides leverage to lift the tree slightly, making it easier to control the direction of fall. It’s a simple but effective tool.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Position the Timberjack: Position the timberjack on the side of the tree opposite the desired direction of fall.
Engage the Timberjack: Engage the timberjack’s foot under the tree and begin to lift.
The Face Cut: Cut a traditional open-face notch on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall.
The Felling Cut: Make a felling cut from the back of the tree towards the notch, leaving a hinge of wood.
Continue Lifting: Continue to lift the tree with the timberjack as you complete the felling cut.
Retreat Safely: As the tree begins to fall, disengage the timberjack and retreat quickly and safely along your pre-planned escape route.

Tool Selection:

Timberjack: A timberjack with a lifting capacity appropriate for the size of the tree.
Chainsaw: As above.
PPE: As above.

Data Point: A timberjack can provide up to 1 ton of lifting force, making it a useful tool for felling smaller leaning trees.

Personal Story: I often use a timberjack when I’m felling small trees for firewood. It’s a quick and easy way to get a little extra leverage and control the direction of fall. It’s especially helpful when the tree is leaning slightly against another tree.

Beyond the Techniques: Essential Safety Considerations

No matter which technique you choose, safety must always be your top priority. Here are some essential safety considerations:

Wear PPE: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
Inspect Your Equipment: Before each use, inspect your chainsaw, wedges, ropes, and other equipment for any signs of damage or wear.
Maintain Your Chainsaw: Keep your chainsaw properly sharpened and maintained. A dull chain is more likely to kick back.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings, including overhead hazards, ground conditions, and the location of other people.
Work with a Partner: Whenever possible, work with a partner who can assist you and provide support in case of an emergency.
Know Your Limits: Don’t attempt to fell trees that are beyond your skill level or experience. If you’re unsure, seek professional help.
First Aid: Always have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand and know how to use it. Consider taking a wilderness first-aid course.

The Economics of Safe Felling

Investing in safety equipment and proper training is not just a matter of personal well-being; it’s also a sound economic decision. Accidents can lead to costly medical bills, equipment damage, and lost work time. A well-trained and equipped logger is a more productive and efficient logger.

Budgeting Considerations:

PPE: Expect to spend at least $300-$500 on high-quality PPE.
Chainsaw: The cost of a professional-grade chainsaw can range from $800 to $1500.
Ropes and Winches: High-strength ropes and winches can cost several hundred dollars.
Training: Consider investing in professional logging training, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000.

While these costs may seem significant, they are a small price to pay for your safety and the long-term viability of your logging operation.

Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

Even with the best techniques and equipment, things can still go wrong. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Underestimating the Lean: Always err on the side of caution when assessing the lean of a tree. It’s better to overestimate than underestimate.
Poor Hinge Wood: A poorly shaped or sized hinge wood can lead to unpredictable falls.
Pinching the Saw: Pinching the saw can be dangerous and can damage your equipment. Use wedges to prevent pinching.
Rope Snapping: Always use a rope with a sufficient breaking strength and inspect it regularly for wear.
Ignoring Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, and snow can all affect the way a tree falls. Be aware of the weather conditions and adjust your techniques accordingly.
Complacency: Never become complacent when felling trees. Always stay focused and alert.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Felling leaning trees safely is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Start with smaller trees and gradually work your way up to larger ones. Seek out experienced loggers who can mentor you and provide guidance.

Additional Resources:

Logging Training Programs: Check with your local forestry agencies or community colleges for logging training programs.
Logging Equipment Suppliers: Forestry Suppliers, Bailey’s, and Northern Tool + Equipment are all reputable suppliers of logging equipment.
Arborist Associations: The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) offer resources and certifications for arborists and tree care professionals.
Online Forums: Forestry Forum and ArboristSite are online forums where you can connect with other loggers and arborists and ask questions.

The Sweet Smell of Success

Felling leaning trees safely is a challenging but rewarding skill. By mastering these five techniques and following the safety guidelines outlined in this guide, you can confidently tackle even the trickiest trees. Remember, the key to success is to respect the power of nature, work with the tree, and always prioritize safety.

And when you finally bring down that leaning tree, safely and precisely, you’ll understand the deep satisfaction that comes from working with wood. The scent of freshly cut timber, the feel of the saw in your hands, the knowledge that you’ve accomplished something challenging and worthwhile – these are the rewards that keep me coming back to the woods, year after year. Now, get out there and make some sawdust, safely!

Felling Leaning Trees Safely (5 Pro Logging Techniques)