How To Cut A Leaning Tree The Opposite Way (Pro Tips For Safe Felling)

Did you know that a leaning tree can store enough potential energy to launch itself unpredictably during a cut, with forces equivalent to a small car’s impact? That’s why I’m here to guide you through the intricate art and science of safely felling a leaning tree the opposite way. With years of experience in the woods, I’ve learned that respecting these natural giants and understanding their behavior is paramount. Let’s dive into the pro tips that can save your life and ensure a successful felling.

Understanding the Danger of Leaning Trees

Leaning trees are inherently dangerous because their center of gravity is offset, creating unbalanced tension within the wood fibers. This tension can cause the tree to react unpredictably when you start cutting. The lean dictates the direction the tree wants to fall, and fighting that natural inclination requires careful planning and precise execution.

Assessing the Lean

Before even thinking about firing up your chainsaw, take a good, long look at the tree. How severe is the lean? Is it a slight inclination or a dramatic angle? The steeper the lean, the greater the potential energy stored within the tree.

I always use a plumb bob or a clinometer to get an accurate measurement of the lean angle. This gives me a concrete number to work with, rather than relying on guesswork. For example, a tree leaning more than 15 degrees requires significantly more caution than one with a slight 5-degree tilt.

Identifying Hazards

Look for any additional hazards:

Dead limbs: These can break off and fall unexpectedly.
Entangled trees: The leaning tree might be caught on another tree, adding complexity to the fall.
Power lines: Obviously, stay far away from power lines. If a tree is near a power line, call a professional.
Obstacles: Rocks, fences, or buildings in the path of the fall need to be considered.

I remember one time I was about to fell a leaning oak when I noticed a massive hornet’s nest hidden in the canopy. Glad I looked up! Always be vigilant.

Essential Tools and Gear

Safety is non-negotiable. Here’s what I consider essential gear for felling leaning trees:

Chainsaw: Choose a saw with enough power for the tree’s diameter. I prefer a professional-grade saw with a bar length at least as long as the tree’s diameter.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
Felling wedges: These are crucial for controlling the direction of the fall. I recommend having both plastic and metal wedges.
Felling axe or hammer: Used to drive in the wedges.
Measuring tape: To accurately measure the tree’s diameter and plan the cuts.
Chainsaw file: For keeping your chain sharp. A dull chain is a dangerous chain.
First-aid kit: Accidents happen, be prepared.
Communication device: A cell phone or radio to call for help if needed.
Peavey or cant hook: For moving and controlling logs.
Winching equipment: Come-alongs or winches for extreme situations.

Chainsaw Selection

The size and power of your chainsaw are critical. For trees under 12 inches in diameter, a smaller chainsaw with a 14-16 inch bar might suffice. However, for larger trees, I recommend a professional-grade saw with a bar length of 20 inches or more. Look for models with anti-vibration features to reduce fatigue and improve control.

PPE: Your Lifeline

Never compromise on PPE. A helmet can protect you from falling branches, eye protection prevents sawdust and debris from causing injury, and chainsaw chaps can stop a running chain in its tracks. I’ve seen chaps save countless legs over the years.

Planning the Felling Cut: The Opposite Way Technique

The “opposite way” technique, also known as back-cut first felling, is used when you want to fell a leaning tree against its natural lean. This is a more advanced technique and requires careful planning and execution.

Assessing the Hingewood

The hingewood is the portion of the tree you leave uncut, which acts as a hinge to control the fall. The size and placement of the hingewood are crucial.

Hingewood size: Typically, the hingewood should be about 80% of the tree’s diameter.
Hingewood placement: It should be positioned directly opposite the direction you want the tree to fall.

The Importance of Bore Cutting

Bore cutting is a technique where you plunge the tip of your chainsaw into the tree to create a cavity. This allows you to precisely control the direction of the fall and avoid barber chairing (when the tree splits upward unexpectedly).

I always start with a plunge cut, creating a bore that allows me to accurately create the hinge and control the tree’s descent.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Against the Lean

Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles and create a clear escape path at a 45-degree angle away from the intended fall direction.
Make the Undercut: On the side of the tree you want it to fall towards, make a traditional undercut. This involves cutting a notch that is about one-third of the tree’s diameter. The angle of the notch should be about 45 degrees.
Bore Cut: From the opposite side of the tree (the side the tree is leaning towards), carefully bore into the tree, leaving the desired hingewood intact. This is where precision is key.
Set Wedges: Insert felling wedges into the bore cut behind the chainsaw bar. These wedges will help to lift the tree and counteract the lean.
Back Cut: Continue the back cut, leaving the hingewood intact. As you cut, drive the wedges in further to lift the tree and control its fall.
Final Push: Once the back cut is nearly complete and the hingewood is properly set, give the wedges a final, firm push. This should initiate the fall.
Retreat: As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly and safely along your escape path.

Example Scenario: Felling a Leaning Oak

Let’s say I’m felling an oak tree that is 24 inches in diameter and leaning noticeably to the east. Here’s how I’d apply the opposite way technique:

Clear the area: I’d clear a path to the west, away from the lean.
Undercut: I’d make a standard undercut on the west side, about 8 inches deep.
Bore Cut: From the east side, I’d carefully bore into the tree, leaving a hingewood of about 6 inches (25% of the diameter).
Wedges: I’d insert two felling wedges into the bore cut.
Back Cut: I’d complete the back cut, driving the wedges as I go.
Final Push: A few good hammer blows on the wedges, and the oak should start to fall westward.
Retreat: I’d move to my escape route.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting the hingewood too thin: This can cause the tree to fall unpredictably.
Not using wedges: Wedges are essential for controlling the fall, especially when cutting against the lean.
Cutting too quickly: Take your time and think through each step.
Ignoring hazards: Always be aware of your surroundings.
Using a dull chain: A dull chain can bind and kick back, increasing the risk of injury.

I once saw a logger rush a cut on a leaning pine. He didn’t use wedges, and the tree snapped back, nearly crushing him. It was a close call that taught everyone a valuable lesson.

Advanced Techniques for Complex Situations

Sometimes, a leaning tree presents additional challenges that require more advanced techniques.

Using a Winch

If the lean is severe or the tree is entangled, using a winch can provide extra control. Attach the winch cable high up on the tree and pull in the direction you want it to fall. This will help to overcome the lean and guide the tree safely to the ground.

I’ve used winches to fell trees leaning over roads or buildings, providing the extra security needed to avoid damage.

Rope and Pulley Systems

For extremely complex situations, rope and pulley systems can be used to apply precise force and control the fall. This requires specialized knowledge and equipment, and I recommend consulting with a professional arborist.

Dealing with Spring Poles

A spring pole is a tree or branch that is bent under tension. Cutting a spring pole can be extremely dangerous, as the stored energy can cause it to snap back with tremendous force.

Release the tension gradually: Use a series of small cuts to slowly release the tension.
Use a rope: Tie a rope to the spring pole and pull it away from you as you cut.
Be prepared to move quickly: Always be aware of the potential for the spring pole to snap back.

Case Study: Felling a Leaning Ash Tree Near a House

I was once called in to fell a large ash tree that was leaning precariously towards a house. The tree was about 30 inches in diameter and had a severe lean. Here’s how I approached the situation:

Assessment: I carefully assessed the lean, the distance to the house, and any potential hazards.
Planning: I decided to use the opposite way technique, combined with a winch, to ensure the tree fell away from the house.
Preparation: I cleared the area, set up the winch, and prepared my chainsaw and wedges.
Execution: I made the undercut, bore cut, and back cut, using the wedges to lift the tree. As I cut, I gradually tightened the winch cable.
Controlled Fall: With the winch providing constant tension, the tree fell exactly where I wanted it to, safely away from the house.

This project highlighted the importance of careful planning, precise execution, and the use of appropriate tools and techniques.

Post-Felling Procedures

Once the tree is on the ground, the work isn’t over. You still need to process the wood safely and efficiently.

Limbing and Bucking

Limbing involves removing the branches from the trunk. Bucking is cutting the trunk into manageable lengths.

Limbing: Start at the base of the tree and work your way up, cutting the branches close to the trunk. Be careful of spring poles.
Bucking: Use a measuring tape to mark the desired lengths. Cut the trunk into sections, being mindful of any tension in the wood.

Splitting Firewood

If you’re processing the wood for firewood, splitting is the next step.

Manual splitting: Use a splitting axe or maul to split the wood along the grain.
Log splitter: A log splitter can make this process much easier and faster, especially for larger logs.

Stacking and Drying

Properly stacking and drying firewood is essential for efficient burning.

Stacking: Stack the wood in a way that allows for good air circulation.
Drying: Allow the wood to dry for at least six months, or preferably a year, before burning it. The ideal moisture content for firewood is below 20%.

I always use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of my firewood before burning it. This ensures that I’m getting the most efficient burn and reducing the amount of smoke.

Chainsaw Maintenance: Keeping Your Saw in Top Shape

A well-maintained chainsaw is a safe and efficient chainsaw. Here are some essential maintenance tasks:

Sharpen the chain: A sharp chain cuts faster and reduces the risk of kickback. Sharpen the chain regularly using a chainsaw file.
Clean the air filter: A dirty air filter can reduce engine power and cause overheating. Clean the air filter after each use.
Check the spark plug: A fouled spark plug can cause starting problems. Replace the spark plug as needed.
Lubricate the bar and chain: Use chainsaw bar and chain oil to keep the bar and chain properly lubricated.
Inspect the saw regularly: Look for any signs of damage or wear. Repair or replace any worn parts.

I have a checklist that I go through every time I use my chainsaw. This ensures that I don’t miss any important maintenance tasks.

Safety First: A Constant Reminder

I can’t stress enough the importance of safety when felling leaning trees. Always wear your PPE, take your time, and think through each step. If you’re not comfortable with the situation, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Key Safety Reminders

Never work alone: Always have someone nearby in case of an emergency.
Be aware of your surroundings: Look for hazards and plan your escape path.
Use the right tools for the job: Don’t try to cut down a large tree with a small chainsaw.
Keep your chainsaw in good condition: A dull or poorly maintained chainsaw is a dangerous chainsaw.
Know your limits: Don’t attempt to fell a tree if you’re not comfortable with the situation.

I’ve seen too many accidents in the woods to take safety lightly. Your life is worth more than any tree.

Environmental Considerations

As stewards of the land, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of our actions.

Sustainable Logging Practices

Selective logging: Only harvest mature trees, leaving younger trees to grow.
Reforestation: Plant new trees to replace those that are harvested.
Minimize soil disturbance: Avoid operating heavy equipment on wet soil.
Protect waterways: Avoid cutting trees near streams or rivers.

Responsible Firewood Harvesting

Harvest dead or downed trees: This helps to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Avoid cutting live trees: Live trees provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
Dry your firewood properly: Burning dry firewood reduces air pollution.

I always try to leave the woods in better condition than I found them. This ensures that future generations can enjoy the benefits of our forests.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Safe Felling

Felling a leaning tree the opposite way is a challenging but rewarding skill. By understanding the dangers, using the right tools and techniques, and prioritizing safety, you can safely and efficiently fell even the most difficult trees. Remember to always assess the situation carefully, plan your cuts meticulously, and never hesitate to seek professional help when needed. With practice and patience, you can master the art of safe felling and enjoy the satisfaction of working with wood. The key takeaway is to respect the power of a leaning tree and approach each cut with caution and precision.